Need new sound card

[tommyshango]

I just bought a creative fatality fps and it just crapped out.. now theres no good sales on them. I am wondering whats another route? I looked at that razer barracuda but there is little to no driver support. well no vista driver which is pathetic really considering how long its been out. I am looking for the highest quality sound for gaming only I dont care about anything else.

[AzraelDarkangel]

Well, if you don't want to get another Creative X-Fi type card you could get something like the AuzenTech X-Meridian which has Vista drivers available:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156002
http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-meridian.php

There are lots of others depending on what you want but I'm not sure which ones have Vista drivers available.

[tommyshango]

yeah i need vista 64 and the barracuda is not supported in vista.. I guess I can see about getting my money back. Although the x-fi is probaly the best gaming card out right now for vista.. I just dont know if I cared for it that much over my much cheaper x-fi I had before. Not to mention there are so many new sound cards about to hit the market. seems stupid spending 200 on something now when I can just use onboard and wait I guess. Especially if things are gonna go to pci express.. or openal or just something thats better or a higher snr than the x-fi has to offer. the new auzentech card looks promising but its not out yet.. so i guess just wait.

[RealTelstar]

Can u hold a few weeks and then get the Auzen x-fi prelude? :)

[vladimir]

I'm getting a bit fed up with Creative, so I certainly Auzen's driver support for Vista is better. Although I can't imagine anything worse than Creative's driver support.

Any news on an E.T.A. on the Auzen? All I could locate was the end of May, anr we're pretty much there.

[tommyshango]

yeah.. thats what i meant with my post.. it is the end of may and nothin is here.. no reports of it even being tested. im concerned its delayed.. also.. whats with the asus sonaR?? card I heard a bit about.. is that one out? I dont know.. i want a new card onboard sound sucks.. and the card i spent good money on aint much better.. i saw that prelude but its not here..... !!!!

[AzraelDarkangel]

I found the tech specs on the Auzen x-fi prelude if anyone is interested, from:
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=224275

Key Components
Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor
One AKM AK-5394 super high performance 192kHz 24-bit ADC for analog input
Four AKM AK-4396 192kHz 24-bit advanced multi-bit DAC for analog output
64Mbytes of memory for audio processing
High fidelity audio OP-Amps for analog input and output
Front L/R output OP-Amp is replaceable by end-user
Dual mode S/PDIF receiver and transmitter

IO Connectors
One 3.5mm MIC input connector in rear panel
One 3.5mm line input connector in rear panel
One 4-pin AUX connector on board
Four 3.5mm 8 channel line output connectors in rear panel
(FL/FR/C/SW/RL/RR/RSL/RSR)
One S/PDIF combo input connector in rear panel for receiving either coaxial
or optical digital
One S/PDIF combo output connector in rear panel for transmitting either
coaxial or optical digital
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32,
44.1, 48 and 96kHz
One 10-pin front panel connector on board for MIC input and headphone
support
One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other
digital functionality

Technical Specifications
24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate
24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog
7.1 speaker output
24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192kHz to
stereo output
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32,
44.1, 48 and 96kHz
ASIO 2.0 support at 16-bit/44.1kHz, 16-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/44.1kHz
24-bit/48kHz and 24-bit/96kHz with direct monitoring.
Enhanced SoundFont support of up to 24-bit resolution
64MB of X-RAM

[vladimir]

64mb of X-RAM?!?

I thought everyone gave up on the X-RAM. When is it actually utilized?

[tommyshango]

a couple games i tihnk thats about it. Im more interested in this new auzentech but.. its late may damn it!

[RealTelstar]

Patience my child :D

[ROBSCIX]

Here's a picture of the Prelude if your still interested....
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/audio/1451-auzen-x-fi-prelude-pic.html#post10627

[Jodiuh]

http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php#featureshardware

Prelude looks interesting. Hopefully it's not $500. :(

[ROBSCIX]

It is said to ab around $2-250 USD. Considering the specifications and feature list, it's a bargain.

[Brother Esau]

Dude deffinately go with Auzentech over CREATIVE their is no comparison in audio clarity as the Auzentech just completely smokes CREATIVE in that department and this is coming from a guy that had a great XFI platinum card that never had a momments issue in a years time and the Auzentech's Audio clarity is superior in every sense of the word even the $79.00 XPlosion vs the $200.00 CREATIVE XFI Platinum just rapes it flat out!!:welcome:

P.S....If you want the best get the Merridian and stay away from the XFI based chip Auzentech cards that will be released soon because it is just so nice and I mean nice not having anything creative related in my system now ....Buy the Merridian but the XPlosion is flat out a killer card even at $79.00 and I am telling ya gaming is absolutely no different with my new card over the XFI Platinum!!!

[tommyshango]

this is an old post actually i was surprised seeing it. i dont like the word rape either .. not a very friendly word. also the prelude is going to use the x-fi basically so its a x-fi auzentech whatever i have a xfi fps just sittin here no need for it since everythin is gonna be pci express 2.0 soon so i still dont know what to do for sound cards other than wait. right in the middle of nothiness for sound cards

[Jodiuh]

I compared the M-Audio Revolution 5.1 w/ the X-Fi Xtrememusic and didn't notice much difference. Both sounded better than the Audigy 2 ZS tho. As for Creative, it seems like EAX 5.0 Advanced HD isn't really being used much anymore. That said, maybe it is time to move on...

[ROBSCIX]

For pure sound quality the X-Meridian is untouchable in it's price range. The difference in sound quality between the current X-fi and the X-Meridian is a large margin. The X-Meridian is a very high quality card. The output section of the Prelude is close to the X-Meridian, the difference being the opamps.
The Prelude should sound very close to a X-Meridian and very good compared to existing Creative Labs cards.

Just to note:
The output circuit design and components used on the X-fi X-Music are basically the same as the Audigy 2 ZS. They used old circuit designs and older components when they built the X-fi's. The Prelude uses new circuit designs and new components.

[Jodiuh]

My only concern would be gaming situations. I still play Battlefield 2142 and F.E.A.R. Combat tho. W/ the X-Fi, it's very easy to tell where everything's coming from. I'm not sure exactly how much EAX, CMSS-3D, etc factors into it or whether or not the AT can due 128 voice wo/ taking down the CPU.

[ROBSCIX]

Then it sounds like the Prelude would be more for you...

[Donnie27]

My only concern would be gaming situations. I still play Battlefield 2142 and F.E.A.R. Combat tho. W/ the X-Fi, it's very easy to tell where everything's coming from. I'm not sure exactly how much EAX, CMSS-3D, etc factors into it or whether or not the AT can due 128 voice wo/ taking down the CPU.

I have the Audigy 2ZS and X-Fi Plantinum Connected to the same receiver. I listen to Music in Stereo mode in Analog and the X-Fi easily sounds better than all Audigys except the Audigy 4 Pro for Analog out.

You get better game sounds because of OpenAL + EAX is done in hardware and not some BS similated software crap done by the Processor. What kicks ass and rocks for movies & music, might not be so great for Games.

I agree that Prelude should rock for Games, it will be using the best PC Card Gaming DSP hands down.

[[cTx] Nooc]

He wants a card for gaming guys. X-Meridian only supports up to EAX 2.0 while X-FI supports EAX up to 5.0. Also, it's easily moddable to the point where it excels X-Meridian:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229350

the hardest part is desoldering the capacitor. rest is a breeze. BTW in the guide it sais that that samples from semiconductor are free; they are not. they started charging for shipping lately (it was about $8 to Utah)

[Donnie27]

He wants a card for gaming guys. X-Meridian only supports up to EAX 2.0 while X-FI supports EAX up to 5.0. Also, it's easily moddable to the point where it excels X-Meridian:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229350

the hardest part is desoldering the capacitor. rest is a breeze. BTW in the guide it sais that that samples from semiconductor are free; they are not. they started charging for shipping lately (it was about $8 to Utah)

I would agree but it remains to be seen what the Prelude will do. I wouldn't dare game with anything other than an X-FI because I like First Person Shooter type games.

The prelude is that modded X-FI IMHO. There are rumors of Creative doing something similar and calling it the Elite Pro 2 or etc....

[justin_c]

get the x-fi prelude if you can wait. the asus card holds some promise also.

im sick and tired of creative support. the stupid thing is, that auzentech is going to use creative's drivers and interface.

[[cTx] Nooc]

I would agree but it remains to be seen what the Prelude will do. I wouldn't dare game with anything other than an X-FI because I like First Person Shooter type games.

The prelude is that modded X-FI IMHO. There are rumors of Creative doing something similar and calling it the Elite Pro 2 or etc....

All they would do is once again replace the offending opamp and capacitor, maybe use higher quality DACs. I guess they've listened to educated consumers.

[Jodiuh]

I'm in no hurry. :D

[[cTx] Nooc]

get the x-fi prelude if you can wait. the asus card holds some promise also.

im sick and tired of creative support. the stupid thing is, that auzentech is going to use creative's drivers and interface.

how is their support crappy? X-Fi is one of the few modern cards that supports EAX 5.0, and Vista drivers are MS' fault, not Creative's

[justin_c]

not many games use eax5, with little extra effect. (fear, ut2k4 with patch, bf2/bf2142, prey, a few more i think). and its more than the vista drivers, windows xp also. plus, its not just the sound blaster department, i have two of their mp3 players and the drivers crap out all the time. it is creative's fault, they aren't even replying and helping the community.

[Donnie27]

All they would do is once again replace the offending opamp and capacitor, maybe use higher quality DACs. I guess they've listened to educated consumers.

No they wouldn't:) The X-FI is a good card as is. The mods just made it better in most folks opinion. Some folks had to hear it for themselves to believe the differences. It's not just DACs because just Caps. Some mods have been to just short filters to get better sound. So now you change out DACs, Opamps, Caps, use a better layout and this thing can't do anything but sound better.

X-FI Prelude will ship with some of the best Opamps there is and I only need or want them for my Mains on the front left and right. One more time, I'm using Infinity Speakers and a Pioneer receiver. Not the best, but damned sure not that bad either.

[Donnie27]

not many games use eax5, with little extra effect. (fear, ut2k4 with patch, bf2/bf2142, prey, a few more i think). and its more than the vista drivers, windows xp also. plus, its not just the sound blaster department, i have two of their mp3 players and the drivers crap out all the time. it is creative's fault, they aren't even replying and helping the community.

I don't use Vista, I don't use the nVidia chipset, I'm not overclocking much and when I did, I overclocked on a lean rig that wasn't meant for my main system.

[justin_c]

if you honestly think im bashing creative for no reason, then so be it and learn for yourself.

the nvidia reason is a fabrication. while their explanation that the card overloads the bus is valid, it is not restricted to only nvidia chipsets.

i have the same problem in xp.
no problem with onboard sound.

[tommyshango]

well if any company has the resources to produce good drivers it would be creative.. thats the problem with alot of these smaller companies and the huge delay in any sort of driver for vista.. if the big companies are taking that long i dont see how a small one would have the programmers to have better driver support.. its like how everyone blames nvidia for poor driver support yet there is no one else making the drivers any faster.

[Hicks]

For gaming= X-Fi.

[Donnie27]

if you honestly think im bashing creative for no reason, then so be it and learn for yourself.

the nvidia reason is a fabrication. while their explanation that the card overloads the bus is valid, it is not restricted to only nvidia chipsets.

i have the same problem in xp.
no problem with onboard sound.


Not trying the other motherboards and thinking this card has problems with everything is foolhardy and silly at best;) If this card sucked and had the problems many claim it does, then I'd be here saying so as well. My experiences have been much different, so I'm here saying so.

nVidia Chipsets have had more problems with X-FI than the rest combined=P Not limited to nVidia though. Most of the problems happen on boards that shipped AFTER X-FI. I have 5 computers running in my House. I even tested the X-FI in each of them;

1. First an Old Willy 1.7GHz and Gigabyte 8IHXP i850E with RAMBUS = WORKS Using Audigy 1 will re-install the GT MUSE 5.1 because IMHO, it sounds better.

2. HP (will add model number later) with an nVidia Chipset and AthlonXP @2100+ =Works currently using On Board sound. Daughter's and it doesn't need a discrete sound card.

3. Here's a sticky one. Abit IC7-G Max i875 and 2.6GHz NW 2.6C@3.32GHz. With only a 430W Antec 1.0. The X-FI runs like crap @3.32 and 430W PSU. Removed the X-FI and then the computer runs fine. 550W and overclocked, the computers runs so so with X-FI. At stock speed the X-FI runs great on this system, even with the 430W PSU and 2GB of RAM and 4 drives. Is Using Audigy 4 (none Pro). Den's HTPC.

4. Asus A8N-3500+ ZERO problems with the X-Fi=P Using Audigy 2 ZS connected to the same receiver as my X-Fi in my computer Room. Wife's & my Number 2.

5. Listed in my sig, upstairs in my computer room X-FI worked right out the BOX with it. Overclocking is limited because my GSkill RAM (PK) sucks!

6. Tested with an Asus A8N 32-SLI, SCP (Snap-Crackle-POP) out the WA-ZOO. Was asked to wait for a BIOS updated. I couldn't wait and dumped it. Went back to the A8N-16 SLI.

I've seen this card work 90% of the time. There are other factors that can and drop this down to 30% or even lower. Vista, Extreme Overclocking, Two power hungry Video cards in SLI, Certain PSUs, Chipsets, 4+ GB of RAM and etc.... or combinations of the above. Some have done all of these and it still worked. Please don't even bring up built in since its CPU processor based. At least compare it to other Hardware Based Cards like NICs, EIDE or SATA RAID cards and etc.. for example. Please note, these don't have 100% compatibility either.


Edit; The Hp is a Model 744V. The original Processor died. It has a 2700 but the FSB is limited to 266MHz so it's only running at 2100+:( So much for same socket continuity LOL!

[Jodiuh]

I managed to use the X-Fi on an Abit AN8-SLI ? wo/ any issues at all. A DFI expert was later used again w no issues. It's only 2 boards and I'm only 1 guy, but I just thought I'd comment on my Nvidia chipset w/ X-Fi support. A little OT, but that's a forum, right?

If the Prelude comes in under $200 and reviews are favorable from AVS/Head-fi, etc...

[Donnie27]

I managed to use the X-Fi on an Abit AN8-SLI ? wo/ any issues at all. A DFI expert was later used again w no issues. It's only 2 boards and I'm only 1 guy, but I just thought I'd comment on my Nvidia chipset w/ X-Fi support. A little OT, but that's a forum, right?

If the Prelude comes in under $200 and reviews are favorable from AVS/Head-fi, etc...

Prelude should cost about $200.

[ROBSCIX]

He wants a card for gaming guys. X-Meridian only supports up to EAX 2.0 while X-FI supports EAX up to 5.0. Also, it's easily moddable to the point where it excels X-Meridian:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229350

the hardest part is desoldering the capacitor. rest is a breeze. BTW in the guide it sais that that samples from semiconductor are free; they are not. they started charging for shipping lately (it was about $8 to Utah)


I don't think so. A modded X-fi with new opamps will sound better the a normal X-fi sure. They are still using the old DAC's circuits and filtering schemes. A X-Meridian 7.1 out of the box can best any X-fi. If the X-Meridian has new opamps installed the margin is even larger.
The only card with "X-fi" in the name that can come close to a XM is the upcoming Prelude and even that will be a toss up because of the 2134's used in the design. I would be very careful with that capacitor mod. It seems a few people heard PART of a mod and ran with it. Alot of guys said changing out the main cap has no AUDIBLE effect at all. A few others including the author of the thread said the main point behind that mod was that cap used by CL is low grade and has been known to rupture.

For getting samples you can get free samples if you can show a business email. Free sample are for designers to check out the latest IC's. If you live far way they usually want S/H. If your not a business you will have to pay S/H at national. They are still a awesome deal for those LM'2 they are nice chips.

[ooeric]

envy24 ftw.
chaintech av-710

[ROBSCIX]

Only thing a Envy is good for is stereo digital output...nothing more.
I think he wants a modern soundcard.

[Donnie27]

For gaming= X-Fi.

Yup and if he's not gaming.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829110015


Mastering grade 24-bit/192kHz converters - the same A/D converters used in Digidesign's flagship ProTools HD 192 I/O Interface delivering an amazing 120dB signal-to-noise ratio


Kicks ass recording and playing back LOL! Not meant for Games at all:):up:

[ROBSCIX]

There are lots of good cards out there and some not so good. Do some research and you should be able to find one that will fit your needs.