Asus Xonar D2X and D2 soundcards

[Scooby]

The subtle clue is in the name – the X means this is the PCI-Express x1 version of the Xonar D2 soundcard that we reviewed in September of last year. Since then the promised PCI-Express x1 version has finally arrived, along with better DirectSound, EAX and Vista support via updated drivers.

Comparatively, there’s very little change in terms of the style and feature sets available on the D2 and D2X – they both have the same EMI shield and illuminated parts, and apart from the change of interface the only other notable thing is that now the card requires an additional power source. Yes, PCI-Express x1 may be an improved interface but it apparently provides the wrong type of power.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/ASUSXonarD2XSoundCardfront-8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/ASUSXonarD2XSoundCardback-8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/ASUSXonarD2XSoundCardplx-8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/ASUSXonarD2XSoundCardpcie-8.jpg
Source:bit-tech.net.

More info HERE. (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/01/13/asus_xonar_d2x_pci-express_soundcard/1)

Scooby;)

[Scooby]

ASUS Xonar D2 PCI Version

We initially got wind of the Asus Xonar back at CeBit in March and then saw the full presentation at Computex in July. Has it been too quick to market, or has Asus just been developing on the quiet for some time?

We found out after talking to CMedia at Computex that it had a "significant hand" in the audio chipset and vibrations through the grape vine is that Asus is pretty much just rebranding a CMI 8788 Oxygen HD processor, however when we asked at the launch we couldn't get a confirmation. It lacks all hardware processing like Creative has with its X-Fi chip, but it does include advanced Dolby and DTS features which differentiates it to the audio enthusiast and home theatre user.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/XonarD2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/XonarD2back.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/XonarD2end.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/XonarD2light1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/djs61/Others/XonarD2light2.jpg
Source:bit-tech.net.

More Info HERE. (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2007/09/03/asus_xonar_d2/1)

[ROBSCIX]

Scooby ar you interested in this card or are you putting up the info for others?

[Scooby]

For Informations sack, but it seems to be getting some good reviews. I'm paricularlly interested in the PCI-E version, although I have not seen a lot of people using this card yet.

Time will tell...

[Starscream]

For Informations sack, but it seems to be getting some good reviews. I'm paricularlly interested in the PCI-E version, although I have not seen a lot of people using this card yet.

Time will tell...

I think the reason why not many use it is cause for a few euro more you can get an Auzentech Prelude. Atleast overhere.

The only real advantage atm is the PCI-e interface.

[Scooby]

Yeah i've been hearing the same thing about Creative not have drives that really work under Vista hence the need for the Alchemy driver.

I say good for Asus for jumping in and adding peasure in the sound card department as we will all benifit with better hardware.

Thanks cadaveca, for your input as a first-hand user, now my interest in this card is starting to pick a bit more especially on the PCI-e version. I hope more user contribute their findings here...the good and the bad.

[ROBSCIX]

I reviewed the Xonar but still gave the cake to the Prelude for overall. The Xonar does have good sound though to me. The Xonar drivers did not work out of the box for gaming etc, They just released newer versions and the released the GX 1.0 gaming drivers awhile back. The Xonar has very decent sound but where they really messed up is on the opamps. They used a good grade opamp the LM4562MA for the front channels then used cheap generic 45XX series on the remaining channels. They should have used good audio quality all the way around IMHO. The Prelude uses LM4562 opamp on the fronts and OPA2134's on the remaining channels.
Consider:
LM4562 -$5 a chip
OPA2134 $2 a chip
45XX series .20 cents a chip
The Creative brand cards use these generic 45XX series chips. I really hope the next crop of soundcards feature sockets so users can dictate what chips they want to use. If your considering the Xonar grab it, they are a great sounding card I just feel they could have been somewhat better.

[ROBSCIX]

PCI or PCI-E, Matters NOT. Not sure why you are trying to justify the card to me. I like them and recommend them to many people. They aren't perfect, no card is..
If you like the sound of the Xonar over the Prelude, Great. Everybody has their opinion.

[ROBSCIX]

Not really sure where your coming from. Never said you were questioning the review. Why do our opinions differ so much? I like the Xonars they are good cards. I prefer the Prelude for now. Auzentech puts in the DIY socket so the users can change out the opamps if they wish and use better ones or different ones. For example I use different ones then stock. Other then that I am really unsure why your being rude or blunt as you put it.
I give you me opinion of the card. NOT attitude. Your reading it as a comment with attitude when it wasn't intended to be.

[Anemone]

I'm just hoping Auzentech gets us a Pci-e version of the prelude.

[Scooby]

Gentlemen, I'm sure both the Xonar and the Prelude have their high and low points depending on your setup, accustic preference and your audio needs. Since I do not have any of those cards I appreciate both of your inputs.

Like you both have stated it will come down to "Personal Preference". But for those still who are doing their research in to "which soundcard to get?". I hope more hands-on user will post their opinion on these cards.

That said, cadaveca, we both are using the some mother board (Asus Maximus Formula) I notice their are three PCI-e slots (one black and two white) would it matter which slot would be better for the D2X to be in?


Again thank you cadaveca and ROBSCIX for your input now let have some Long Island Icedteas and get druck:up:

[ROBSCIX]

@Cadveca, your a bit mixed up in your descriptions of DAC's and ADC's.
ADC-Do not convert the signal back to digital for transmission across optical or coaxial lines. The audio is already in digital form on the card. ADC-Analog to digital converters are used when recording sound. DAC-Digital to analog converters is the device that converts the audio from the digital form to analog form for output. If you want to go digital from the card for optical etc then the audio doesn't change at all.. Audio on the sound card is only in analog form on the inputs of ADC and on the outputs of the DAC, other then that it is always in the digital form.

The Opamps are the last stage in the sound card and quite important when using analog. If they are cheap, then your soundcard is limited by them.
I personally don't use the LM4562's anymore. I like them but have used them for so long now I wanted something different.

I like the Xonars as I have said more then once. I just said I prefer the Prelude 7.1 for my use right now. I change my soundcard frequently and usually mod them extensively. Your saying the Benefit of the Prelude is only seen in analog form. I can say the same about the Xonar. It's analog prowess is what makes it stand out other then that I can buy a cheap 8788 based card and have the same digital features. Connecting either to a high end amp by digital kills the sound quality of the card. Your better off going analog with either card. Which card you buy really depends on what you want to accomplish with it. Weigh the features of the ones your interested in and buy the one that fits you the best.

Have a drink on me.

[Donnie27]

I'm not confused, my uses are different.

All my instruments, besides keyboard, are recorded analogue via a mixer, and are sent out to the amp(how I hear my recordings) via optical connection. Obviously the amount of dither here is important to me, and the other artists I work with...we don't play digital instruments, so the sound on the card ISN'T always digital. For a gamer, or traditional pc user, then you'd be right.

DAC take binary code, whether from cpu, or DSP, if you want me to perfectly correct, just before the opamps, and obviously affect signal as well.


DSPs, personally, aren't of much use...they merely create a delay and convert sound, IHMO, so i never give them much consideration. The less they are used, the better. The X-FI DSP is much more powerful, IMHO, than the Xonar unit, but IMHO the choice of DACs and ADC are what holds back the SB version, as well as the Prelude, when it comes to things like Rightmark...the ASIO latency of the X-FI is supurb...right down to 2ms...but not @ 24bit/192khz...which the Xonar CAN do. And obviously loopback performacne is important in my uses...but not in most peoples. But for us mixing Midi and analogue on the same board...

The SB X-FI we cooked with loopback. Never tried with the prelude, and you can imagine why.

All Great points.

Cooked an X-FI? The X-Fi was never meant as a Recording card. Creative has a whole Line of Cards for that purpose and that's why they bought out EMU. 24bit 192KHz recordings are easily possible with it. Like you said about Xonar, it also come with a nice software package.


LM4562 -$5 a chip
OPA2134 $2 a chip
45XX series .20 cents a chip


Still doesn't justify the high assed prices of either card but that's just my opinion. More power to those who think otherwise. Please don't tell me any $hit about Solid State and etc. I have 100% solid state motherboard with more crap on it than either sound card that costs only $87. But I'd say the same thing about any motherboard costing more that $200 as well.:rolleyes: In most cases, the name costs extra for little to no reason at all. I use to be one of the biggest Asus Fanboys around. My A8N SLI might be the last thing I ever buy from them.:rofl:

[Miwo]

The fact that you need external power connector on a sound card really amuses me :D. I think that the The LEDs on each jack really rice up the card and makes it look cheap , but thats just personal preference. If gaming is anywhere in your priority list, I'd stay away from Oxygen based cards and go for something Creative based....

[Donnie27]

Yes, this one makes me not doubt their Rightmark comments but the rest is questionable.

The addition of the DS3D GX engine to the Xonar D2X means that gamers also get their share of good news, opening up EAX 1.0 and 2.0 effects to Windows Vista users in (theoretically at least) all EAX supporting titles, and with reasonable performance to boot. This is by far a better solution that Creative Labs' attempt at handling the same issue, ALchemy, although of course Creative still hold one big advantage over the competition in the form of their EAX Advanced HD effects - The only area where the Xonar D2X really loses out in all honesty.

The problem here is DS3D wasn't used in many titles the last what, 6 years? EAX1 and 2 hasn't been used in in almost 7 years. Even if EAX1/2 works perfectly as far as features go, that's like comparing Windows 95 to Windows XP Pro 64 when comparing it to 3/4/5. Again, EAX 2 supports 32 Hardware Voices and Zero EAX HD Effects while X-Fi/Creative or Auzen's does 128 Hardware and 8 effects on each of them. MOST modern games take advantages of it. EAX 3-4-and 5 also works with OpenAL and ads enviromental sound to it as well.

[ROBSCIX]

I'm not confused, my uses are different.

All my instruments, besides keyboard, are recorded analogue via a mixer, and are sent out to the amp(how I hear my recordings) via optical connection. Obviously the amount of dither here is important to me, and the other artists I work with...we don't play digital instruments, so the sound on the card ISN'T always digital. For a gamer, or traditional pc user, then you'd be right.

DAC take binary code, whether from cpu, or DSP, if you want me to perfectly correct, just before the opamps, and obviously affect signal as well.


DSPs, personally, aren't of much use...they merely create a delay and convert sound, IHMO, so i never give them much consideration. The less they are used, the better. The X-FI DSP is much more powerful, IMHO, than the Xonar unit, but IMHO the choice of DACs and ADC are what holds back the SB version, as well as the Prelude, when it comes to things like Rightmark...the ASIO latency of the X-FI is supurb...right down to 2ms...but not @ 24bit/192khz...which the Xonar CAN do. And obviously loopback performance is important in my uses...but not in most peoples. But for us mixing Midi and analogue on the same board...

The SB X-FI we cooked with loopback. Never tried with the prelude, and you can imagine why.


Your right the sound card isn't always digital as I said. On the inputs to the ADC's (mics, line input) and on the output of the DAC's (speakers, line outs) -everywhere else on the card is digital. The Xonar doesn't contain a DSP. it is termed a audio controller. The Xonar is basically a carbon copy of the X-Meridian 7.1 and other 8788 cards. The Xonar does have good ADC's for recording IIRC, they are the same as one of the higher priced E-Mu cards but I can't remember which one.

[Donnie27]

Your right the sound card isn't always digital as I said. On the inputs to the ADC's (mics, line input) and on the output of the DAC's (speakers, line outs) -everywhere else on the card is digital. The Xonar doesn't contain a DSP. it is termed a audio controller. The Xonar is basically a carbon copy of the X-Meridian 7.1 and other 8788 cards. The Xonar does have good ADC's for recording IIRC, they are the same as one of the higher priced E-Mu cards but I can't remember which one.

Are they the same as the lower priced 1212 as well?

[Scooby]

I agree my friend, seem a little tight in their, what case are you using? What case are you upgradeing to?

TY for the pics.;)

[binormalkilla]

I have this card (bought it before Christmas) and STILL can't get the damn thing working. I RMAed thinking that it was simply a bad card, but I got the same issue when I got back.
I tested it in my friend's PC and it worked fine....under Vista x86 and XP x86. This was on an old Intel 945G board too....
I loaded Vista x86 to test with NO hardware drivers or software installed.......same result.
It just crashes when I get near the end of the software install with no BSOD or anything.
I tested the floppy PSU cable with a multimeter too :shrug:
Right now the level 3 tech send my system info to their engineering department, who will assemble a test system to recreate the issue...I dunno.
I've tried two different PCI-E x1 slots, one of the x16 slots, tried with only 1 GFX card.....
I can get the driver to install without crashing if I manually install the INF file by directing the 'update driver' wizard to the installation folder from device manager.......
UGH


GAH it's so crazy man.....we have the same water block and memory cooler too (well I sold mine to a friend ) :p


EDIT:
I see the Pic Cadeva.......it's really mind boggling that our systems are so similar, yet mine doesn't work :\ I was beginning to wonder if it was a driver conflict, but I installed Vista x86.........so that's out of the window.
I wonder if I had my Creative MuVo MP3 player in my back USB port when I was troubleshooting....I use this as a DOS bootable drive to flash my graphics cards with edited BIOSes...........I'm going to test that sometime.

[Aleki]

i hear the main difference is that pci-e is natively supported in vista, which could explain the claims some have made

[Donnie27]

i hear the main difference is that pci-e is natively supported in vista, which could explain the claims some have made

Vista has Native support for just about all Software Sound Processing. Very little is done via software though.

[binormalkilla]

Vista has Native support for just about all Software Sound Processing. Very little is done via software though.

Yea I can run my ROG Supreme FX II ASUS PCI-E X1 card without any drivers at all.........just wish I could get this baby working! I hate onboard audio........



EDIT:

Do you guys get a red light on the circular area of the card? Mine is an UGLY amber...........hhmmmm.....



If I can't get this thing working soon then I'm going to say screw it, get my money back, then try this or something......
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132002
I just can't use a PCI device, as my slots are covered by my water blocks (unless anyone knows of a flexible slot extender or something.....

[Donnie27]

I have this card (bought it before Christmas) and STILL can't get the damn thing working. I RMAed thinking that it was simply a bad card, but I got the same issue when I got back.
I tested it in my friend's PC and it worked fine....under Vista x86 and XP x86. This was on an old Intel 945G board too....
I loaded Vista x86 to test with NO hardware drivers or software installed.......same result.
It just crashes when I get near the end of the software install with no BSOD or anything.
I tested the floppy PSU cable with a multimeter too :shrug:
Right now the level 3 tech send my system info to their engineering department, who will assemble a test system to recreate the issue...I dunno.
I've tried two different PCI-E x1 slots, one of the x16 slots, tried with only 1 GFX card.....
I can get the driver to install without crashing if I manually install the INF file by directing the 'update driver' wizard to the installation folder from device manager.......
UGH


GAH it's so crazy man.....we have the same water block and memory cooler too (well I sold mine to a friend ) :p


EDIT:
I see the Pic Cadeva.......it's really mind boggling that our systems are so similar, yet mine doesn't work :\ I was beginning to wonder if it was a driver conflict, but I installed Vista x86.........so that's out of the window.
I wonder if I had my Creative MuVo MP3 player in my back USB port when I was troubleshooting....I use this as a DOS bootable drive to flash my graphics cards with edited BIOSes...........I'm going to test that sometime.

Use a bare minimum system set instead of it loaded to the Gills. Try booting into safe mode if that doesn't cause problems, go back and install your Chipset Drivers. If you're overclocking set it to stock. If you have Anti-Virus software on Auto start, stop it.

You might want to check for the Newest versions of the Chipset and BIOS? If you have any HDMI software with your video card, uninstall it. It doesn't like ASIO drivers because Vista and now updated WinXP has DRM that tries to block either one or both of these while they're installed at the same time. This happened to me when I first installed my ATI HD3870 and someone else told me it happened to them with an 8800GT. My computer is VERY stable, when I go back and add ASIO Drivers, it get's shaky. My card is dieing so that might be my problem as well.

[Donnie27]

Yea I can run my ROG Supreme FX II ASUS PCI-E X1 card without any drivers at all.........just wish I could get this baby working! I hate onboard audio........



EDIT:

Do you guys get a red light on the circular area of the card? Mine is an UGLY amber...........hhmmmm.....



If I can't get this thing working soon then I'm going to say screw it, get my money back, then try this or something......
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132002
I just can't use a PCI device, as my slots are covered by my water blocks (unless anyone knows of a flexible slot extender or something.....

Yes, it's Amber on all cards that aren't modded.

[binormalkilla]

Use a bare minimum system set instead of it loaded to the Gills. Try booting into safe mode if that doesn't cause problems, go back and install your Chipset Drivers. If you're overclocking set it to stock. If you have Anti-Virus software on Auto start, stop it.

You might want to check for the Newest versions of the Chipset and BIOS? If you have any HDMI software with your video card, uninstall it. It doesn't like ASIO drivers because Vista and now updated WinXP has DRM that tries to block either one or both of these while they're installed at the same time. This happened to me when I first installed my ATI HD3870 and someone else told me it happened to them with an 8800GT. My computer is VERY stable, when I go back and add ASIO Drivers, it get's shaky. My card is dieing so that might be my problem as well.

Yea I'm pretty sure that I'm running the latest chipset drivers. I'm going to reinstall VIsta x64 when I install SP1, so I'll make sure again.....
I have tried uninstalling everything except 1 graphics card (didn't try removing the HDDs or DVD-RW)...I don't run any anti-virus, and I always kill all programs and lingering processes before installing....

I can install in safe mode, but I get a crash when I start windows back up.
I can install the drivers without crashing if I go to device manager, update hardware driver, manually select the path of the driver, then I get sound.

It will make the windows desktop beeps with distortion, but when I go to play an MP3 or run the speaker test it will lock the PC up :p...............:(

I guess I can try running only my OS HDD and no DVD-RW tonight.....I doubt that will matter though.


Hey you're from Little Rock! My parents live near Lakewood Village in NLR.

[Donnie27]

Yea I'm pretty sure that I'm running the latest chipset drivers. I'm going to reinstall VIsta x64 when I install SP1, so I'll make sure again.....
I have tried uninstalling everything except 1 graphics card (didn't try removing the HDDs or DVD-RW)...I don't run any anti-virus, and I always kill all programs and lingering processes before installing....

I can install in safe mode, but I get a crash when I start windows back up.
I can install the drivers without crashing if I go to device manager, update hardware driver, manually select the path of the driver, then I get sound.

It will make the windows desktop beeps with distortion, but when I go to play an MP3 or run the speaker test it will lock the PC up :p...............:(

I guess I can try running only my OS HDD and no DVD-RW tonight.....I doubt that will matter though.


Hey you're from Little Rock! My parents live near Lakewood Village in NLR.

First of all, I love Lakewood:) I was there visting friends last week. My wife takes all of our out of town guests to the Old Mill when weather permitting and my Daughter loves McCain Mall for some reason.

Have you tried running the Sound apps in WinXP mode? Sorry, I'm not much help with Windows Vista of any kind. I know at least 4 buds with it sitting on the shelf collecting dust. One has it dual booted but said he rarely boots it up, too lazy to uninstall it.

BTW, you have a very nice rig!

[binormalkilla]

First of all, I love Lakewood:) I was there visting friends last week. My wife takes all of our out of town guests to the Old Mill when weather permitting and my Daughter loves McCain Mall for some reason.

Have you tried running the Sound apps in WinXP mode? Sorry, I'm not much help with Windows Vista of any kind. I know at least 4 buds with it sitting on the shelf collecting dust. One has it dual booted but said he rarely boots it up, too lazy to uninstall it.

BTW, you have a very nice rig!

Thanks :D Yea I've been to the Old Mill quite a few times myself. I usually go to the Park Plaza mall.....my GF likes to go there when we're in LR. I currently live in Jonesboro, as this is where I attend college (well I'm just working now)
I haven't tried WinXP yet, as I was able to test the card in VIsta 32 bit on a friend's PC and it worked fine......but I suppose I can give it a shot.
A few things that I'm going to try tonight:
Make sure I try to install with the Creative Muvo flash drive uninstalled
Install using my 2400 Pro backup PCI-E X16 card......maybe the issue is the 1Gb VRAM mapping issue as cadaveca said......
Installing with XP (VERY last resort)
Installing with only my 1 SATA HDD installed.....doubt that will matter, and I think I've tried that.

[Donnie27]

Thanks :D Yea I've been to the Old Mill quite a few times myself. I usually go to the Park Plaza mall.....my GF likes to go there when we're in LR. I currently live in Jonesboro, as this is where I attend college (well I'm just working now)
I haven't tried WinXP yet, as I was able to test the card in VIsta 32 bit on a friend's PC and it worked fine......but I suppose I can give it a shot.
A few things that I'm going to try tonight:
Make sure I try to install with the Creative Muvo flash drive uninstalled
Install using my 2400 Pro backup PCI-E X16 card......maybe the issue is the 1Gb VRAM mapping issue as cadaveca said......
Installing with XP (VERY last resort)
Installing with only my 1 SATA HDD installed.....doubt that will matter, and I think I've tried that.

So you're at Arkasas State? My Daughter love's Clair's:) I think cadaveca might be right too.

[binormalkilla]

Ok so I tested again tonight. I installed Vista SP1 using the registry edit that allows updating through Windows Update.....worked like a charm.
I also installed my back card, the 2400 Pro (PCI-E). I disabled the onboard audio and installed the Xonar in the top black slot.
SAME RESULT...................:shrug:
So far I've tested two different x1 slots, 1 x16 slot, 2 2900XTs, 1 2900XT in two different slots, 1 2400 Pro.......the list goes on.
I even have tried two different kits of RAM (so that I could use the black x1 sound slot):
Crucial Ballistix DDR2-800 4x1Gb
Geil Esoteria DDR2-800
Tried multiple slots with only one stick of RAM.
I'm running 0907 BIOS on my board too.....latest.
I really have no clue what's going on here. I mean I've literally tried EVERYTHING. I just don't get what I'm missing.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.......I may have left out some of the things that I've tried, as they're SO many......

[Scooby]

This might have been mentioned already but, have you tested the card on another computer?

[Donnie27]

no different. Noticed Vista boots faster now that SoundMax is gone...:ROTF:


:down: :up:

Same thing another guy said just before he dumped Vista.

[binormalkilla]

This might have been mentioned already but, have you tested the card on another computer?

Yep. Works fine on an old Intel 945G board with Vista x86 and XP x86.

I've also tried running it with Vista x86, and I tried disabling the card in the BIOS, as well as enabled/AC97, enabled/HD Audio (this board has one onboard AC97 chip, as well as the PCI-E x1 card I assume)

[Donnie27]

Yep. Works fine on an old Intel 945G board with Vista x86 and XP x86.

I've also tried running it with Vista x86, and I tried disabling the card in the BIOS, as well as enabled/AC97, enabled/HD Audio (this board has one onboard AC97 chip, as well as the PCI-E x1 card I assume)

Do you have your PCI-E locked down to 100MHz?

[binormalkilla]

Man I STILL haven't heard back from ASUS on their tests with my copy system...........I dunno. I've emailed the guy a few times and only heard back from him once.....

I'm to the point where I just want them to give my money back so I can get their U1 USB based sound card......which I'm sure won't sound as good, but I really don't care at this point.
I bought this $180 sound card in late December........

Do you have your PCI-E locked down to 100MHz?


:eek: :eek: I can't believe I didn't think of that.......wow I'm going to turn it down. I have it at 115MHz........

[binormalkilla]

Wow that was it.........I can't believe I didn't think of that :p

Well I get an insane amount of distortion on the optical or direct lines...........but at least it isn't crashing now.

THanks SOOOOO much Donnie27!

Now to troubleshoot the distortion:shakes:

[Donnie27]

Wow that was it.........I can't believe I didn't think of that :p

Well I get an insane amount of distortion on the optical or direct lines...........but at least it isn't crashing now.

THanks SOOOOO much Donnie27!

Now to troubleshoot the distortion:shakes:

VERY Glad to help you and you're welcomed.

[binormalkilla]

VERY Glad to help you and you're welcomed.

Well I'm still working on it.....still get distortion with both outputs (optical and direct) as well as different PCI-E slots.

Tonight I may try installing Vista x86 to test.......

[Donnie27]

Well I'm still working on it.....still get distortion with both outputs (optical and direct) as well as different PCI-E slots.

Tonight I may try installing Vista x86 to test.......

You have to keep the Volume on the source, Wave or etc.. slider on the Mixer and the Player down. Asus and Auzen use 5v Opamps so they distort sooner than the 2/2.5v stuff. The Prelude has the same problem.

[ROBSCIX]

ASUS mobos give many people trouble with different soundcards, it is nothing new with them. Are there any new BIOS revisions for you to install?

[ROBSCIX]

You have to keep the Volume on the source, Wave or etc.. slider on the Mixer and the Player down. Asus and Auzen use 5v Opamps so they distort sooner than the 2/2.5v stuff. The Prelude has the same problem.

The Xonar doesn't output 5 volts because they are "using 5volt opamps":rofl:
The circuit is built that way by the designers because they want 5Vp-p output voltage. This circuit can easily be set lower or higher using the same opamp. As far as it distorting because of this reason your are again incorrect, the LM4562's are rated for 17Volts so they can easily handle 5Volts without distorting. Feel free to read the spec sheet. LM4562 spec sheet (http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4562.html)
As far as the output levels on the cards being a problem I guess that depends on the user and their gear.
Hope that Helps.

Wow that was it.........I can't believe I didn't think of that :p
Well I get an insane amount of distortion on the optical or direct lines...........but at least it isn't crashing now.
Now to troubleshoot the distortion:shakes:

The fact that your getting distortion in both analog and digital outputs indicates the distortion is being added well before the analog output section.
So either a "floating" input is picking up noise from the system or the card itself is picking up noise from the bus. Try muting all the inputs your not using this might help if the distortion is from floating inputs. Hope this Helps.

[Donnie27]

ASUS mobos give many people trouble with different soundcards, it is nothing new with them. Are there any new BIOS revisions for you to install?

As you said don't blame Asus when the card is the problem:rofl: But only if it is a Creative X-Fi the card is at fault.

I said what I said about 5v:rofl: to draw you out of the wood works. Yes, I read the spec sheet before I bought the Prelude and the LM4562 will do nicely for me right now.

So either a "floating" input is picking up noise from the system or the card itself is picking up noise from the bus.

Pick up a dictionary and look up Distortion, then look up Noise and learn the difference between the two since you're into reading?

[Donnie27]

I gotta agree with Rob on this one; I've got all output lines set to max, without distortion. I've got the card set to 24bit/192khz, very little noise from the card has been noticed.

Given the past history in this issue, I really want to blame BiNormal's mobo for all the problems, as we have pretty muc hteh exact same config...except VGA's, of course.

Please note this is the same Rob who refused to blame Asus for SCP issues. This even after I gave him links the BIOS flashes that help users with different motherboards.

I don't have an Asus Xonar and didn't say what I said as an Absolute fact. Just as I got him to check is PCI-E to get him this far, please go back read this short thread again? My Preluded distorts easily and trying to shift the blame to the equipment is just more Auzen Marketing by Rob. If it were the Equipment like Receiver in this case, I wouldn't be able to hear it through the Headphones with nothing else Connected, now wouldn't I?

[Donnie27]

Well I'm still working on it.....still get distortion with both outputs (optical and direct) as well as different PCI-E slots.

Tonight I may try installing Vista x86 to test.......

Beware of Gorilla Marketing:rofl:

[Donnie27]

Um, Donnie, did you take a moment to think about why Rob would make that comment on it NOT being the ASUS card, if he was busy promoting the Auzen card?:stick:

You don't seem to understand that I ahve noone of the issues that BINormal has with his card, I run 120mhz PCI-E with no issues, I had no issues installing the card in any pci-e slot, and I have no noise being picked up by the card.

I have only a few things different from BiNormal..I have an ageia Phys-X card installed, a pci-e Theatre650, and 512MB vga's vs. his 1GB. If anything, my use of more equipment in my pc would runn into more issues, but this is not the case.

I run daily 9x500mhz, ram @ 500mhz 5-5-4-15, so overclocking defiantely does not affect this sound card...

Although you DID HELP HIM, all you've done is highlight the issue with his mobo. I understand you don't have this card, so don't have working knowledge of the issue...you are merely making suggestions based on symptoms, and how to resolve them, but this does nothing other than cover the issue....it does not provide the actual cause...to me, BiNormal has an issue with a cold joint, or chipset fault, and I'd be RMA'ing the mobo, trying another PSU......not changing settings to hide an issue...

He promotes cards for NCIX did reviews on them and that includes Asus. Ask about his Creative X-Fi review? Come on man, I thought you knew me better than that? Maybe I should have said Maybe its............. since I didn't while trying to help him Trouble shoot, should I get the reaction ROB gave with the ":rofl:"? If I did make a mistake, do you think I deserve a his reaction?

I don't come here claiming to be perfect. I also don't Spam anyone for VARs.

[ROBSCIX]

Cadaveca, I have seen many guys having trouble with ASUS mobos and newer soundcards. Seems to be the newer SLI mobos from what I have seen.

[Donnie27]

I understand, Donnie, but complaining about a problem rather than effecting a change only makes the problem worse. That the wasted energy from complaining, and invest it elsewhere.

I could care less of where Rob's loyalties lay...he pointed out your post becuase it's quite obvious, from my perspetive, having the card here, adn almsot the same system as BINormal, that there is more afoot here than issue with his card...

His first card had issues.

His replacement card had issues.

HE now still has issues...


Chances are, none of the problems he's having have ANYTHING to do with the soundcard, other than thta it's isntalled in his system, highlighting other issues in his config.


Also, be ware that most of the posters here, including 100% of the XIPs, work in the industry. You must turn a blind eye to comments relating to these people and where they work...we are all aware, so what's the big deal?

I know where you're coming from and have learned stuff from you and RESPECT what you say. I know overclockers with the Buses at 120MHz and also not having problems. I know of others who are and that's why I asked him to check. You're right as usual about the blind eye thing.:) Good point about the separate cards issues. I'm not saying PCI-E is the only problem. But look, we're talking and not throwing ":rofl:" at each other and that is the point missed? I'd much rather throw ideas back and forth to help the guy than try to flambait some one.

[Donnie27]

LoL. Donnie, do my posts seem angry, or anything? WE ARE DISCUSSING THE ISSUE, right now.:lol2:

NO, your post don't and I was just saying that we were talking and not baiting eachother. I meant it as a Complement:)

[ROBSCIX]

As I've already stated, Rob, BiNormal and I are using teh same board and same sound card, same cpu, etc, etc, I can duplicate his exact comfig other than the 1gb vga's.

So, if it's a compatibility issue due to these 2 devices, it should be the same for us.

It isn't. I have not been able to replicate any of his issues.

:shrug:

True on that one. The only thing I can think of that is, different BIOS versions. -I am unsure if there are any available. If it was the Xonar you would be able to reproduce the issue. Tricky one.

[ROBSCIX]

if it were me I would test the soundcard in another system just to isolate the issue another step down, then you could be certain...could always be the card still but I think your right..

[Donnie27]

LoL. I know, I was merely tooting my own horn. :lol2::p:

Hehehe! :up:

[Donnie27]

Unfortunately we ARE running the same BIOS too. Hence my conclusion on the issue. The only difference is the vga's, and while this might be part of the problem, I ahvea ahrd time beleiving such, based on the symptoms. There's a fault on his board, picked up by the soundcard, IMHO. Could be psu having dirty power, but this is not likely, unless he's at the point of overloading the PSU. MIght be EMF on the line...but htat would not expalin the PCI-E issues he's having...this problem is PCI-E issue on the board, IMHO.

I think it's the board too and lowering the PCI-E is just a hint! It is something new in his BIOS that the other boards likes don't have or is not set correctly. It's something I'd need a hands on and go setting by setting in the BIOS.

I never Had EMF interfere with digital transmissions, not saying impossible but hey. I just finished repairing a Reel to Reel and it is sitting right next to my receiver with Zero audible noise and of course no distortion LOL!

http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/2/5122540028.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic/7718643)

Still need to tuck the wires away.;)

[binormalkilla]

Ok I tried a fresh install of VIsta x64.....distortion.
I tried uninstalling my Combined COmmunity Codec Pack and Ageia drivers (installed by games even though I have no PPU....)......same result
I have also tested the card on the other PCI_E x1 slot and got distortion.
I have a powerful PSU (Silverstone DA850 70A +12V) so I doubt overloading is an issue....I checked the floppy connection with a DMM and it seemed close to nominal values......
I've tested a 2400 Pro, so it's not the graphics cards.
I don't think it's a slot issue, as I've tested on different slots......however it could still be a chipset issue.............however then why doesn't it affect my PCI-Ex1 SOundmax II card?
http://www.bjorn3d.com/Material/revimages/motherboards/asus_maximus_formula/38.jpg

I would love to get this card working......but I'm seriously about to go postal.....I mean I've wasted an insane amount of time troubleshooting this card. I've spent more time than ANY other PC part (including motherboards) hands down.
ASUS isn't going to give me my money back (doubt it) and I don't think I'll get the RMA approved (from alwayslowest.com), as I ordered this card on Dec. 18

Another thing worth mentioning is that this card will still lock up my PC sometimes, then reboot andPOST with my blue screen.....even without the bus OCed.

IMO there is still something going on with the chipset, and it's somehow manifesting itself with my PCI-E slots.

[ROBSCIX]

@binormalkilla, The next step in my opinion would be to isolate the issue further. Can you possibly try the card in another system?
The fact that Cadaveca is using the exact same mobo, bios and soundcard as you helps us. -Then as was suggested you have tried two of these cards. Which pretty much says it is not the card but the mobo.
Definitely a tricky one..

[binormalkilla]

Yea I've tried it in another system and it works from IIRC.........no distortion or anything.

The only reason I have the codec pack is for video and ogg vorbis support......I need the Matroka H264 codec for HD content.

The only way I will RMA my mobo is if ASUS will do an advanced RMA (ship me one, charge my CC, then credit me when they receive the old one)

I've tried the difference frequency modes of the card, but I don't know where to change from 16/24 bit.......if you could direct me that would help.

I also tried installing the driver only using device manager and direct it to the folder with the driver....

[Donnie27]

Originally Posted by Scooby
This might have been mentioned already but, have you tested the card on another computer?

Yep. Works fine on an old Intel 945G board with Vista x86 and XP x86.

I've also tried running it with Vista x86, and I tried disabling the card in the BIOS, as well as enabled/AC97, enabled/HD Audio (this board has one onboard AC97 chip, as well as the PCI-E x1 card I assume)

So we know it works on other PC's so it is not broken. I'd still think it this is BIOS related. Check everything having to do with the PCI and PCI-E, it MIGHT not be there but also look for APIC, not to be confused with APM. Are you getting 24 IRQ's or 16? How much voltage is the Chipset getting, is IRQ distribution done manually or set to Auto? What's disabled so you can overclock better and compare notes with cadaveca on what settings he's using with success?

[ROBSCIX]

Yea I've tried it in another system and it works from IIRC.........no distortion or anything.

The only reason I have the codec pack is for video and ogg vorbis support......I need the Matroka H264 codec for HD content.

The only way I will RMA my mobo is if ASUS will do an advanced RMA (ship me one, charge my CC, then credit me when they receive the old one)

I've tried the difference frequency modes of the card, but I don't know where to change from 16/24 bit.......if you could direct me that would help.

I also tried installing the driver only using device manager and direct it to the folder with the driver....

I didn't think it was the card anyway as I said. I go through a check list when troubleshooting it is how I was trained to do it. It seems as was stated in the beginning it is the mobo. Bad filters..etc..whatever it is. The fact that another is basically using the same rig as you..helps alot.

[Donnie27]

You can adjust these settings in teh Vista Sound CP...right-click the speaker icon in taskbar, and select "playback devices". Whether you are using the digital conenction or not, you'll change this setting in the "Speaker" listing associated with the DX2.

:up:

In regards to Donnie's post, bios ettings that are not "normal", I have ACPI 2.0 and "plug and play os" enabled in bios. Otherwise, there is nothing in bios that will affect this card, that users can change.

Yepp. Is the Default APIC setting enabled or disabled . Meaning are the Numer IRQ's set to 16 or 24? If it's set to disabled = 16 you're screwed. Most BOIS' have this set to Enabled so it might be moot.

[binormalkilla]

Originally Posted by Scooby
This might have been mentioned already but, have you tested the card on another computer?



So we know it works on other PC's so it is not broken. I'd still think it this is BIOS related. Check everything having to do with the PCI and PCI-E, it MIGHT not be there but also look for APIC, not to be confused with APM. Are you getting 24 IRQ's or 16? How much voltage is the Chipset getting, is IRQ distribution done manually or set to Auto? What's disabled so you can overclock better and compare notes with cadaveca on what settings he's using with success?

I typically disable spectrum spreading when I'm OCing on any board, and I tried enabling both PCI-E and CPU spectrum spreading to test this.

I have a LOT of NBV going through the chipset (1.63V IIRC) so I guess I can test that lower to see if it's mucking up the PCI-E bus.

As far as IRQs go......give me a sec to check.....I'm at work, but I think I saved an everest system report in my gmail....

Well that report doesn't have IRQ. I'm going to check when I get off work. I'm the meantime, here is the Everest report......



--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Computer Type ACPI x64-based PC
Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
OS Service Pack -
Internet Explorer 7.0.6000.16575
DirectX DirectX 10.0
Computer Name L33-PC (PWNzershrek)
User Name L33
Logon Domain L33-PC
Date / Time 2008-02-07 / 22:59

Motherboard:
CPU Type QuadCore Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 3800 MHz (8 x 475)
Motherboard Name Asus Maximus Formula (2 PCI, 3 PCI-E x1, 2 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Dual Gigabit LAN, IEEE-1394)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Beachwood X38
System Memory 4096 MB (DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM)
BIOS Type AMI (12/14/07)

Display:
Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT (1024 MB)
Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT (1024 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT (R600)
Monitor Westinghouse LVM-37w3 [37" LCD]

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Analog Devices AD1988B @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
Audio Adapter ATI HD 2xxx HDMI @ ATI Radeon HD 2900 - High Definition Audio Controller
Audio Adapter ATI HD 2xxx HDMI @ ATI Radeon HD 2900 - High Definition Audio Controller

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(R) ICH9 SATA AHCI Controller
Storage Controller Microsoft iSCSI Initiator
Storage Controller Silicon Image SiI 3132 SATALink Controller
Disk Drive Creative MuVo USB2.0 USB Device (117 MB, USB)
Disk Drive WDC WD5000AAKS-00YGA0 (465 GB, IDE)
Disk Drive WDC WD5000AAKS-22TMA0 (465 GB, IDE)
Optical Drive ASUS DRW-2014L1T (DVD+R9:8x, DVD-R9:8x, DVD+RW:20x/8x, DVD-RW:20x/6x, DVD-RAM:14x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:48x/32x/48x DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 476937 MB (338024 MB free)
D: (NTFS) 476937 MB (231390 MB free)
Total Size 931.5 GB (556.1 GB free)

Input:
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
Game Controller Microsoft PC-joystick driver

Network:
Primary IP Address 192.168.0.100
Primary MAC Address 00-1D-60-D6-75-F4
Network Adapter Marvell Yukon 88E8056 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (192.168.0.100)

Peripherals:
USB1 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB Universal Host Controller
USB1 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB Universal Host Controller
USB1 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB Universal Host Controller
USB1 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB Universal Host Controller
USB1 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB Universal Host Controller
USB1 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB Universal Host Controller
USB2 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB2 Enhanced Host Controller
USB2 Controller Intel 82801IB ICH9 - USB2 Enhanced Host Controller
USB Device Generic USB Hub
USB Device Logitech Extreme 3D Pro USB
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Mass Storage Device

DMI:
DMI BIOS Vendor American Megatrends Inc.
DMI BIOS Version 0907
DMI System Manufacturer System manufacturer
DMI System Product Maximus Formula
DMI System Version System Version
DMI System Serial Number System Serial Number
DMI System UUID 600E0011-D800018D-501F001D-60D675F4
DMI Motherboard Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC.
DMI Motherboard Product Maximus Formula
DMI Motherboard Version Rev 1.xx
DMI Motherboard Serial Number MS1C7AB76H01884
DMI Chassis Manufacturer Chassis Manufacture
DMI Chassis Version Chassis Version
DMI Chassis Serial Number Chassis Serial Number
DMI Chassis Asset Tag Asset-1234567890
DMI Chassis Type Desktop Case
DMI Total / Free Memory Sockets 4 / 2

[Donnie27]

I typically disable spectrum spreading when I'm OCing on any board, and I tried enabling both PCI-E and CPU spectrum spreading to test this.

I have a LOT of NBV going through the chipset (1.63V IIRC) so I guess I can test that lower to see if it's mucking up the PCI-E bus.

As far as IRQs go......give me a sec to check.....I'm at work, but I think I saved an everest system report in my gmail....

Cool, I'm finishing up my Side Speakers after I get home late to day. I'll try to get back later to see your results. If you see IRQ numbers higher than 16, then APIC is enabled.

[binormalkilla]

Oh how I miss my X-Fi Xtreme Gamer...........

[ROBSCIX]

Oh how I miss my X-Fi Xtreme Gamer...........


Although you can't return it to a store you said, You should be able to sell it for very close to what you paid for it. Sell it off and try something else...:yepp:

[binormalkilla]

That's about the point I'm at......however my selection is very limited. I really need a PCI-E x1 card, or at least a card that has a VERY small profile (capacitors, heatsink, etc.) as my only PCI slot is the one right next to the PCI-E X16.....which is occupied by my 2900xt. I don't really understand why they design boards like this, when you can't even use the PCI slot if there is a card in the adjacent slot :rolleyes:

[ROBSCIX]

That's about the point I'm at......however my selection is very limited. I really need a PCI-E x1 card, or at least a card that has a VERY small profile (capacitors, heatsink, etc.) as my only PCI slot is the one right next to the PCI-E X16.....which is occupied by my 2900xt. I don't really understand why they design boards like this, when you can't even use the PCI slot if there is a card in the adjacent slot :rolleyes:

X-Gamers are pretty small -half height and you mentioned you used that one before. Maybe that might be the best card for you, given your space limitation. To note you may have issue with ANY soundcard you put in there as it may just show the same trouble..which is problem with the MOBO itself. Bad cap or filter circuits..etc...whatever the case may be. May work out fine for you with a new card...at this point it is hard to say what the actual cause is. Hope this helps.

[Donnie27]

That's about the point I'm at......however my selection is very limited. I really need a PCI-E x1 card, or at least a card that has a VERY small profile (capacitors, heatsink, etc.) as my only PCI slot is the one right next to the PCI-E X16.....which is occupied by my 2900xt. I don't really understand why they design boards like this, when you can't even use the PCI slot if there is a card in the adjacent slot :rolleyes:

Yes, that does suck!

[binormalkilla]

Well I've been running the X-FI XtremeGamer (non-fatality flavor) for months before I set up my WC loop. This made the space cramped between the cards, so the PCI slot wouldn't fit with the tall caps and the tall memory heatsinks on the back of my cards......so now I'm going to measure my clearance with the heatsinks completely removed and see what happens. I have fans over them so it should be ok until I can dremel the columns off the memory sinks....

These heatsinks are 14mm tall, so I need enough room to clear the caps and the small heatsink at the bottom of the card.

I'm looking at the Auzentech Prelude, as I had it has excellent sound quality, and the caps are really short compared to the Creative cards.


If I could just find some dimensions on the card.........I mean I can get my measurements when I get home from work to find my clearance room......I'm sure it will fit with the heatsinks completely gone though. I really doubt my memory chips will get THAT hot considering that I don't OC/Overvolt them, and I have a 120mm fan blowing at the front of the cards....
I replaced the tall 14mm Swiftech ramsinks with Enzotech short ones.....almost half the height. I may be able to just mod them though......well see for yourself. Space is tight!

http://aycu03.webshots.com/image/44562/2003591753996439945_rs.jpg

[ROBSCIX]

Yes, tight fit. The Prelude uses solid caps, not sure how they compare to others as I don't have any card to compare with right in front of me. The card is normal size though and I am unsure if you would have room to put it in that case. Maybe. If you bought a new card from a local shop and it didn't fit you could always just return it. I think if you removed the heatsinks you would have adequate clearance for most PCI soundcards, no matter which one you choose. I am looking at the exposed PCI slot in the picture.
Do you still have the X-Gamer around to get you some sound for now without resorting to onboard? Have you considered a external solution? Maybe what you need if you can find one with the features you require.

[binormalkilla]

All right well I went to the mall after work and bought the X-Fi Fatality XtremeGamer (lol the red F LED is lame), and removed the heatsinks from the topside of the PCB. It fits fine, and I'm going to try swapping the enzotech low profile sinks with the bottom card to see if it fits.
I guess I'll just sell the card if this works.....it should though. I've run the Xtreme Gamer in this slot IIRC.

[Donnie27]

All right well I went to the mall after work and bought the X-Fi Fatality XtremeGamer (lol the red F LED is lame), and removed the heatsinks from the topside of the PCB. It fits fine, and I'm going to try swapping the enzotech low profile sinks with the bottom card to see if it fits.
I guess I'll just sell the card if this works.....it should though. I've run the Xtreme Gamer in this slot IIRC.

Good luck with the Xtreme Gamer. Here's a side by side.

http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/2/5221263242.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic/7723147)

The Prelude is the same size as the Xtreme Music and Fatality X-Fi's as seen here.

[binormalkilla]

XtremeGamer installed, sounds great, with no problems (other than Creative's poorly linked website.......)
Well I'm selling the Xonar.......huge thanks to all the input.

How about the SPD/IF support for this card? Do I just need a TOS link cable with the adapter? I saw a break out box adapter for the platinum....surely I don't need that, right?

Aw MAN I forgot how good the X-Fi sounds :D

[Donnie27]

XtremeGamer installed, sounds great, with no problems (other than Creative's poorly linked website.......)
Well I'm selling the Xonar.......huge thanks to all the input.

How about the SPD/IF support for this card? Do I just need a TOS link cable with the adapter? I saw a break out box adapter for the platinum....surely I don't need that, right?

Aw MAN I forgot how good the X-Fi sounds :D

Congrats:) I miss my Junk Player as Robs calls it LOL! I miss the Batch coverter and Wave studio as well. Oh well. Yeah, optical cable.

[ROBSCIX]

XtremeGamer installed, sounds great, with no problems (other than Creative's poorly linked website.......)
Well I'm selling the Xonar.......huge thanks to all the input.

How about the SPD/IF support for this card? Do I just need a TOS link cable with the adapter? I saw a break out box adapter for the platinum....surely I don't need that, right?

Aw MAN I forgot how good the X-Fi sounds :D


Good to hear you have working sound. Enjoy your soundcard.

[JoeBar]

Aw MAN I forgot how good the X-Fi sounds :D
Compared to Xonar and in what? Movies, games, music?

[Donnie27]

Compared to Xonar and in what? Movies, games, music?

HEHEHE, Compared to it working in his rig and Xonar not working.

[binormalkilla]

HEHEHE, Compared to it working in his rig and Xonar not working.

Yep :rofl: I missed the crisp highs mainly......that and the amazing positional audio in games.
Well I went ahead and ordered the Auzentech Prelude, so when it arrives I'm going to take the XtremeGamer Fatality back to Circuit City..........BTW if anyone is interested I'm selling the Xonar for $160 (http://www.overclock.net/sale/298037-sale-brand-new-xonar-d2x.html)

[Donnie27]

Yep :rofl: I missed the crisp highs mainly......that and the amazing positional audio in games.
Well I went ahead and ordered the Auzentech Prelude, so when it arrives I'm going to take the XtremeGamer Fatality back to Circuit City..........BTW if anyone is interested I'm selling the Xonar for $160 (http://www.overclock.net/sale/298037-sale-brand-new-xonar-d2x.html)

Yeah I was at the former CompUSA yesterday and saw a Fatality for about $60 but I bought a 650 Antec for $34.95 after taxes. Too bad they had only one.

[binormalkilla]

Huh? you never had the card working, how would ya know?:rofl:


:rolleyes:

Xonar seem to need 7.1 to get decent positioning, in comparison to X-FI, but it ain't so bad...keep in mind, X-FI is th gamer card, Xonar is not.

I was actually talking about the X-Fi......I only got distortion out of the Xonar.

In retrospect I'm happy that I went back to the X-Fi, as I'm a huge gamer. The Xonar has better sound quality from what I've read......but not by much.

Yeah I was at the former CompUSA yesterday and saw a Fatality for about $60 but I bought a 650 Antec for $34.95 after taxes. Too bad they had only one.

Hey that's cool.....I miss living in Little Rock.....we don't have ANYTHING up here in Jonesboro:shakes:

[Donnie27]

I was actually talking about the X-Fi......I only got distortion out of the Xonar.

In retrospect I'm happy that I went back to the X-Fi, as I'm a huge gamer. The Xonar has better sound quality from what I've read......but not by much.

Hey that's cool.....I miss living in Little Rock.....we don't have ANYTHING up here in Jonesboro:shakes:

Yea, sad. I miss the original Computer City. It was like having Newegg or etc... right in town. Again, the Xonar is more of a Home Theater PC Card, not really meant for Games per say.

My Prelude might end up in my HTPC. Too bad Auzen didn't use the Creative I/O drive. Since I don't have a Mixer like Audio Guy, erum Rob using the receiver kind of sucks.

You'd also think that as stripped down and bare as the drivers and apps, the software would run faster. Oh my system, it doesn't.

[Donnie27]

Yeah, I was just yankin your chain a bit there, no harm intended. If you game lots, I'm hard-pressed to recommend the Xonar. X-FI gaming is really nice, even in stereo...

Meanwhile Xonar...yeah, it's nice, wrapped up in metal like a high-end amp...but it has a few holes in the rear soundstage that really bother me a bit. I'm picky tho...

But, if ATi gets 4-card crossfire working well...I'll be building another gaming rig, and it'll get a Prelude, with OPA627's(my favorites).


:up:

My Prelude just got moved to my #2 computer. Not a demotion but that made it more integrated with the Receiver. Analog in straight in and out, Digital in and out. And now the Reel to Reel has shorter RCA cable in as well. Worked better than I thought. I'll count my blessings for being able to have more than one computer.

The bad news is I messed up the cable from my Card to the I/O drive and must get another.

[ROBSCIX]

Yeah, I was just yankin your chain a bit there, no harm intended. If you game lots, I'm hard-pressed to recommend the Xonar. X-FI gaming is really nice, even in stereo...

Meanwhile Xonar...yeah, it's nice, wrapped up in metal like a high-end amp...but it has a few holes in the rear soundstage that really bother me a bit. I'm picky tho...

But, if ATi gets 4-card crossfire working well...I'll be building another gaming rig, and it'll get a Prelude, with OPA627's(my favorites).


:up:


You Like the OPA627's? They have a nice high quality sound to them, very clear. Have you tested the OPA637's? They seem to have a great high end response and extension. I like the 627's also, I would use either one...:yepp:

[ROBSCIX]

I should have added, they are more to my personal taste but when I snap in the 627's I am amazed at the sound they put out also. The OPA6XX series are nice quality units.

[ROBSCIX]

The T099 modules are designed for extremely tight tolerances. I am may get some of those just to play with and test. The Prelude can accept any of the listed OPA's as the gain seems very high in that design. The X-Meridian on the other hand would most likely have more trouble with the higher tolerance, increased gain units....noise, ringing, oscillations. etc...maybe I will swap out my 637 for my 627 and do some more listening. I like both as I said but I like the "air" and openness in the high end.

[ROBSCIX]

Well the To-99 packages can take alot of trashing as they are really the best the company has to offer. These are usually used for medical, military use etc.
I was actually a bit disappointed the Xonar didn't feature replaceable opamps. It would have put the finishing touch on that card. The opamps use on the rear side channel may be the reason you don't like the soundstage back there. I find the 45XX series to have small limited soundstage that is glossy and not well defined at all. -to me anyway.
As for gaming on the X-fi vs. Xonar, have you heard of the VelBac software application we developed?

[ROBSCIX]

Sure. I edited the post after you responded, have you heard of Velbac? -I am pretty sure we discussed it before but I talk with many,many people. You prefer the DTS output on the Xonar with your gear right?

[ROBSCIX]

We are out of sync...LOL, I doing too many things at once. You said you may be moving to the Prelude the DTS driver is said to be released in April just to note as you said you prefer to go with your 627's. Don't blame you on that one.

[ROBSCIX]

The Prelude will be able to encode audio to DTS for streaming to another device. Unfortunately it cannot decode DDL or DTS on it's digital input if that is what you mean.
You want to have a recording system, Gaming system..etc. Good idea.
Like you, I record all the time so I am working on outfitting my system for recording.

[binormalkilla]

Yeah, I was just yankin your chain a bit there, no harm intended. If you game lots, I'm hard-pressed to recommend the Xonar. X-FI gaming is really nice, even in stereo...

Meanwhile Xonar...yeah, it's nice, wrapped up in metal like a high-end amp...but it has a few holes in the rear soundstage that really bother me a bit. I'm picky tho...

But, if ATi gets 4-card crossfire working well...I'll be building another gaming rig, and it'll get a Prelude, with OPA627's(my favorites).


:up:

So the OPA627 is a good op-amp, huh? Would I even notice a difference with Z5500s?

heh...in a whole differnt rig, just for gaming. The pc the Xonar is in is multi-purpose ATM, and it just doesn't suit me quite right...I am finding specialized esign for specific tasks more appealing.

Will be hardware encoding, or just decode? If encoding, it might just make the Prelude a better prospect for all-around-goodness...

And I'll wait a few months before going that route...I'm not doing the "spend now, regret later" thing any more...I've got alot of hardware here collecting dust just because of that.:lol2:

Yea me too.....and the Xonar is no exception!

[ROBSCIX]

I second that, you will notice the difference. Don't use digital with that card and those speaker as it will be a downgrade in sound quality. The Prelude has better DAC units then the speakers, so let it do the D to A conversion.

[binormalkilla]

I second that, you will notice the difference. Don't use digital with that card and those speaker as it will be a downgrade in sound quality. The Prelude has better DAC units then the speakers, so let it do the D to A conversion.

Wait........so I should use a direct line connection for analog from sound card to the speaker decoder/receiver instead of the digital coaxial line?
I just got back from Radio SHack, where I bought a coax audio cable :rofl:


So......where's a good place to order a few OP amps? I see that they have them at Burr-Brown for $13.90.

[ROBSCIX]

Try both, you will get better sound using straight analog with a Prelude using those speakers.

[Donnie27]

heh...in a whole differnt rig, just for gaming. The pc the Xonar is in is multi-purpose ATM, and it just doesn't suit me quite right...I am finding specialized esign for specific tasks more appealing.

Will be hardware encoding, or just decode? If encoding, it might just make the Prelude a better prospect for all-around-goodness...

And I'll wait a few months before going that route...I'm not doing the "spend now, regret later" thing any more...I've got alot of hardware here collecting dust just because of that.:lol2:

Same thing I'm doing, see post #101?

[binormalkilla]

Try both, you will get better sound using straight analog with a Prelude using those speakers.

Will do :up: It arrives today :D

[ROBSCIX]

Wait........so I should use a direct line connection for analog from sound card to the speaker decoder/receiver instead of the digital coaxial line?
I just got back from Radio SHack, where I bought a coax audio cable :rofl:


So......where's a good place to order a few OP amps? I see that they have them at Burr-Brown for $13.90.

Do you have any idea of what ones your interested in? There are many different grades and each one has it's own unique sound signature. Everybody will have their favorite units. I have quite a collection now. Careful, you might get bit by the opamp bug... You think your just gonna buy one and the next thing you know you have 20 different models..:yepp:
Edit
Your Prelude is coming today? Good stuff. Hope everything works out for you. Post back and let us know how it goes...

[binormalkilla]

Do you have any idea of what ones your interested in? There are many different grades and each one has it's own unique sound signature. Everybody will have their favorite units. I have quite a collection now. Careful, you might get bit by the opamp bug... You think your just gonna buy one and the next thing you know you have 20 different models..:yepp:
Edit
Your Prelude is coming today? Good stuff. Hope everything works out for you. Post back and let us know how it goes...

Yea I'll let you know. I have NO IDEA what opamp I want, but as far as sound quality goes, I like crisp/sharp highs with punchy (definitely not loud boomy)
bass.
I use this PC for gaming, DVD/HD movie playback, music....you name it. I won't do any recording.......

I'm going to reinstall Vista x64 tonight.......the Xonar put the hurt on my file system with all the crashing/rebooting, driver reinstallation, etc. :rofl:

[ROBSCIX]

Yea I'll let you know. I have NO IDEA what opamp I want, but as far as sound quality goes, I like crisp/sharp highs with punchy (definitely not loud boomy)
bass.
I use this PC for gaming, DVD/HD movie playback, music....you name it. I won't do any recording.......

I'm going to reinstall Vista x64 tonight.......the Xonar put the hurt on my file system with all the crashing/rebooting, driver reinstallation, etc. :rofl:

Well test the card out first and see how the stock sound is for you. Auzen says the card tend to "burn-in" -the caps etc tend change and settle after awhile. The sound changes somewhat from 1st day to week or two later. The LM4562's may be great match for you. You might also want to try something else. Enjoy your new Prelude:up:

[binormalkilla]

Well I have it installed, along with a fresh copy of Vista x64. I can't select 6 channel speakers in the Creative console (using the latest drivers from Auzen's site), and since I rebooted after the ATI driver install my rear speakers don't work. I have the black in the rear port......
I was getting test tones in the control panel\sound\speakers\config wizard, and when I tested the rear I got tones in the front too.....now I get nothing for the rear.
Weird.

EDIT:

So........now I checked it in the console launcher and it's magically 5.1 :shrug: Still no sound from the rear. Time for a reboot I think!
Anyone know how to disable this annoying flashing light?

[ROBSCIX]

With Vista, you need to make sure the VISTA audio control panel is configured for the speaker setup your using or you won't have all your speaker options in the card drivers.
As for rear channel, if your just playingMP3 etc, then you won't have rear channel unless you put on CMSS3D to upmix the audio. Movies with surround and games(w/5.1) will give full surround.

[Donnie27]

Well I have it installed, along with a fresh copy of Vista x64. I can't select 6 channel speakers in the Creative console (using the latest drivers from Auzen's site), and since I rebooted after the ATI driver install my rear speakers don't work. I have the black in the rear port......
I was getting test tones in the control panel\sound\speakers\config wizard, and when I tested the rear I got tones in the front too.....now I get nothing for the rear.
Weird.

EDIT:

So........now I checked it in the console launcher and it's magically 5.1 :shrug: Still no sound from the rear. Time for a reboot I think!
Anyone know how to disable this annoying flashing light?

ATI is trying to install it's Audio support for a feature they don't have yet, namely HDMI on the Video Card. Look in your sound system link in the Device Manager? These uninstalled *my ASIO drivers in WinXP:down:

No the light is there to stay for most of us LOL!

Tip:
A Very common problem. When you perform the speaker tests MAKE SURE you DISABLE CMSS 3D. It messes up not only the tests but any true 5.1 sound being played through 5.1 speakers. I've seen folks go buy new cables and a bunch of other un-necessary stuff. Vista wants to make sure its DRM is working will cause other problems as well.

[binormalkilla]

Yea I set my speakers up in the Vista control panel, but only after I installed the drivers (I don't think you can before....)
I disabled the two HD audio devices besides the Auzen in device manager....I guess these were the onboard audio devices for my 2900XTs.
It seems that the console launcher isn't keeping my settings after a reboot either.....
Can I use the Creative driver? Because that worked like a charm with the Fatality card......

Ok I uninstalled everything, then ran CCLeaner to remove registry entries, then installed the driver only. I set my speakers up in the Control Panel\Sound\speakers section, and ran the speaker test. I get tones on all channels, but the rear channel tests are coming from the front sides. I get tones on the front sides when they're supposed to as well......
This is the latest driver from Auzen's website (Feb. release)
EDIT:
Tried reinstalling again with the same results......however everything works correctly with the TOSLink connection.......:shrug:
Also, CMSS3d is disabled.

[ROBSCIX]

Check your connections. Make sure your rears are connected to the REAR outs and not the back surround outs. This maybe be your trouble. This was a common setup issue with the X-Meridians, Peoples would connect the rears speakers to the back surround outputs and these only work in 7.1 mode. So in 5.1 mode your actually connecting your REAR channels to the cards side outputs...if that make sense...
From what you have said thought I think this is your trouble.

[binormalkilla]

Check your connections. Make sure your rears are connected to the REAR outs and not the back surround outs. This maybe be your trouble. This was a common setup issue with the X-Meridians, Peoples would connect the rears speakers to the back surround outputs and these only work in 7.1 mode. So in 5.1 mode your actually connecting your REAR channels to the cards side outputs...if that make sense...
From what you have said thought I think this is your trouble.

LOL yea that was it. I just figured it out.....:rofl: Trial and error FTW! Thanks for the help though!

Now to playing with my new card:banana3:

[ROBSCIX]

Glad I could help as I figured that was the trouble, well it isn't really trouble just oversight. It is a common thing when people setup Auzentech cards. Enjoy your new Prelude.

[Donnie27]

LOL yea that was it. I just figured it out.....:rofl: Trial and error FTW! Thanks for the help though!

Now to playing with my new card:banana3:

Yup, same advice I gave to Soulburner:)

[ROBSCIX]

LOL yea that was it. I just figured it out.....:rofl: Trial and error FTW! Thanks for the help though!

Now to playing with my new card:banana3:

How do you find the LM4562? -Front channels, headphones..
As I mentioned, the cards sonic signature will change over a week or two as the caps "burn-in"...:yepp: I think it should be a good match for you consider what you said you were looking for in a Opamp.:up:

[binormalkilla]

How do you find the LM4562? -Front channels, headphones..
As I mentioned, the cards sonic signature will change over a week or two as the caps "burn-in"...:yepp: I think it should be a good match for you consider what you said you were looking for in a Opamp.:up:

I think the sound quality is excellent. I'm going to definitely wait until they burn in.

The thing that's annoying is that I don't get the rear channels unless I put my Z5500s on ProLogic II effect mode........6CH doesn't work. It's just like it was earlier :shakes:
What's up with the drivers for this card? It seems like they're way more buggy......it just resets my console launcher settings......like I noticed that CMSS3D was enabled, and Crystallizer was disabled.
I mean.....check this out.....
http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/45011/2001985314662218239_rs.jpg


So after this I went into the Vista speaker config and selected the test for 7.1, then went back to 5.1.............and it works now. WTF....................changed the 2.1 to 5.1 in the Auzentech audio console as well......

[ROBSCIX]

I am pretty sure that you should use "Direct" setting on the Z's. -If CMSS3D is on then your card should upmix music, etc. fine unless you have something set wrong. Make sure you speaker are set for "small" in the audio control panel. You also need to have Bass redirection on. This should help also. I don't own the Z-5500's and have never set them up so I am just trying to consider what you would need to do and what I know others have done to get them to function right. Good Luck.

[binormalkilla]

Thanks. It's really strange how it's resetting my settings and such.....however this card does have some excellent sound quality.


Where is the setting for "small" in the control panel? Are you referring to the console launcher, Auzentech audio console, or Vista control panel\sound?

[ROBSCIX]

Thanks. It's really strange how it's resetting my settings and such.....however this card does have some excellent sound quality.


Where is the setting for "small" in the control panel? Are you referring to the console launcher, Auzentech audio console, or Vista control panel\sound?

When you set up the card in the Vista Audio control panel. There is setting for what type of speakers your using small or full range. I am using XP right now so I can't walk you right to it...if you can't find it I will load up Vista and direct you to the settings.

[ROBSCIX]

There you go. If you have anymore setup issues. Let us know...

[binormalkilla]

Thanks :thumb: I'll check it out when I get home from work. I normally go through Control Panel, then sound, then right click on speakers, then configure.......but apparently this is different because I've never seen this configuration. I only have the options of your typical setups: 2CH, quadraphonic, 5.1, and 7.1.

[ROBSCIX]

Those settings are rather important if your using smaller speakers. Enjoy your Prelude.

[binormalkilla]

Those settings are rather important if your using smaller speakers. Enjoy your Prelude.

Yea hopefully I'll get it sorted out when I get home. I haven't really messed with them other than selecting 5.1 when I had my other X-Fis.

[binormalkilla]

Ok I see what you mean now. That's vastly different than what I did with the Creative X-Fi, but I guess the difference is that it didn't support 7.1, huh? Anyhow, looks like it's working fine now. Hopefully that was the issue.

[ROBSCIX]

Glad I could help. Enjoy your card.

[binormalkilla]

I am man....this card has excellent sound quality. I've sold the Xonar to a guy in Austria too :rofl:
I took quite a hit on the price, but that's to be expected.
Thanks for the input everone!

[Donnie27]

I integrated my Prelude into computer number 2 to my Receiver. It's there mainly for Music Recording and it's sweet front analog channel for Music. I'm transferring music from my Reel to Reel that's about 25 years old. It's going great because I can record large blocks edit, erase left overs and then do another block.

I'm sorry guys, beside a better sound stage (by better, I mean wider and a little more defined) I'm just not hearing this Day and Night Profound difference.
In fact, one of my Local Auzen Fanboy buds thought I still had it installed in my main rig. I didn't like NOT having all of the missing stuff like the THX console and I'm still using XP. No Calibration settings. I don't agree with folks talking about not needing it:( My Prelude is a Keeper.

[ROBSCIX]

I am man....this card has excellent sound quality. I've sold the Xonar to a guy in Austria too :rofl:
I took quite a hit on the price, but that's to be expected.
Thanks for the input everone!

I figured you would get close to what you paid seeing how they are still fairly new cards. Good to hear you have things working the way you want. Enjoy your new card.:up:

[binormalkilla]

Well the wonderful control panel has decided to reset it's settings sometime tonight.....I was watching some TV and switched over to my DVI input (PC shares my 37" HDTV with my DVR) and I went to play an album with Foobar......what do you know? THe rear channels are disabled.....

I go to check the audio console, and sure enough I have 2.1, CMSS3D enabled, and crystallizer disabled.

:shakes: THis is getting a bit annoying.

Any of you guys put EMI paper on this card? I've heard that the EMI shield on the Xonar helps quite a bit....
I'm going to have to dremel one of my BGA RAMsinks down in the corner, as it's making contact with the large capacitor on the right side of the card. I bet that could contribute to interference...

[ROBSCIX]

Any shielding medium can be very useful. Some people have mixed results with this depending on how they do it. I have experimented with it but removed it awhile ago as I am changing opamps so much it just gets in the way for me until I decide.

[ROBSCIX]

To you current Xonar owners and future Xonar owners. The released of the New GX 2.0 drivers adds compatibility for EAX 5.0!! I haven't tested them but the info is out there to confirm and they are available for download for the Original D2 and new D2X PCI-E Xonar. If any of you guys tested them please post your results for the other owners.

[cadaveca]

new drivers are not stable in Vista for digital encode, digital passthrough via PCM for DVD. positioning for 3d backwards for digital encoding. I'd suggest not using them.

[ROBSCIX]

I figured they would be very new and have issues...such is drivers.

[Donnie27]

Well the wonderful control panel has decided to reset it's settings sometime tonight.....I was watching some TV and switched over to my DVI input (PC shares my 37" HDTV with my DVR) and I went to play an album with Foobar......what do you know? THe rear channels are disabled.....

I go to check the audio console, and sure enough I have 2.1, CMSS3D enabled, and crystallizer disabled.

:shakes: THis is getting a bit annoying.

Any of you guys put EMI paper on this card? I've heard that the EMI shield on the Xonar helps quite a bit....
I'm going to have to dremel one of my BGA RAMsinks down in the corner, as it's making contact with the large capacitor on the right side of the card. I bet that could contribute to interference...


Kind of makes you wonder why some folks complain about Creative's Drivers uh?

[binormalkilla]

Kind of makes you wonder why some folks complain about Creative's Drivers uh?

I know right? The ONLY problem I've ever had with an X-Fi driver was with the occasional static when using 4Gb RAM bug in Vista x64. THis was solved by a quick reboot....I only experienced this once!

THe driver seems to be behaving now. I think it may have been because I killed the creative processes before running some benches and installing drivers for other devices, however I dunno.

It seems that I must select a Dolby PLII effect in my Z5500 decoder box in order to hear all of the channels on (some?) games. This makes the sound quality a little off for music.
As much as I know about PC hardware, I'll be the first to admit that I know little about sound hardware.......:rofl:

[Donnie27]

I know right? The ONLY problem I've ever had with an X-Fi driver was with the occasional static when using 4Gb RAM bug in Vista x64. THis was solved by a quick reboot....I only experienced this once!

THe driver seems to be behaving now. I think it may have been because I killed the creative processes before running some benches and installing drivers for other devices, however I dunno.

It seems that I must select a Dolby PLII effect in my Z5500 decoder box in order to hear all of the channels on (some?) games. This makes the sound quality a little off for music.
As much as I know about PC hardware, I'll be the first to admit that I know little about sound hardware.......:rofl:

Yes you have to select some kind of Matrix type mode to spread sounds to the rear speakers. My buds and I are split 70/30 with Stereo vs. surround respectly. I prefer it in Stereo. There are exceptions, DVD and DTS Discs.

[ROBSCIX]

It seems that I must select a Dolby PLII effect in my Z5500 decoder box in order to hear all of the channels on (some?) games. This makes the sound quality a little off for music.
As much as I know about PC hardware, I'll be the first to admit that I know little about sound hardware.......:rofl:

You shouldn't need PLII for games if they are 5.1 games. PLII, is upmix technology for upmixing 2.0 to 5.1..etc. Check over your settings and do some more tests as I think something is still not right. You should not need PLIIX upmixing for modern games. what happens when you play a DVD with 5.1 sound track? I know but just to verify, you are in analog mode correct, have you tried the direct mode setting? -I am trying to remember the settings for those speakers.

[binormalkilla]

You shouldn't need PLII for games if they are 5.1 games. PLII, is upmix technology for upmixing 2.0 to 5.1..etc. Check over your settings and do some more tests as I think something is still not right. You should not need PLIIX upmixing for modern games. what happens when you play a DVD with 5.1 sound track? I know but just to verify, you are in analog mode correct, have you tried the direct mode setting? -I am trying to remember the settings for those speakers.

I am connected physically using analog mode, and I normally have it set to 6 ch direct, which is essentially analog mode.
On COD4 I can keep at 6CH I believe, but a new game called Frontlines Fuels of War requires PLII..........and you guys are right, it seems to have split 2CH into 5......positional isn't what it should be. I think this has to do with the game's subpar audio settings. The audio menu only has volume. :down:
As far as DVDs/H264 MPEGs/MP3s everything sounds great.

What codecs do you guys use? I have the combined community codec pack, and it has several things for my video needs......one of the audio/video codecs is FFDShow, which has some settings for audio channels....I just kept it at default for now. I know some of my video files are encoded in 5.1, but others are not.

[ROBSCIX]

The game HAS that audio standard - I don't think that means it requires that setting on a external unit.... Same as some games say the have DD, or Prologic...etc...
Try checking the imaging with direct mode on the speakers while playing that game...
I have never played that game....

[Donnie27]

I am connected physically using analog mode, and I normally have it set to 6 ch direct, which is essentially analog mode.
On COD4 I can keep at 6CH I believe, but a new game called Frontlines Fuels of War requires PLII..........and you guys are right, it seems to have split 2CH into 5......positional isn't what it should be. I think this has to do with the game's subpar audio settings. The audio menu only has volume. :down:
As far as DVDs/H264 MPEGs/MP3s everything sounds great.

What codecs do you guys use? I have the combined community codec pack, and it has several things for my video needs......one of the audio/video codecs is FFDShow, which has some settings for audio channels....I just kept it at default for now. I know some of my video files are encoded in 5.1, but others are not.

I'm not using Vista so I can't help you there.

[Soulburner]

You need to use Stereo X2 on the Z5500's for music, not a PLII preset. Those just don't sound right at all. You will also need CMSS enabled, this takes 2 channel audio and upmixes it to all of your speakers.

6Ch Direct will get you 5.1 sound if you have 5.1 speakers selected. I had the same setup and that's what worked for me.