So I'm in the process of putting together an Ivy Bridge system over the next few months and due to my lack of expertise regarding sound, I'm unsure what sound card to get.
Info on what equipment I use and for what:
I use the Z-5500s (either analog or optical) for (in order of most to least): music (mostly 80s), movies (mostly old ones but in 1080p/DTS), and games (mostly new, few oldies) and occasionally I use a pair of Etymotic HF2s when I need to keep the house quiet. Currently I use these with an X-FI XtremeMusic.
My options:
1-On-board
From what I know / have researched, the Z77 Asus boards on-board sound does not support Dolby Digital Live so I can't output 5.1 over optical from a 2.0 source (i.e for most games). Also, I've had prior experiences with older motherboards having considerable noise when connecting via analog.
2- Sound Card
I've read a lot about which cards are good for what (especially with a Z-5500) but I can't find most of those cards on the market right now. (I live in US, so I'm sort of limited to Newegg, Amazon, Microcenter, etc.).
From what's out there, I'm currently considering the following:
1- HT Omega Clara II
I like the input/output selection on this and I've read good things about it, though I've never used it / heard it in person.
2- Asus Xonar DX
No option for digital, but I've also heard really good things about this card and its cheap. Though it seems to emulate EAX past 2.0 -- but I'm not sure how that affects things considering HT Omega doesnt even use EAX afaik.
3- Asus Xonar STX
Odd input/output selection (seems geared towards headphones). Same price as HT Omega. Also heard good things.
4- Creative X-FI Titanium HD
Personally, I've had terrible experiences with Creative drivers, but I'm willing to consider this card if it's better for me compared to the STX / Clara II.
The most important thing to me is to make the most out of the Z-5500s for movies, music, and games in terms of sound quality and functionality. And if there are no noticeable detriments, I would prefer to use a single optical cable rather than a bunch of analogs. My budget is <$200 for a sound card.
Would really appreciate some suggestions and/or feedback from folks who use any of these cards with a Z-5500.
Thanks
Info on what equipment I use and for what:
I use the Z-5500s (either analog or optical) for (in order of most to least): music (mostly 80s), movies (mostly old ones but in 1080p/DTS), and games (mostly new, few oldies) and occasionally I use a pair of Etymotic HF2s when I need to keep the house quiet. Currently I use these with an X-FI XtremeMusic.
My options:
1-On-board
From what I know / have researched, the Z77 Asus boards on-board sound does not support Dolby Digital Live so I can't output 5.1 over optical from a 2.0 source (i.e for most games). Also, I've had prior experiences with older motherboards having considerable noise when connecting via analog.
2- Sound Card
I've read a lot about which cards are good for what (especially with a Z-5500) but I can't find most of those cards on the market right now. (I live in US, so I'm sort of limited to Newegg, Amazon, Microcenter, etc.).
From what's out there, I'm currently considering the following:
1- HT Omega Clara II
I like the input/output selection on this and I've read good things about it, though I've never used it / heard it in person.
2- Asus Xonar DX
No option for digital, but I've also heard really good things about this card and its cheap. Though it seems to emulate EAX past 2.0 -- but I'm not sure how that affects things considering HT Omega doesnt even use EAX afaik.
3- Asus Xonar STX
Odd input/output selection (seems geared towards headphones). Same price as HT Omega. Also heard good things.
4- Creative X-FI Titanium HD
Personally, I've had terrible experiences with Creative drivers, but I'm willing to consider this card if it's better for me compared to the STX / Clara II.
The most important thing to me is to make the most out of the Z-5500s for movies, music, and games in terms of sound quality and functionality. And if there are no noticeable detriments, I would prefer to use a single optical cable rather than a bunch of analogs. My budget is <$200 for a sound card.
Would really appreciate some suggestions and/or feedback from folks who use any of these cards with a Z-5500.
Thanks
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