x-fi or onboard?

[Deleted member 24505]

I have been considering taking out my x-fi soundcard for a while now,and using the onboard.I have proper creative 7.1ch audio lead with 3 x 3.5mm jacks on 1 end and 8 phono's on the other.I can use the lead from my onboard to my amp.

My amp/speakers are-
sony strdb940ds 100watt x 5 av reciever
4 x mordaunt short ms 902s speakers
1x kef cresta centre

I can also use the coaxial digital out from my onboard to the amp whereas the xfi has no(5.1) digital out

Considering the problems with the drivers on vista,which is the best option?

 

[ktr]

I guess onboard would be ok...

but i think you want this: http://uk.europe.creative.com/shop/product_bundles.asp?category=14&subcategory=0&product=773&page=

 

[kwchang007]

Onboard, because I believe digital output just passes the signal and does nothing no processing.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Thanks ktr,i considered that,but i dont think the x-fi has a 5.1 output from the digital.I think its only 2 channel.

Does anybody know if the onboard outputs a 5.1 channel output from the digital out?

 

[Darren]

The ASUS P5K PREMIUM will only output 2 channels via SPDIF like most soundcards. You need a sound card that can encode and decode DD/DTS and not just decode.

Your options are:
X-meridian (stopped production, but you may be able to find one on ebay)
Auzentech X-Plosion DTS Connect 7.1 (really cheap and is a monster)
or X-FI Prelude (Most expensive and newest, however the drivers are not yet finished for its encoding features. I'd stay away from creative personally unless you want to be coming back here complaining about buggy drivers)

Xplosion and the Prelude can be found at overclocks.co.uk

http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-003-HT


http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-000-AZ

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Thanks,i think i might just get the x-meridian.I've gone off creative cards for some strange reason.

Anyone on here got the x-meridian? whats it like?

 

[Darren]

<<---I've got an X-meridian hooked up to a Sony Home Cinema System. Look at my spec! The card is fantastic, drivers are perfection, I've had absolutely no problems as far as drivers or technical problems are concerned. It's a no nonsense card, getting DTS or Dolby via coaxial or fibre optical is a matter of selecting from the drop down menu and you get instant encoding straight to the receiver from 2 channel sources, such as mp3's or games.

I found the Auzentech X-Meridian on ebay
http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=auzentech

edit: I've got pictures of my home theatre system, I can upload if you want?