Soundcard advice

[Salamander]

I'm looking for some soundcard advice. I have the Audioengine A5+ speakers with my desktop. For purposes of the soundcard, I use the computer for video editing and listening to music ( a wide variety - source being iTunes, various CDs, and internet (radio, Utube, etc.) about 80% of the time, and gaming about 20% of the time. Most of the time I listen to the speakers, though occasional I do use headphones.

I'm currently looking at the Asus Essence STX II and the HT Claro Halo, though I'm open to other soundcards. Advice?

 

[RussianSensation]

Even though Creative cards have had a bad reputation in the past, the latest Z is probably one of the best sound cards, especially for the $.

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blast...ound+blaster+z

The drivers have improved a lot and these cards have been getting excellent reviews.

 

[bononos]

I think the Z is still iffy with driver and software issues. Many users have reported control panel problems.

 

[BrightCandle]

Soundblaster Z works perfectly, have had zero issues with the software. The surround sound simulation it provides on the headphones is better than anything I have heard since Aureal. Its not 192Khz/7.1 channels like the Asus', its basic 48Khz on 5.1 channels but practically that makes no difference.

The only problem I have with the card is the mic boost with my modmic 1.0. The problem is that on the highest boost (+30 Dba) there is quite a lot of noise introduced, but +20 Dba works fine and is loud enough. It seems to be a problem mostly with these early modmics however and not something universally an issue with all mics on the SBZ.