Sound card recommedation

[Job]

I currently have the onboard 7.1 AC'97 sound 'card' that comes with the DFI NF4 Sli-D, although it's more substantial than most onboard sound systems, it still lacks the punch I'm looking for with games and music playback. Can anyone recommend a PCI sound card alternative that will give me a noticeable improvement? I'm looking to spend no more than about £60 (US$115-120) - Any suggestions would be most welcome!

Thanks in advance!

 

[RallyMaster]

Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeMusic. I heard it sounds pretty good with both games and music...

 

[m1ldslide1]

A lot of people get REALLY excited about this card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188

I've never heard one in person but given the response at large and your price range it would probably be one of the better ones you could get.

That said, I spent $30 on this card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102176
And it was a big improvement over onboard sound.

I have a feeling people will recommend the Audigy 2 series to you as well - right around $60 I think. Probably splits the difference between the Live! and the X-Fi...

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Originally posted by: m1ldslide1
A lot of people get REALLY excited about this card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188

I've never heard one in person but given the response at large and your price range it would probably be one of the better ones you could get.

That said, I spent $30 on this card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102176
And it was a big improvement over onboard sound.

I have a feeling people will recommend the Audigy 2 series to you as well - right around $60 I think. Probably splits the difference between the Live! and the X-Fi...

If you decide to get the X-Fi its 79.99 at compusa right now.

 

[PurdueRy]

What speakers/headphones are you using and how are they connected(digitally or via analog)?

 

[dBTelos]

More = XFi XM
Less = SB Audigy 2 ZS

 

[Job]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
What speakers/headphones are you using and how are they connected(digitally or via analog)?

I'm using a set of beyerdynamic wireless headphones (rsh 433.2) for late nite sessions when neighbours might complain about the noise! My speakers are a solid set of logitech 5.1 speakers which set me back about £65 (120 USD) - they're not the best available, but they do sound fantastic with the right equaliser settings.

I have been considering the X-fi range, which is slightly more than I wanted to spend, but the X-treme music set at about £75 (140 USD) seem to have gotten some rave reviews. Is it worth me shelling out the extra cash for these?

My onbaord sound is quite good, though nothing to write home about, but doesn't have 5.1 support for many games out there (COD 2 for example) - if anyone has an x-fi card, what kind of difference did u experience?

Plz bear in mind that I am no audiophile, I am just looking for a sound card that will do justice to my music and game collection!

 

[Job]

My speakers and headphones are connected through analogue wiring, and for those of you lucky enough to have access to US prices, I need a company that will deliver to the UK (this excludes newegg, unfortunately, until newegg.co.uk comes along!)

 

[dBTelos]

Your choise. Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS has a great price w/ good performance but isn't as good as the X-Fi Xtreme Music.

 

[Negative Design]

If your an HTPC user then an HDA X-plosion would suit you better.I plan on getting one soon.

Although for analog the X-fi should be better unless yuo replace the AMP for the Xplosion.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Job

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
What speakers/headphones are you using and how are they connected(digitally or via analog)?

I'm using a set of beyerdynamic wireless headphones (rsh 433.2) for late nite sessions when neighbours might complain about the noise! My speakers are a solid set of logitech 5.1 speakers which set me back about £65 (120 USD) - they're not the best available, but they do sound fantastic with the right equaliser settings.

I have been considering the X-fi range, which is slightly more than I wanted to spend, but the X-treme music set at about £75 (140 USD) seem to have gotten some rave reviews. Is it worth me shelling out the extra cash for these?

My onbaord sound is quite good, though nothing to write home about, but doesn't have 5.1 support for many games out there (COD 2 for example) - if anyone has an x-fi card, what kind of difference did u experience?

Plz bear in mind that I am no audiophile, I am just looking for a sound card that will do justice to my music and game collection!

With that set I would save the cash and get the Audigy 2 ZS. While both are nice speakers/headphones, I don't think they justify the added cost.

 

[Job]

Have decided to opt for the x-fi xtreme music set - they're about £15 more expensive, but I don't figure this to be a huge increment - will let u know the difference btw these and the AC'97 sound I have at the mo, for those who are interested....

I figure, with the recent improvements in onboard sound, some users will be looking for a reason to upgrade - hopefully these will provide that reason! Any one else who has upgraded from onboard, plz let me know ur thoughts

 

[drpootums]

another vote for the X-Fi X-treme music!

i've heard nothing but good about the card, and if i actually had that much money to spend on a sound card right now that's what i'd buy.

 

[Job]

Right - have just installed the X-Fi Xtreme music, and, I have to say I'm incredibly impressed with the product. I'm not too sure about the included software, but with the right mix of effects and equaliser settings, the sound is a huge improvement. Music that sounded confused and muffled before is now nicely crisp and the stereo channels have been seamlessly mixed in to 5.1 format. Noticeable improvement at low volumes, HUGE difference at high - there is almost no noticeable decrease in audio quality at high volumes and no clipping whatsoever. Also, the annoying pops and crackles while playing BF2 have vanished! Totally recommend this card for anyone wanting to upgrade form onboard sound.

 

[phaxmohdem]

IF you have a free ISA slot, definately opt for the Creative SoundBlaster Vibra 16.

IF Not, the X-Fi is the card to beat these days, supposedly revolutionizes music playback, more specifically MP3/compressed audio playback with its "crystalization" algorithms.

I personally have the Creative SB Audigy2 ZS Plat. I honestly couldn't tell much overall audio difference from my Audigy 1 (Except in 3D games where multidirectional Audio is present) and I LOVE the live-drive 5/14 bay breakout box. I record a lot so it is a life changing experience for me. I would definately recommend this card to a friend or family member.

Of course that said, if I were in the market for sound today, I'd definately save for an X-Fi card.

 

[imported_Imp]

Good to hear it made a pretty big difference. I'm also using an AC97 and am about to go grab an X-fi ($20 rebate right now).

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I use the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1. MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum mobo.

I noticed a huge improvement from my onboard (RealTek ALC850, have no idea if it's supposed to be good or not) to my Audigy 1!

Than I went from an Audigy 1 to an X-Fi, another huge improvement.

I wouldn't recommend onboard to anyone since the most basic add-in sound card will give a noticeable improvement.

 

[pkme2]

Sound Blaster Audigy 2 6.1 Platinum eX Sound Card for $100 on eBay.

 

[AllGamer]

i'm using a SB Audigy 2 ZS, going to be upgrading to a SB X-FI soon