What new sound card to get to replace my Aureal SQ2500?

[MutoidMan]

I'm seriously thinking about replacing my Aureal SQ2500. As much as I love this card, I don't want to worry about compatibility issues anymore. Is the Audigy X-Gamer the way to go or does someone else make a better soundcard? I appreciate your opinions!

 

[sandorski]

Here.

 

[MrGrim]

Whatever you decide don't buy a Creative card. :|

 

[Workin']

Why switch? My Vortex2 card works fine in Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, and XP, and also works fine in Linux. That card should be good for another couple years! Find something else to worry about

 

[neccrixx]

mine *barely* works under XP. I say this as I have NO support for 5.1 and the rear out doesn't seem to work with the DTT2500 speakers...

I'm interested in switching too. I bought an Audigy and I thought it was terrible. I mean, you have to install 500 apps to get any functionality, and I couldn't even get the damn thing to be recognized by PowerDVD as supporting real Dolby Digital, just some emulation 6.1 dolby surround or something.

 

[boyRacer]

Well if you do get an Audigy... good luck making the digital output work. I don't know if people have gotten around it but I gave up on it. If you really want to use all those speakers... go with the GTXP. Otherwise... my brother's SQ2500 runs fine in his system. He's running XP and he didn't have to install anything to make it work properly...although he doesn't have a 6.1, let alone a 5.1.

 

[Lalakai]

without knowing more of what your system is and what you like to do; if you just want good compability without alot of fancy stuff, go with the SB live. Upgrade from there, you could go with either the SB Audigy or the Phillips Acoustic Edge; both are excellent cards with strengths and weaknesses depending on your system components.

I also currently have the 2500 and have run into compability problems (mostly with games). With basic speakers and a sub-woofer, I don't need anything fancy but do like good sound. Most of my gaming is done with some nice headphones. I'm leaning toward the basic SB Live, but depending on finances may jump to the Phillips. hope this helps.

edit = poor spelling

 

[holdencommodore]

I personally like the Philips Acoustic Edge. If you doun't need S/PDIF input and can live without PowerDVD 3 and a combined S/PDIF out/ LFE, than the Seismic Edge PSC705 costs less. QMSS would have to be the best multi-speaker technology I have heard (Sensaura's Multi-Drive is good also).

Cheers

 

[JDR100]

Stick with your Vortex 2 for now. A good pair of headphones with that card is all you need. I would wait until some new groundbreaking sound technology is released before upgrading.

 

[MutoidMan]

I'll stick with my SQ2500. People who've tried the Audigy don't seem to think much of it. Not like that's a surprise of course. Thanks all!

Man, I was so looking forward to the SQ3500... grumble...