Need help with soundcard

[drakore]

Hi I am still debating what card to get. I do game, but I dont mind sacrificing some FPS and a bit of gaming sound quality if DDL and DTS Connect make a big difference in overall sound enjoyment. I also watch a lot of TV shows, movies, and listen to a lot of music. Is it worth me waiting to get the new soundcards based on the new CMedia chipset? I really would like to have front inputs, and optical inputs, so the X-fi music is out of the question. If there are other soundcards I should be looking at please tell me.

Oh btw price is not too big of a deal but I would ideally not want to go over 200$

Oh I am using Logitech Z-5450's and the low end monster optical cable

Heh, I just realized that I can just use the headphone jack on my receiver.

Would someone be able to explain the advantages of using the analogue cables over an optical one if there are any? I understand the signal is eventually going to become analogue, but is it better to keep it digital until the receiver or just have the soundcard decode it?

TIA

 

[drakore]

Anyone?

 

[stu1811]

X-Fi Fata1ity has the same inputs and outputs as the plat. Fata1ity is cheaper than the plat.
Edit: To take advantage of the power of any of the X-Fi cards you need to use the analog outputs. Unless you are passing dolby digital over the optical it downgrades it to 2 or 2.1 sound.

 

[drakore]

Umm the X-FI Fatal1ty is about 100$ more than the platinum... Hmmm... maybe i should have bought that X-FI Music on sale for 55$ CAD

 

[PurdueRy]

Hello Drakore,

In your case you are using a computer speaker setup. This means that an analog connection is usually pretty easy to connect. You should stop using an optical connection and switch to analog in your case. If you are interested in Auzentech's line of cards, you should wait for the X-Meridian which will be released mid September. This card will feature analog quality superior to that of the X-fi.

However, if you are dead set on getting one now. The choice is fairly easy. You are best suited for a X-fi with a analog connection. Get the xtreme music version as it will be the best deal for the price for what you need.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask or pm me.

 

[thestain]

Hi,

I got the Auzentech X-plosion. I kind of wish I had waited for the new card, the X-Purity that is due out in the middle of September.

I have analog speakers and I got a six opamp upgrade.. really easy to install, just use a standard cheap ic remover to get out ones out making note of orientation of marking on top and replace old ones.. for analog, the sky is then the limit on quality you can get.. I opted for fairly inexpensive upgrade from standard opamps to those suggested by Auzentech, that cost me $37 for a dozen, I ordered double normal order of six so I could have them available for future or if someone I knew needed em. otherwise it cost about $25 for 6, official prices can go for around $2.63, but get bounced up by a $5 handling charge and shipping.

From all I have read the new Auzentech sound card will be better than anything Creative has or is planning on having... so WAIT if you can or do what I did and grab the X-Plosion and do the opamp upgrade..

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: thestain
Hi,

I got the Auzentech X-plosion. I kind of wish I had waited for the new card, the X-Purity that is due out in the middle of September.

I have analog speakers and I got a six opamp upgrade.. really easy to install, just use a standard cheap ic remover to get out ones out making note of orientation of marking on top and replace old ones.. for analog, the sky is then the limit on quality you can get.. I opted for fairly inexpensive upgrade from standard opamps to those suggested by Auzentech, that cost me $37 for a dozen, I ordered double normal order of six so I could have them available for future or if someone I knew needed em. otherwise it cost about $25 for 6, official prices can go for around $2.63, but get bounced up by a $5 handling charge and shipping.

From all I have read the new Auzentech sound card will be better than anything Creative has or is planning on having... so WAIT if you can or do what I did and grab the X-Plosion and do the opamp upgrade..

See the X-Meridian thread. A trade in program will be put into effect for X-Plosion users who wish to upgrade to the X-Meridian. This will be announced this weekend.

 

[drakore]

After consulting PurdueRy for some time, my currently plan on action is to wait for the X-Meridian and see the release price/reviews. Hopefully Creative will offer some sort of sale around this time, giving me an easier choice. Price isn't the biggest concern, but I would like to spend less if possible.

 

[stu1811]

Originally posted by: drakore
Umm the X-FI Fatal1ty is about 100$ more than the platinum... Hmmm... maybe i should have bought that X-FI Music on sale for 55$ CAD

My bad, I was thinking of the elite