What sound card for gaming?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
Originally posted by: SkAiN
Well, it depends on how your speakers would be connected to your PC.

If you're going to connect your soundcard to a home theater receiver using a digital connection, I would go with the Xplosion. (I have one, and it works awesome for digital) Any 5.1 sources are encoded to DTS/Dolby Digital and passed to the receiver. It's the only way to get true surround on your games/DiVX files thru SP/DIF.

If you have analog 5.1 speakers or a receiver with analog 5.1 inputs, go with the Creative card. It supports newer EAX-surround versions than the Xplosion, and has nicer DACs. You get the best quality surround for gaming.

DVD's sound performance would be the same for either card using digital connection, because then you just pass the Dolby Digital soundtrack through untouched.

So it's really up to how the system will be connected.


well ... so for a digital source with the X-Plosion which speakers are u using?

also ... the speakers will only b connected to the coaxial or the optical out for a digital connection am i right to say that?
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well because it seems to be the only DTS connect card out there and from what i hav read ... the quality of sound is superior ... would u recommend anything else?

DTS and/or DD encoding is a LOSSY method of sending 5.1 information. Analog is superior provided that it is well shielded, short, and uses high quality D/A converters. The auzentech X-Plosion, as I have said, is made for people with receivers who do not want the hassle of connecting analog inputs into a receiver. This takes 6 cables a 3 converters which is expensive and annoying.

Computer speaker systems are meant to handle analog inputs and the method of connection is easy. If you are going to be gaming, just get a Creative X-Fi Xtrememusic and you'll be happy.


ok so a creative X-Fi would do the job well with the Gigaworks 7.1 wouldnt it? because it is also analog...
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
Originally posted by: SkAiN
Well, it depends on how your speakers would be connected to your PC.

If you're going to connect your soundcard to a home theater receiver using a digital connection, I would go with the Xplosion. (I have one, and it works awesome for digital) Any 5.1 sources are encoded to DTS/Dolby Digital and passed to the receiver. It's the only way to get true surround on your games/DiVX files thru SP/DIF.

If you have analog 5.1 speakers or a receiver with analog 5.1 inputs, go with the Creative card. It supports newer EAX-surround versions than the Xplosion, and has nicer DACs. You get the best quality surround for gaming.

DVD's sound performance would be the same for either card using digital connection, because then you just pass the Dolby Digital soundtrack through untouched.

So it's really up to how the system will be connected.


well ... so for a digital source with the X-Plosion which speakers are u using?

also ... the speakers will only b connected to the coaxial or the optical out for a digital connection am i right to say that?

He's using a home theater receiver which will cost more than the computer speaker systems you are looking into.

As for your second question, that is correct
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well because it seems to be the only DTS connect card out there and from what i hav read ... the quality of sound is superior ... would u recommend anything else?

DTS and/or DD encoding is a LOSSY method of sending 5.1 information. Analog is superior provided that it is well shielded, short, and uses high quality D/A converters. The auzentech X-Plosion, as I have said, is made for people with receivers who do not want the hassle of connecting analog inputs into a receiver. This takes 6 cables a 3 converters which is expensive and annoying.

Computer speaker systems are meant to handle analog inputs and the method of connection is easy. If you are going to be gaming, just get a Creative X-Fi Xtrememusic and you'll be happy.


ok so a creative X-Fi would do the job well with the Gigaworks 7.1 wouldnt it? because it is also analog...

Correct, it would work great. Don't waste your money on a DD or DTS encoding card if you have the ability to hook up via analog.
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
ok thanks for the info ... relaly helped me out alot ... but just to clarify .. a digital connection is also known as SP/DIF right? and it conly travels over a coaxial or optical connection correct?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
ok thanks for the info ... relaly helped me out alot ... but just to clarify .. a digital connection is also known as SP/DIF right? and it conly travels over a coaxial or optical connection correct?

S/PDIF stands for Sony Phillips Digital Interface Format. It can come in many forms. It can be a miniplug(headphone jack) a RCA port(the round one that you see on TV's and such) or an optical format.

A coaxial connection is nothing more than a wire. You can use a video cable as a digital coaxial cable and it will work just as well as a "digital coax" cable.

But yes, you are correct that S/PDIF is a digital connection and uses coaxial or optical connections :)

Glad I could help
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
ok thanks for the info ... relaly helped me out alot ... but just to clarify .. a digital connection is also known as SP/DIF right? and it conly travels over a coaxial or optical connection correct?

S/PDIF stands for Sony Phillips Digital Interface Format. It can come in many forms. It can be a miniplug(headphone jack) a RCA port(the round one that you see on TV's and such) or an optical format.

A coaxial connection is nothing more than a wire. You can use a video cable as a digital coaxial cable and it will work just as well as a "digital coax" cable.

But yes, you are correct that S/PDIF is a digital connection and uses coaxial or optical connections :)

Glad I could help


so basically, SkAiN has connected his speakers to either the Optical or the Coaxial connectors of his X-Plosion ... and his 4 analog connections are all still open ..
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
ok thanks for the info ... relaly helped me out alot ... but just to clarify .. a digital connection is also known as SP/DIF right? and it conly travels over a coaxial or optical connection correct?

S/PDIF stands for Sony Phillips Digital Interface Format. It can come in many forms. It can be a miniplug(headphone jack) a RCA port(the round one that you see on TV's and such) or an optical format.

A coaxial connection is nothing more than a wire. You can use a video cable as a digital coaxial cable and it will work just as well as a "digital coax" cable.

But yes, you are correct that S/PDIF is a digital connection and uses coaxial or optical connections :)

Glad I could help


so basically, SkAiN has connected his speakers to either the Optical or the Coaxial connectors of his X-Plosion ... and his 4 analog connections are all still open ..

yes
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: you2
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=376&page=4

here the card has been tested with hardphones ... just what u were looking for you2...
---

I'm not sure. That review seems a little skimpy. Do you really think the xpislon will provide better game sound via headphones over the xtermemusic? Hum... only $30.

The XPlosion tested slightly better than the Audigy(1) in a more technical review I read. The X-FI will beat it in any analog test
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
well ... just a quick question... which output is better??? digital or analog???

coz i was reconsidering buying a good pair of logitech digital THX certified speakers with DTS decoders with a HDA X-Plosion.
or would you recommend an X-Fi with a 7.1 Creative gigaworks S750???

 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well ... just a quick question... which output is better??? digital or analog???

coz i was reconsidering buying a good pair of logitech digital THX certified speakers with DTS decoders with a HDA X-Plosion.
or would you recommend an X-Fi with a 7.1 Creative gigaworks S750???
It depends on the quality of the soundcard and the quality of the decoder.

I've heard a lot of guys (who claimed to be audiophiles) say that the decoder on a SoundBlaster is better than any mid-range computer multimedia system.
In that case its better to use the analog outputs from the card and hook up 3 cables to an analog speaker system.

However, if you were to get a Home Theater audio system, many audiophiles would tell you that its better to use the digital output from the card and make use of the recievers decoder.

In the end its up to you. And since you're asking all these questions I'd guess you're not an audiophile. Which means you probably wont notice the difference one way or the other.
I cant either. I just use the Logitech Z-5300's and the analog ports from my Audigy 1. That setup also allows me to get true surround in my games.

 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well ... just a quick question... which output is better??? digital or analog???

coz i was reconsidering buying a good pair of logitech digital THX certified speakers with DTS decoders with a HDA X-Plosion.
or would you recommend an X-Fi with a 7.1 Creative gigaworks S750???

The X-fi w/gigaworks combo might be better. But you could use the X-fi with the Logitechs and still hook it up via analog. They have that form of connection too.
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
Originally posted by: shortylickens
It depends on the quality of the soundcard and the quality of the decoder.

I've heard a lot of guys (who claimed to be audiophiles) say that the decoder on a SoundBlaster is better than any mid-range computer multimedia system.
In that case its better to use the analog outputs from the card and hook up 3 cables to an analog speaker system.

However, if you were to get a Home Theater audio system, many audiophiles would tell you that its better to use the digital output from the card and make use of the recievers decoder.

In the end its up to you. And since you're asking all these questions I'd guess you're not an audiophile. Which means you probably wont notice the difference one way or the other.
I cant either. I just use the Logitech Z-5300's and the analog ports from my Audigy 1. That setup also allows me to get true surround in my games.

well, how good would you say is the quality of the decoder which comes with the logitech speakers if i want to achieve DTS sound .... when pairing them up with the X-Plosion?
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

The X-fi w/gigaworks combo might be better. But you could use the X-fi with the Logitechs and still hook it up via analog. They have that form of connection too.

hahaha ... ya well you are probably right but i am trying to convince myself that the X-Plosion is better coz it is so much cheaper... :p

 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

The X-fi w/gigaworks combo might be better. But you could use the X-fi with the Logitechs and still hook it up via analog. They have that form of connection too.

hahaha ... ya well you are probably right but i am trying to convince myself that the X-Plosion is better coz it is so much cheaper... :p

eh? Its only $86.99 after mail in rebate. Even before rebate its cheaper than the Xplosion...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
ya compared to the xtreme music it is slightly cheaper ... u r right ..

do you happen to know if the decoder in the logitech Z5500 speakers decode true DTS signals or does it simply up sample the sound ???
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
too bad there are no 7.1 THX certified digital speakers in the market for the computer ... :(
:confused:

I coulda sworn Creative had one.
http://us.creative.com/products/product...ategory=4&subcategory=113&product=9306

Yeah, dude. These have been out for a while.

EDIT: Wait. You said it had to be digital. Well, they do have a decoder further up the page, but like we already said, you cant get true surround in games if you use a Creative cards digital output. If you got a hard-on for quality sound with just movies, I still recommend a HT system.

To answer your previous question: I dont know since I've never had an Xplosion.
And like I said, I'm not really an audiophile. I cant tell the difference between a deluxe Klipsch Home Theater at $10,000 and a 200 dollar all-in-one from Sony.
Its all the same to me. The only time I can hear a difference is when looking at REALLY cheap, bargain-bin speakers versus quality multimedia systems.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
ya compared to the xtreme music it is slightly cheaper ... u r right ..

do you happen to know if the decoder in the logitech Z5500 speakers decode true DTS signals or does it simply up sample the sound ???

It can decode DTS, its not simulating surround. My recommendation is to just get the speakers you like and use the analog outputs of the X-fi Xtreme music only. You will get true DTS and DD surround sound and surround in games without having to change any settings at all.
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
well ... would the Gigaworks S750 be able to give out true digital output if i hooked up the X-Plosion to the Creative Home Theatre Connect D-610 ???
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well ... would the Gigaworks S750 be able to give out true digital output if i hooked up the X-Plosion to the Creative Home Theatre Connect D-610 ???

now your just working yourself in circles. Why the heck are you still insistant on the XPlosion? Second of all why would you hook the X-Plosion up to the D-610.

Listen, Buy the X-fi, hook it up via analog to the Gigaworks set or whatever speaker set you want and you will be happy. There is no reason in your case to get an X-Plosion and waste your money on a card that puts its power with a feature you don't need.
 

rudreshsj

Member
Feb 11, 2006
77
0
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well ... would the Gigaworks S750 be able to give out true digital output if i hooked up the X-Plosion to the Creative Home Theatre Connect D-610 ???

now your just working yourself in circles. Why the heck are you still insistant on the XPlosion? Second of all why would you hook the X-Plosion up to the D-610.

Listen, Buy the X-fi, hook it up via analog to the Gigaworks set or whatever speaker set you want and you will be happy. There is no reason in your case to get an X-Plosion and waste your money on a card that puts its power with a feature you don't need.


hahaha .. hey man PurdueRy ... dont mean to frustrate u like this .. really appreciate your feedback which is y i keep posting here again and again ... thx

Well i can understand that the X-Fi has awsome analog output but well i have just heard so much about DTS surround that i am thinking that since i am putting so much money into this whole sound output thing , why not be the industrial standard .. u noe wht i mean?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: rudreshsj
well ... would the Gigaworks S750 be able to give out true digital output if i hooked up the X-Plosion to the Creative Home Theatre Connect D-610 ???

now your just working yourself in circles. Why the heck are you still insistant on the XPlosion? Second of all why would you hook the X-Plosion up to the D-610.

Listen, Buy the X-fi, hook it up via analog to the Gigaworks set or whatever speaker set you want and you will be happy. There is no reason in your case to get an X-Plosion and waste your money on a card that puts its power with a feature you don't need.


hahaha .. hey man PurdueRy ... dont mean to frustrate u like this .. really appreciate your feedback which is y i keep posting here again and again ... thx

Well i can understand that the X-Fi has awsome analog output but well i have just heard so much about DTS surround that i am thinking that since i am putting so much money into this whole sound output thing , why not be the industrial standard .. u noe wht i mean?

Its ok, but you gotta hear me out here.

DTS is a great format for encoded surround sound. Obviously many DVD's use this format and it often proves superior to Dolby digital.

But, its entirely different with the sound cards we have here. The X-fi is capable of passing ENCODED surround formats through its digital out. That would be important if you wanted to only hook up via digital, or felt like passing the stream to the speakers digitally(not possible with all speaker systems.) However, the X-fi(or most other sound cards) are capable of decoding the DTS or Dolby digital right in the card and sending it to the speakers(this is how you get DTS and Dolby digital on speaker systems that don't have a Dolby digital or DTS decoder).

When you hook up to a receiver or some other Dolby digital decoder via digital, you are using the connected units decoders. When you hook up via analog, you are using the sound cards digital to analog converters.

The reason why I mention this is with the two cards we are discussing here, you are spending you money on two VERY different products.

With the X-Plosion your money is mostly going towards the ability of the card to encode sources to surround sound formats. This is very important for the person that does not want to deal with running 6 cables across his room to his receiver. Things like games, and WMV w/ surround sound are not encoded in a surround format. This means that with a digital connection, it will only pass stereo normally, unless the sound card encodes the sound before it is sent out the digital connection. This is good and bad.

1. It is good because, as I mentioned before, it makes it an easy connection for those people that need the easy connection.

2. It is bad for two reasons. Encoding sound is a lossy process. Think about converting a CD to MP3/OGG/WMA. You lose information in the process as the sound is compressed to a decodable surround sound format. The second reason this is bad is that this encoding takes time. In games specifically where sounds are often tied to actions, this delay is sometimes noticeable.

When you buy an X-fi, you are spending most of your money on high quality DAC's in the sound card itself. So, when you connect it to your speaker system. You want to use those DAC's. In order to do this, you connect via analog. This allows you to get full DTS and Dolby digital surround sound to your speakers, along with surround sound in games and any other non-encoded source. You also get full support of EAX in games and better handling of in game sounds for less CPU usage.

I hope this helps explains the reasons I am suggesting you not get the X-Plosion. And don't think I am X-Plosion hater, because, if I had the money, I would buy one to replace my Audigy 2 ZS. You know why? Because I am only connected via digital as the one time I connected via analog was a pain in the ass and running 2 12" component video cables as my analog cables was unsightly and pain to hook up to my receiver. A computer speaker system makes this connection easy. So basically right now I am not using any of my sound cards DACs and I wasted my money on the card I have.

But, I would always recommend someone who is looking at computer speaker systems get a card and connect via analog because 3 small cables is not tough to hook up and the sound quality is great.