Sound card questions: Do I need a new one?

[Condor Beedee]

I have an MX300 DiamondMM sound card. Just updated my system to Windows XP, now it cuts out after a brief second of intro sound. I had the same problem and fixed it with a patch from VortexofSound (had to make some kind of driver edit). However, I'm wondering if I wouldn't be just better off buying a new card. I saw a clip of video (no sound of course cause my card isn't working) that seemed to imply there would be new drivers coming out from Microsoft or Creative labs to support the Vortex chips. What concerned me most, however, was that they implied that the current drivers do not support DirectX 8. The only real reason I use the sound card is for games (and some MP3's that I burn and listen to while I work). Should I simply invest in another sound card, and if so, which one would you recommend. I'm not sure I want to pay much more than $75. Cheaper would certainly be better, and I've been tempted to simply pick up a $20 SoundBlaster, but would that be a mistake? A lot of people on this forum seem to have the HErcules XP or a Turtle Beach. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Condor Beedee

 

[Maetryx]

I just picked up a SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 OEM card from a local reseller for $37.00. In Alaska, that's a good price. Anyway, the Creative Labs Live! series is very mainstream. Their's going to be drivers for these for like the next million years. It'll be compatible with Windows 3000XP.

I'm keeping my SoundBlaster Live! MP3+ (not 5.1) because I bought a front panel for it from opticompo and as far as I can tell it's not compatible with the 5.1 version of the Live! cards. So the card I picked up tonight is for the wife's system.

 

[holdencommodore]

Personally, I like the Philips Acoustic Edge (5.1)......either that or get the Siesmic Edge PSC705 (also 5.1 ch) or the Rythmic Edge PSC703 (4.1 ch). QMSS is really impressive if you have/want to upgrade to Multi-channel sound in the future. They are also great for 2 channel sound (for this I recommend the PSC703 to save money). Philips are also making good progress in drivers.

Cheers