Help me overhaul my sound system

[Soulburner]

Alright so here is what I have.

SB Audigy 2
Klipsch 4.1 Promedia

It's been a great setup for the past 3-4 years but now that they are the oldest components of my system I feel its about time to move on.

So far from what I gather, since I game there is really only one option, the X-Fi. But do I wait for the new Auzentech X-Fi? Does anyone know when those are supposed to be available? Music is also very important to me so maybe that will be the end-all sound card everyone has been waiting for...but probably at a premium price.

As far as speakers go, does it get a lot better than my Klipsch or is it needless spending? Will the card alone boost my audio noticeably?

Analog vs Digital? I've never set up a computer with digital sound, how much of an improvement are we talking about and what do I need to make it work?

I'd like a true 5.1 system. Sound quality and drivers are #1, looks and cords are something I can deal with as long as the end result is good. I'd like inputs to keep future options open.

So recommend sound cards and speaker setups that will rock together :toast:

[Starscream]

id say atleast wait till the full specs of the auzentech Xi-Fi are released and then decide if you want to wait for it or not.

[RubberDuck]

The Auzen X-FI™ Prelude 7.1 is scheduled for release near the end of May 2007

I'm going to wait for this card.:banana:

[Soulburner]

Alright so I will wait for the Auzentech card.

But what about speakers? Who makes the best sounding computer speakers?

[Jamesrt2004]

Tbh how much are you willing to spend on them :D they will get better up to a point and only money is your obstacle :)

[Soulburner]

Well I have the Klipsch 4.1 Promedia which was $200 back when I bought it in 2003 if that tells you anything. That Logitech 5.1 Digital set in the other post looks darn good on paper...I'll need to do a bit of research.

[NickS]

I'd keep the Klipsch's.. they'll blow the Logi's out of the water quality wise, trust me. Many others will agree.

I'd get a new sound card. An X-Fi XtremeMusic can be found cheap on eBay.

Follow this guide (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229350) and you basically have what the Auzentech will be, now.

[Soulburner]

Interesting, but since I'm not handy with that stuff and I don't need it right this moment, I will wait for the new card.

Looks like that shielding would be a good idea on any sound card though.

[afireinside]

Not true nick. The auzentech or whatever will likely have a better DAC chip, something you can't mod.

Modding your source is the last of concerns when using speakers made for computer use.

[Soulburner]

How about this. I'll wait and try out the card, I need an upgrade since the Audigy 2 wasn't even the newest tech when I bought it in 2003.

I will then see how these speakers sound with it. I have always thought they were a bit lacking. I will wait until then to decide on speakers.

[NickS]

Get an XtremeMusic anyway, they're ~$60 on eBay. It'll make a huge difference.