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Vista Compatible Sound Card

T

techfuzz

Diamond Member
I've been using onboard audio for a long time so I have no idea what's available these days. I know that I don't want anything made by Creative. What other cards out there are Vista 64-bit compatible that you would recommend I look at?

techfuzz
 
What are you using it for? Music/movies? Games? A mix of all? How important is having all the gaming features?

What speakers do you have...how are they connected?

Once we get this info...it should be fairly easy to make a recommendation
 
It's going to be a good mix of music, movies, and games. Although the games I play are all RTS and the most sound intensive is Company of Heroes if any of that factors into your suggestions.

I have a set of Logitech Z-640 5.1 speakers that I am using. They're connected via RCA analog using 3 connectors (fronts, rears, & sub).

Thanks for the assistance.

techfuzz
 
Might be a bit overkill but look into the X-Meridian. Another decent option might be the HT Omega Claro Plus+

For a bit of a cheaper option you could get the X-Plosion and upgrade the OP-AMPS(can be done for free). Won't be as good as the previously mentioned ones but should be decent.
 
Do you have any experience with the AuzenTech X-Plosion card? It looks like it has all the goodies I need and doesn't hurt the wallet at $80.

EDIT: Can you really hear any difference if you perform the OP-AMP upgrade you mentioned?

techfuzz
 
Originally posted by: techfuzz
Do you have any experience with the AuzenTech X-Plosion card? It looks like it has all the goodies I need and doesn't hurt the wallet at $80.

EDIT: Can you really hear any difference if you perform the OP-AMP upgrade you mentioned?

techfuzz
Click to expand...

I own it. So yes, I have much experience with it.

As for the OP-AMP upgrade, I normally use the digital out only so I really didn't have much listening time put into the analog connections to compare it to. However, I figured, if I could do it for free...why not? The op amps have sockets on the board so its pretty much foolproof.

And technically...there is a difference. I just can't claim I A/B tested it enough to see if I noticed one.
 
Any chance you're using this card with Vista 64 and could comment on how well the drivers work?

I found the upgrade instructions on the AuzenTech website that explain the OP-AMP swap procedure. I'm surprised that they have made that information publicly available and openly suggest it is a worthwhile upgrade to their product.

techfuzz
 
Originally posted by: techfuzz
Any chance you're using this card with Vista 64 and could comment on how well the drivers work?

I found the upgrade instructions on the AuzenTech website that explain the OP-AMP swap procedure. I'm surprised that they have made that information publicly available and openly suggest it is a worthwhile upgrade to their product.

techfuzz
Click to expand...

Nope, I am using XP still.

I am not surprised. They are marketing their cards to people who are tired of Creative made cards and appreciate quality.

That's the whole reason why the op amps are in sockets to begin with. It costs them more to do it that way, but it gives tweakers some incentive to buy.
 
I have looked at that Chaintech AV-710 too. Are there any comparisons on the AuzenTech to the Chaintech?

techfuzz
 
Originally posted by: techfuzz
I have looked at that Chaintech AV-710 too. Are there any comparisons on the AuzenTech to the Chaintech?

techfuzz
Click to expand...

The Chaintech is an excellent option for a HTPC or for high fidelity 2 channel sound.

However, its not as great when put into surround sound duties unfortunately.

I know of no comparison between the Auzentech and Chaintech but I guarantee the Auzentech will be better for 5.1 material. Stereo sources may be close(when using the higher quality DAC surround back outputs on the chaintech)

Plus the X-Plosion does DDL and DTS interactive if you ever get into a home theater setup or a Z-5500 set.
 
I have an older 5.1 set of Cambridge Soundworks speakers that I could also use. They support DD thru SPDIF to the decoder box and it might also have an optical connection. Can the Auzentech pass the 5.1 signal to the decoder without doing any of the DD decoding itself?

techfuzz
 
Originally posted by: techfuzz
I have an older 5.1 set of Cambridge Soundworks speakers that I could also use. They support DD thru SPDIF to the decoder box and it might also have an optical connection. Can the Auzentech pass the 5.1 signal to the decoder without doing any of the DD decoding itself?

techfuzz
Click to expand...

Yes, most definitely
 
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