Help with selecting a new soundcard upgrade...

[tedthebear]

I have a Athlon XP 3000+ nForce2 chipset system. What would be a good soundcard to upgrade to?
I just bought new mdr-v700 Sony headphones and would like to have a soundcard that would be worthy of them.

Thanks.

P.S. my nForce2 did not come with SoundStorm.

 

[Brian48]

For headphones? If you don't mind speading a little money, the X-FI Extrememusic would be my first choice.

 

[mordantmonkey]

x-fi if you have the dough. audigy 2 if you don't. you can usually find deals on A2 ZS for around $50 AR.
of course if you don't play games there's always maudio. they make very good cards for music making/listening.

 

[w00t]

X-FI Extrememusic cost about as much as his computer...

my suggestion:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829120103

 

[DCypher]

If you by any chance are using it for gaming, I would have to recommend the plantronics DSP 500. It has its own sound card buit in, and I'll tell you what, I can hear the slightest footsteps from halfway across many maps in Source. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Brian48]

Originally posted by: w00t
X-FI Extrememusic cost about as much as his computer...

my suggestion:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829120103

Well, speaking as an owner of both, the extra money is well worth it, especially if you're using headphones.

 

[Bootstrap]

Originally posted by: w00t
X-FI Extrememusic cost about as much as his computer...

my suggestion:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829120103

While the X-Fi extrememusic is more expensive, the sound quality IMO is noticably better than the previous generation cards, and the 3D positional sound with headphones is excellent, especially when you use decent equipment. Also, sound cards don't become obsolete in 6 months like video cards do -- I used a SoundBlaster live card for nearly 6 years before finally upgrading to the X-Fi, so the OP could easily keep the card for future builds.