Xtrememusic analog, digital Pros and Cons

GeezerMan

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I have a Xtrememusic card, that has a wonderful sound using the analog outputs to 3 Sonic Impact T-Amps. Now, I'm curious about using the digital out to a Panasonic SA-XR55 digital amp/receiver. I know I would lose the CMSS, but the Panasonic can do it's own synthesis of surround. I'm interested in knowing from users about the pros and cons of using the digital out or analog outs. I know the quality of the Xtrememusic DACs are good.
If I choose to use the digital out, I could just use the motherboard onboard digital out, although only in DVD modes does it do a true bitperfect pass through. In stereo mode, it's still using some of Windows to mix the sound.I could also use the digital out of the creative card. Seems like a shame to bypass all of that nice analog the card is capable of


Oh yeah, anyone know if a old Creative Live 5.1 I/O panel will work with a Xtrememusic card?


Thanks
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

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This might clear up some of your questions... it seems like you have a pretty good handle on what's going on though.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1940133&enterthread=y

It seems like you're getting true surround from games now using the analog outputs. If you're doing gaming, the digital output would really limit you.

By using the digital output you are indeed ignoring a lot of what makes the X-Fi a good card.

Your existing I/O panel will not work afaik.
 

GeezerMan

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Thanks. Since my focus is on music, it might be better to just use the digital out to the Panny. I probably should just compare the analog outs to what the Panny converts

As for the I/O panel, I read that the Audigy I/O panel will work with the Xtrememusic card. I can't find much on the older Live 5.1 I/O panel
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

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Source on the audigy I/O panel working? I read that this was not possible.

Trying both out and seeing what you like better is probably a good way to go.

The analog out of the X-Fi to the sonic t-amp would probably be a very good option to beat though. I think the Panasonic's analog inputs are supposed to not be as good as it's performance for digital inputs though, so if the Panasonic is for sure replacing the t-amps, then digital might be the way to go.
 

GeezerMan

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There are several threads at the Creative Forum. One comment is:
"The drive for Audigy2 (SB0250) is exactly the same as the one for X-Fi (SB0260), except the 1394. You CAN use Xtrememusic with SB0250."

But, some people report only partial functionality.

May be more trouble than it's worth, but I did see a few auctions on Epay for the older Creative cards with I/O panel that lead me to believe someone knows how to do it because they are selling for pretty good prices.

Looks like Creative does not respond to questions like this due to dummies frying their board and wanting Creative to replace it.

Creative Link
 

GeezerMan

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It's an interesting choice. The DACs in the Xtrememusic are a high quality. Digital into the Panny would stay as digital until it is converted into analog to go to the speakers. The Sonic Impact T-amp is very good, especially for 30.00, but I had to get 3 for surround. I'm using an Athena Point 5 as my surround speakers. Excellent sound.

Looks like you know all this and more anyway. Maybe I should go Bose? insert laugh track here

Too many choices, too few PCs, and too little time to try it all, but it's fun........
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

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I think the issue with the Panny is it's not too great at going analog to digital (for amplification) and back to analog. I bet you'd be happy with either route though.

You're right about too many choices to keep track of ;)

Too little time and most of the time too little money for me :p
 

GeezerMan

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Makes me wonder about how the T-amp does such a good job of amplification, then converting to analog for the speakers for a whole 30.00. They did save money with the genuine plastic enclosure.

You are probably correct about the analog inputs to the Panny. I read that before I bought it.
I got such a deal on it, 149.99 delivered from Amazon. Unbeatable.

Not that I really needed it.....
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

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Originally posted by: GeezerMan
They did save money with the genuine plastic enclosure.

:laugh:

I guess it's time to start trying different connections then :D
 

alcoholbob

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I don't think you need to worry about analog vs digital with the Panasonic SA-XR55. You should stick with analog. The analog and digital outs have been tested on the XR55 and the differences are minor (THD 0.04 vs 0.03).

Additionally, you are using 6-channel direct mode/inputs and not the multitude of the 2-channel inputs (which is what I think you are doing), I believe there is no ADC-DAC-ADC process, as 6-channel direct is designed for direct amplification of the source.
 

GeezerMan

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I see a smoking deal at Buy.com for the Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum. I'm pretty sure I can use the drive and remote out of this with my Xtrememusic. The Xtrememusic is the better card than the Audigy 2 ZS, right?
 

alcoholbob

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It's takes advantage of newer versions of EAX. There are some new software features like the Crystalizer. It's got a new analog resampling system. No Creative card can play music natively in 44.1KHz though (and most music is sampled at 44.1KHz).

The DACs are the same on the Audigy 2 ZS.

 

GeezerMan

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Originally posted by: Astrallite
I don't think you need to worry about analog vs digital with the Panasonic SA-XR55. You should stick with analog. The analog and digital outs have been tested on the XR55 and the differences are minor (THD 0.04 vs 0.03).

Additionally, you are using 6-channel direct mode/inputs and not the multitude of the 2-channel inputs (which is what I think you are doing), I believe there is no ADC-DAC-ADC process, as 6-channel direct is designed for direct amplification of the source.

OK, My understanding is that the 6 channel analog in on the panny would be converted to digital to be amplified by the digital amps, then converted to analog to be sent to the speakers. So,there would be more back and forth conversion this way, rather than leaving it digital as long as you can.
 

alcoholbob

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Hmm, I always thought 6-channel direct was direct amplification, since you can't enable bass channel (.1) redirect or matrix modes in 6-ch, whereas, processing is possible in digital or the other stereo modes.
 

GeezerMan

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Originally posted by: Astrallite
Hmm, I always thought 6-channel direct was direct amplification, since you can't enable bass channel (.1) redirect or matrix modes in 6-ch, whereas, processing is possible in digital or the other stereo modes.

Well, there are only digital amps in the Panny, so it would have to be converted from analog into digital to be amplified.