Suggestions for sound card

[EIGHTLUG]

I'm looking for a sound card for my current Li Li build. I'm running a X58 Classified mobo. I'll also be running 3 GTX 285's. Rig's primary purpose would be gaming but I also fuck with a lot of music and movies. I'm looking at something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271005 or this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156010 If anyone here is an audiophile or just likes clean sound and has another suggestion I'm listening.

[nicky.82uk]

nice
HT | OMEGA Claro Halo XT 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card w/ a built-in HI-FI Headphone Amplifier - Retail

[RedRaider]

I'm buying the Auzentech forte, the one with the green topped caps:crack:

[EIGHTLUG]

lol thanks Nicky. Yeah that's a nice piece. I'd like to hear a review from someone on the forum that has used it.

[nicky.82uk]

i've got this and more then happy with its very nice sound card you know


SB X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Serie

[EIGHTLUG]

Yeah the Auzentech piece is nice too. I'm torn between the two and the price difference isn't a factor.

[EIGHTLUG]

Thanks Nicky but I'm currently boycotting anything related to Fagtal1ty.

[nicky.82uk]

i'c say no more EAW UMX.96 Digital Live Mixer $55,225.45

EAW UMX.96 Digital Live Mixer EAW UMX.96 Digital Live Mixer Description: UMX.96 Digital Live Mixer The result of an unprecedented collaboration between top LOUD Technologies engineering teams and live sound engineers around the world the EAW UMX.96 redefines performance benchmarks to offer more power more control more integration and a much more natural interface than any digital live console on the market today. The new UMX.96 live sound console redefines the mixer's role in system signal chain with key technologies such as SmaartLive and integrated system processing More Power: At the heart of the UMX.96 is an incredibly powerful digital mixing engine which supports up to 104 inputs and 44 outputs the world's first 3 x 12 integrated system processor the first console integration of SmaartLive™ audio measurement and calibration software and a revolutionary Intelligent Encoder™ with adaptive feel-all navigated via the largest touch screen ever offered on a digital live console. More Integration: Integral Loudspeaker System Processing The UMX.96 is the world's first digital live console with integrated loudspeaker system processing. This 3 x 12 system processor effectively turns the UMX into "command central" for the entire sound system-not just front-of-house mixing. Specifically the system processor allows multi-way loudspeaker alignment and audio distribution directly from the console. In addition to reducing the requirements for external audio routing and loudspeaker processing this system processor employs EAW-designed EQ Crossover Delay and Limiter algorithms-and can be fed from any Output mix including Mains Aux Groups and Matrices. Completing the scope of system integration the UMX console also promises a vast array of future processing and expansion options-including a processing card featuring revolutionary new Gunness Focusing™ technology. The goal fo

[nicky.82uk]

i've heard this is a good sound card

Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe PCI-Express x1 Sound Card

Product Description:


Enjoy 100% Blu-Ray Quality Audio with HDMI 1.3 Compliance, Video Enhancement and 7.1 Channel Analog Output
Features:

Full-HD Audio/Video digital output
HDMI v1.3a compliance
Non-downsampled 192kHz Blu-Ray audio
Splendid Technology Video enhancement
Complete Dolby True HD & DTS Master Audio support

Audio Performance:

Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 120dB for all channels dB
Output THD+N at 1kHz: 0.0004% (-108dB)
Frequency Response (-3dB, 24-bit/96kHz input): <10hz to="">
Sample Rate Conversion Quality: Almost lossless, high-fidelity floating-point filters, which has:

-140dB THD+N (typical value for 44.1K~48KHz, 24bit)
-145dB Dynamic Range (typical value for 44.1K~48KHz, 24bit)


HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface):

Compliant with HDMI v1.3a industrial standard
HDCP 1.2 compatible
DVI 1.0 compatible

Main Chipset:

Audio Processor: ASUS AV200 High-Definition Sound Processor (Max. 192KHz/24bit)
24-bit D-A Converter of Digital Sources: 4x Burr-Brown PCM1796 (123dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)
24-bit A-D Converter for Analog Inputs: 1x Cirrus-Logic CS5381 (120dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)

Video Specification:

Video Resolution:

DTV Resolution: 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i up to 1080p
PC Resolution: graphics, Sgraphics, XGA, SXGA, UXGA

Enhanced Splendid HD Modes:

Photo, Video, Gaming modes selectable (Gaming mode requires ASUS graphics card)

Color Depth and Range:

Color depth: supports higher 24, 30, 36, 48-bit/per pixel color depths (RGB or YCbCr)
Color range: supports broader xvYCC color space standard


Sample Rate and Resolution:

Analog Playback Sample Rate and Resolution: 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
Analog Recording Sample Rate and Resolution: 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
S/PDIF Digital Output: Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA-Pro
S/PDIF Digital Input: 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit
ASIO 2.0 Driver Support: 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz @ 16/24bit

I/O Ports:

Analog Output Jack: 8x RCA jack
Analog Input Jack: 1x Line-In/Mic-In 3.50mm mini jack
Other line-level analog input (for CD-IN/TV Tuner): CD-In, Aux-In (4-pin header on the card)
Digital S/PDIF Output: Coaxial and High-bandwidth Optical Combo Connector; Supports 192KHz/24bit
Digital S/PDIF Input: Coaxial and High-bandwidth Optical Combo Connector; Supports 192KHz/24bit(Shared with Line/Mic In)
HDMI Input/Outut: 1x HDMI1.3 - In/Out Type A

Interface Type: PCI-Express x1
Package: Retail

[wondergod]

Ya I would have to say the Auzentech, Claro and the Xonar HDAV would be top choices.

The Claro is good but I haven't heard much on it.

The Xonar is excellent but it has a separate card for regular PC output.

The Auzentech is great for its price but from what I understand for HTPC applications the Xonar/Claro beat it.

[Kaldor]

Pretty much anything but Creative. Xonar and Auzentech are the best choices. Myself, Ill stick with the onboard as I dont need perfect sound to be happy.

[Worthy]

I am happy as a pig in shit with the audio that came with my r2e through my 5.1 speakers.

Unless you are using digital everything and optical connections, there is really very little difference between halfway decent soundcards, minus all the gimmicks of course.

I would like to set up a few gigs and see if anyone could tell the difference real world between something that costs a fortune and the usual run of the mill crap.

The differences for the most part are not substantial enough for most people's ears to pick up.

Better off wasting the money on some nice rapidly depreciating POS video cards to get your jollies instead.

[CrazyJoe]

My choice ... ( pre-orders are being taken now ) ... will be released sometime mid to late August to retailers.

Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD

here - http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_hometheater_hd.php
:up:

[Schnapper]

Own Auzentech Prelude, and love it the sound is great especially watching movies- great selling point to the missus

[ILikeCosmosS]

My choice ... ( pre-orders are being taken now ) ... will be released sometime mid to late August to retailers.

Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD

here - http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_hometheater_hd.php
:up:
I cant wait till releases, Xonar2 is good too compared to the forte

[EIGHTLUG]

My choice ... ( pre-orders are being taken now ) ... will be released sometime mid to late August to retailers.

Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD

here - http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_hometheater_hd.php
:up:


Looks nice...I'd still prefer the Forte X-fi

[Silverion77]

Is this for games or music??

If its music id got with 1 of 2 choices. Either the Asus STX (considered the best for music in terms of audio quality) or u can nab an external DAC. That requires using usually a USB cable to outsource the digital signal to a better external converter.

Otherwise I like Auzentech....

[talladega]

I've got an HT Omega Claro Plus. Sounds great. But I dont have a very good sound system to take advantage of it.

As others have said. Anything but Creative.

[EIGHTLUG]

Is this for games or music??

If its music id got with 1 of 2 choices. Either the Asus STX (considered the best for music in terms of audio quality) or u can nab an external DAC. That requires using usually a USB cable to outsource the digital signal to a better external converter.

Otherwise I like Auzentech....

I'd say 60% games 20% movies and 20% music and yeah I'm leanin' Auzentech after reading a bunch of reviews and comparisons on the net.

[Boyu]

you can't go wrong with auzen forte for gaming

[Silverion77]

Yea Auzen is good
Basically a redone Creative chip with better parts

The STX is very...specific. Amazing card for audio but its only 2.0 stereo analog

[EIGHTLUG]

Yeah I'll probably order the Auzentech card tomorrow. This is the speaker setup it'll be pushing. http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/promedia-ultra-5-1-overview/ Should sound pretty good IMO

[Septim]

auzentech and a klipsch 5.1, you gonna rock your house...

make sure to hand out free complimentary earplugs to your neighbors...

[Floyd]

500 watts! Good lord. I thought mine was loud and its only 70 watts!

[EIGHTLUG]

LOL Yeah I'm stepping up from my current Logitech G51 system.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121012

[Boyu]

for gaming n movie i use forte plus logitech Z5500, music currently use external audio processor Onkyo wavio SE-U555X plus senheiser headphones.

[EIGHTLUG]

I had my eye on the Z5500 for a while. Then an opportunity to get the Klipsch setup for ungodly cheap came along! I going to see if I can swing two of them. I bet that Z5500 system sounds really good too!

[Lu(ky]

I have both Auzentech cards the Prelude and the Forte, and I find the Forte very nice for its size, but I do think the Prelude sounds better overall. Prelude has more clean, and crisp to it I think over the Forte.. Both cards sound about the same in gaming, only in movies BluRay, or music I can hear the difference in sound. I never had any driver problems with with the cards.

[EIGHTLUG]

Hey Lu(ky can you link the Prelude card you've used please.

[Lu(ky]

Hey Lu(ky can you link the Prelude card you've used please.

Newegg -----> H E R E (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010290057%2050010788%204017%201101208506%201101 108503&name=7.1)

[Boyu]

forte pci express, prelude for pci.