Which Sound Card to get?

[AsRock]

if i was to replace my SupremeFX 2 i would go with Auzen although with it supporting DTS and DolbyD i have never bothered.

Does the SupremeFX X-Fi 2 support DTS and Dolby ? ( you may have to enable it though the sound options ).

 

[Yukikaze]

Musiland Monitor 02 US. 120$ off ebay including shipping and it really is a great little box. Gives me great audio with my PXC350s.

 

[majestic12]

I'd probably go for Johnnyfive's X-fi card. The quality is acceptable, Dolby Digital live can be purchased for $5.77 if needed as well. For headphones, The Audio Technica ATH-AD700s have an excellent reputation and can be found on the cheap.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

If you are still looking for a soundcard with a headphones amp - try a Asus Xonar ST/STX or Xense (Xense is the new one) though in reguards to gaming on EAX titles you may have some teething issues with compatibility but IMHO thats been sorted out with the tweaked GX mode engine in the new drivers - otherwise theres an 80% chance of a BSOD or CTD even running EAX2.0 on older games - a feature Xonars supposedly support thats not emulated like more newer versions of EAX.

I had a Creative XFi Titanium Fatality Pro previously but that died and switching to a Xonar has been like getting my ears replaced. sounds are so rich with brilliant clarity.

again with gaming - Asus hasnt really masterd the EAX side of it. when playing some games like counterstrike - you can sometimes hear footsteps echoing from right across the map or through walls. but asside from that. it works well enough

 

[motasim]

if i was to replace my SupremeFX 2 i would go with Auzen although with it supporting DTS and DolbyD i have never bothered.

Does the SupremeFX X-Fi 2 support DTS and Dolby ? ( you may have to enable it though the sound options ).

I'd probably go for Johnnyfive's X-fi card. The quality is acceptable, Dolby Digital live can be purchased for $5.77 if needed as well. For headphones, The Audio Technica ATH-AD700s have an excellent reputation and can be found on the cheap.

... can't do that; as I said I need a sound card with built-in headphones amplifier ...

Musiland Monitor 02 US. 120$ off ebay including shipping and it really is a great little box. Gives me great audio with my PXC350s.

... thanks, but I'm not really interested in USB sound card otherwise I would have opted for Logitech G930 Wireless Headset instead of this hassle ...

If you are still looking for a soundcard with a headphones amp - try a Asus Xonar ST/STX or Xense (Xense is the new one) though in reguards to gaming on EAX titles you may have some teething issues with compatibility but IMHO thats been sorted out with the tweaked GX mode engine in the new drivers - otherwise theres an 80% chance of a BSOD or CTD even running EAX2.0 on older games - a feature Xonars supposedly support thats not emulated like more newer versions of EAX.

I had a Creative XFi Titanium Fatality Pro previously but that died and switching to a Xonar has been like getting my ears replaced. sounds are so rich with brilliant clarity.

again with gaming - Asus hasnt really masterd the EAX side of it. when playing some games like counterstrike - you can sometimes hear footsteps echoing from right across the map or through walls. but asside from that. it works well enough

... I've heard the same; and in fact that is the main reason why I'm hesitant concerning Asus sound cards ... didn't Creative fix all of their past mistakes in this new Titanium HD? ...

 

[FreedomEclipse]

unfortunately I havent heard any news of the Titanium HD but I dont think the card its too popular among the consumers as there are only a handful of reviews available online despite the card being on the market for around 5 months or so

firstly the card is priced very high (at least it is here in the UK) it costs around £170 - a Xonar ST/STX is £100-140. Xense is £200 but then again - it does come with a set of cans, so kick £30-40 off the price

the reality is theres too much competition and since Microsoft dropped support for directsound from Vista and W7 and the gaming industry slowly moving away from EAX. Creative cards dont have anything that make it that one bit more special then the competitors cards so in that respect - even though the Xonar ST/STX may have its short comings when it comes to gaming, it is by far the most value for money, Asus are ever so slowly fixing the drivers. -- its better paying £130 for the STX then £170 for the Titanium HD. hearing footsteps through walls n echoing from the otherside of the map is something i can live with. and i think many consumers share the same view

 

[SabreWulf69]

Essence STX FTW my friend

 

[CJCerny]

I don't think there's any point to getting a sound card at all. You don't need it. Just buy a USB headset (Logitech makes a very nice one) and route the sound to it when you are playing games and route the sound to the ATI HDMI sound card on their video cards when you are watching movies that you want the sound played back through the Yamaha sound projector.

 

[NinkobEi]

I don't think there's any point to getting a sound card at all. You don't need it. Just buy a USB headset (Logitech makes a very nice one) and route the sound to it when you are playing games and route the sound to the ATI HDMI sound card on their video cards when you are watching movies that you want the sound played back through the Yamaha sound projector.

oh lordy, stay away from USB headsets. Honestly, you dont even need a good soundcard. For headphones, movies and music, a DAC/AMP is best (works like a soundcard). These plug in either via USB or SPDIF. Here is an Example:
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphone systemsEN.htm
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB11/NFB11EN.htm

As for gaming, I've never found sound to be that important. I mean, is there really a noticable difference between low-end Auzentech and the Forte in positional audio? You're paying a huge price tag for the Dolby Digitial crap which IMO is unnescessary. I'd sell my Auzentech Prelude in a heartbeat and just buy myself a DACAMP, beacuse they are better for headphone listening, which is 95% of my listening.

So really it all comes down to your system setup and your preferences. Based on the latest revelations of the ASUS issues, I'd say the Auzentech is a better choice. HT Omega looks sweet as well, though. And it would be cool have something different, something that not everyone has. I'm going to guess that you wont go wrong with either of them.

 

[CJCerny]

oh lordy, stay away from USB headsets. Honestly, you dont even need a good soundcard. For headphones, movies and music, a DAC/AMP is best (works like a soundcard). These plug in either via USB or SPDIF. Here is an Example:
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphone systemsEN.htm
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB11/NFB11EN.htm

As for gaming, I've never found sound to be that important. I mean, is there really a noticable difference between low-end Auzentech and the Forte in positional audio? You're paying a huge price tag for the Dolby Digitial crap which IMO is unnescessary. I'd sell my Auzentech Prelude in a heartbeat and just buy myself a DACAMP, beacuse they are better for headphone listening, which is 95% of my listening.

So really it all comes down to your system setup and your preferences. Based on the latest revelations of the ASUS issues, I'd say the Auzentech is a better choice. HT Omega looks sweet as well, though. And it would be cool have something different, something that not everyone has. I'm going to guess that you wont go wrong with either of them.

The Logitech G35 headset is actually quite good. Is it a fidelity monster, of course not, but for less than $100 it is a very elegant solution to gaming and chatting.

 

[SabreWulf69]

I don't think there's any point to getting a sound card at all. You don't need it. Just buy a USB headset (Logitech makes a very nice one) and route the sound to it when you are playing games and route the sound to the ATI HDMI sound card on their video cards when you are watching movies that you want the sound played back through the Yamaha sound projector.

Sound cards are awesome. I love mine and it made a considerable impact on my setup --> Custom Hi-Fi Systems/Car Subwoofers for PC Speake... . Whether one needs it or not is not up for debate, what sound card to get is and I say ASUS Xonar Essence ST/X. Personally got the ASUS Xonar Essence STX Soundcard recently and couldn't be more happier with it. I, too was fed up with Creative's less than stellar performance and driver reliability ever since I gave up my old SB Live! Value lol. I can't fault my card, and has been an excellent addition to my audio setup, but don't take my word for it -

Here if ya can be bothered please read some of the following reviews or opinions from many a respected source audio and computer industry wise -->

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=766494
http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-xonar-essence-stx-review/
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/asus_xonar_essence_stx/
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2339333,00.asp
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/asus-xonar-essence-stx.html
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/audio/asus_xonar_essence_stx_-_pci-e_audiophile_soundcard/8
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/reviews/asus_xonar_essence_stx
http://www.stereophile.com/computeraudio/asus_xonar_essence_ststx_soundcards/
http://www.avforums.com/forums/soun...52206-asus-xonar-essence-stx-impressions.html

Apparently for my purpose (Playback using 2-Channel Audio + Analog out to my new high quality amp and speakers) it hands down beats the like of the Creative cards, themselves and the high end Creative cards by Auzentech, the M-Audio Audiophile 192 Card, ESI Juli@, any onboard by absolute miles, and at least on par if not better than some High-End music production cards from the likes of RME and LYNX.

Also passes through surround sound through SP/DIF and TOSLINK connection in case you were wondering.

I also do prefer Dolby Digital for my games over EAX, is subjective as once again most things are with sound. If you the read numerous reviews of the STX given, then you would see that the STX is *almost* on par for games, and superior for music and movies. I do music production and listen to a massive variety of music, and as stated for my uses it suites me perfectly I have "bit-perfection" working perfectly too, and don't see how anyone else shouldn't either. For a description of bit-perfect and bit-accurate playback refer to this article --> Custom Hi-Fi Systems/Car Subwoofers for PC Speake...

A few more tid bits of information; A list of games using OpenAL and aLchemy:
aLchemy Games -
http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/Lists/Games/AllItems.aspx

OpenAL Games -
http://connect.creativelabs.com/openal/OpenAL Wiki/Games.aspx

Also Unreal Engine 3 is able to use OpenAL, DirectSound3D or FMOD.

[Edit: Links fixed]

 

[NinkobEi]

Sabre none of those links work

 

[SabreWulf69]

Fixed Now

 

[Tyrael]

I prefer Xonar Technology. They are the best when it comes to sound!

 

[Wile E]

I don't think there's any point to getting a sound card at all. You don't need it. Just buy a USB headset (Logitech makes a very nice one) and route the sound to it when you are playing games and route the sound to the ATI HDMI sound card on their video cards when you are watching movies that you want the sound played back through the Yamaha sound projector.

You are absolutely correct, if you are completely tone deaf that is.

A sound card, even an old cheap crappy one, like an Audigy, sounds better than ANY on-board out there, period.

i have a question about that receiver if anyone could help out it shows 2 optical in but no out? i need to hook up my TV and ps3 to it (if i get it) which use optical and then have the receiver output to my headphones which use optical.

Oh, didn't know your cans were optical. No, they won't hook up to the receiver then. As far as your TV, it doesn't have HDMI? The receiver will pass-through HDMI audio to the TV.

 

[deathmore]

You are absolutely correct, if you are completely tone deaf that is.

A sound card, even an old cheap crappy one, like an Audigy, sounds better than ANY on-board out there, period.



Oh, didn't know your cans were optical. No, they won't hook up to the receiver then. As far as your TV, it doesn't have HDMI? The receiver will pass-through HDMI audio to the TV.

I was just looking on the Onkyo site and none of there receivers have optical out so does that mean the optical ports are universal meaning they can do output/input.

 

[TRIPTEX_CAN]

Thanks, I'll look up that thread, and I agree with you; the Sennheiser PC350 look uncomfortable and flimsy to me too. Still; what should I do concerning the sound card?

Not uncomfortable to me but that's subjective. I can say the pc350 is also as far from flimsy as a product could be IMO. Very well built and durable. Had the PC360 been available last year I would have taken them over the PC350.

I have the Omege Claro halo with the PC350 and I would recommend that sound card without a doubt. From the day I installed it it's been solid and I've never had a problem with it. software, drivers, and sound quality have all been top notch and I haven't lost a single minute of gaming time because I had issues with the card.

The Claro Halo is easily the most consistent performing and trouble free hardware in my system.

 

[motasim]

... thank you all guys, I really appreciate your input ... I have one more important question which will significantly narrow down the options; Which audio processing technology will give more realistic (better) results for headphones, Dolby Headphones or Creative's CMSS 3D? ...

 

[motasim]

Not uncomfortable to me but that's subjective. I can say the pc350 is also as far from flimsy as a product could be IMO. Very well built and durable. Had the PC360 been available last year I would have taken them over the PC350.

I have the Omege Claro halo with the PC350 and I would recommend that sound card without a doubt. From the day I installed it it's been solid and I've never had a problem with it. software, drivers, and sound quality have all been top notch and I haven't lost a single minute of gaming time because I had issues with the card.

The Claro Halo is easily the most consistent performing and trouble free hardware in my system.

Thanks TRIPTEX_CAN, and since you are the only one who had voted for the HT Omega Claro Halo, can you please tell me why you originally chose to go with that card? and how does this card perform when it comes to positional audio in FPS games (when using the headphones)?

 

[TRIPTEX_CAN]

Thanks TRIPTEX_CAN, and since you are the only one who had voted for the HT Omega Claro Halo, can you please tell me why you originally chose to go with that card? and how does this card perform when it comes to positional audio in FPS games (when using the headphones)?

I bought the Claro halo because a) nobody else had one, b) headphone amp, c) it came bundled with RCA and toslink cables, and d) it was $20 less than the Xonar Essence at the time.

Positional audio in games is pretty solid. I mostly play BC2 and I have an easy time picking enemy locations from vocals and gunfire. I can't really compare it to anything actually decent because I got the Claro Halo and PC350 at the same time. Before that I used a shitty Logitech USB setup. Of course the sound experience is 1000x better but for 10x the price....

I will try BC2 tonight with Dolby Headphone enabled to see how it sounds. I usually only set BC2 and the card to headphones for speaker configuration.

 

[motasim]

I bought the Claro halo because a) nobody else had one, b) headphone amp, c) it came bundled with RCA and toslink cables, and d) it was $20 less than the Xonar Essence at the time.

Fair enough!

Positional audio in games is pretty solid. I mostly play BC2 and I have an easy time picking enemy locations from vocals and gunfire. I can't really compare it to anything actually decent because I got the Claro Halo and PC350 at the same time. Before that I used a shitty Logitech USB setup. Of course the sound experience is 1000x better but for 10x the price....

I will try BC2 tonight with Dolby Headphone enabled to see how it sounds. I usually only set BC2 and the card to headphones for speaker configuration.

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

 

[Wile E]

I was just looking on the Onkyo site and none of there receivers have optical out so does that mean the optical ports are universal meaning they can do output/input.

No, they are input only. Use the optical out on your card for the headphones, and the coax digital out for the receiver if possible.

I' trying to wrap my head around why you want to hook the cans to the receiver anyway? How is that going to benefit you?

 

[travva]

OP: i just got an XFI titanium HD today and i can confirm it is FANTASTIC. my onboard sounds like complete shit in hindsight and I am only using some HD-595's. the positional accuracy of cmss is something i missed dearly!! also i got my card at best buy for only 149.99, which i think was a steal. i'm loving the amp for the headphones too. this card seriously kicks ass.

 

[t77snapshot]

Auzentech or the Asus are both really good cards.

 

[deathmore]

No, they are input only. Use the optical out on your card for the headphones, and the coax digital out for the receiver if possible.

I' trying to wrap my head around why you want to hook the cans to the receiver anyway? How is that going to benefit you?

idk that's just the standard hookup that was shown in the manual it uses the optical to connect to a dolby digital box thing, it also came with a analog adapter i assume its got 4 plugs on it( black, green, red, pink)