From motherboard integrated sound card to X-Fi!

[SoMBrA]

Hello there :)

I would like your opinion before i make a decission :up: ! Im building a new rig, and i was thinking that i should get a sound card (for the last 4/5 years ive been using integrated sound!).
My last one was a SB Live! 5.1 (well i had like 2 or 3 of them...) and those days i used to listen more music than gaming. Now im more up to gaming, so i was going to order Senheisser 595 + X-Fi extreme gamer (or fatal1ty because its easier to find for me :eek: ) but im not sure that will be a good combo! (i will definitely go for the Senheisser, but i dont know if that sound card will b any good for my headphones or i should stick with the on board sound...)

Thanks for your help :clap:

[ROBSCIX]

Soundcards are much better then onboards sound for sure. The Prelude 7.1 is the best sounding gamer card. Might be a better match for the 595's. Depends on your budget.

[SoMBrA]

Thanks for your reply :rolleyes:
That prelude 7.1 must be a monster :shocked: I guess i will buy the headphones and later on purchase the soundcard :) :yepp:

[Donnie27]

Thanks for your reply :rolleyes:
That prelude 7.1 must be a monster :shocked: I guess i will buy the headphones and later on purchase the soundcard :) :yepp:

Sure, but even the X-Gamer at half the price but NOT half the sound would be a lot better than on board. Keep in mind, some folks love to spend other folks' money;)

[SoMBrA]

Hehe thanks for the input Donnie. Im still having problems to find the X-Gamer, the Fatal1ty its easier but more expensive :(

Ill choose between these 2 :)

[Keitosha]

Sure, but even the X-Gamer at half the price but NOT half the sound would be a lot better than on board. Keep in mind, some folks love to spend other folks' money;)Come again? The Prelude uses high end components compared to the CL X-Fi cards. I agree that the XGamer is way better than onboard, but imho the Prelude offers much better sound (more crisp and natural) than any CL X-Fi counterpart.

The reason? It's in the OpAmps that the Prelude uses the LM4562NA OpAmps, which are very popular on the X-Meridian cards. The Prelude already has them and they are swappable. So you can buy other OpAmps to fully customize your card.

The Prelude also has an AC'97/HD connector, so that you can connect your generic front audio panel.

As for me, i went from CL X-Fi XGamer Fatal Pro to the Prelude and even i (i don't consider myself an audiophile) noticed the increased sound quality.

It's exactly what you get for your money: the best sound experience available.

There's nothing wrong in recommending that card. It's the OP's choice to get what he wants. The XGamer really isn't bad, it's a darn good card for its price (go for the OEM and avoid the Retail. Retail only comes with a shiney box and costs $10 - $20 more), but it doesn't do justice with the Sennheiser HD595 headphones.

[SoMBrA]

Come again? The Prelude uses high end components compared to the CL X-Fi cards. I agree that the XGamer is way better than onboard, but imho the Prelude offers much better sound (more crisp and natural) than any CL X-Fi counterpart.

The reason? It's in the OpAmps that the Prelude uses the LM4562NA OpAmps, which are very popular on the X-Meridian cards. The Prelude already has them and they are swappable. So you can buy other OpAmps to fully customize your card.

The Prelude also has an AC'97/HD connector, so that you can connect your generic front audio panel.

As for me, i went from CL X-Fi XGamer Fatal Pro to the Prelude and even i (i don't consider myself an audiophile) noticed the increased sound quality.

It's exactly what you get for your money: the best sound experience available.

There's nothing wrong in recommending that card. It's the OP's choice to get what he wants. The XGamer really isn't bad, it's a darn good card for its price (go for the OEM and avoid the Retail. Retail only comes with a shiney box and costs $10 - $20 more), but it doesn't do justice with the Sennheiser HD595 headphones.

Hey Keitosha thanks for your answer :up:
So you have/had both cards and you noticed a difference, thats good to know because most ppl said that its not worth the upgrade :eek: (from Fatal1ty to Prelude...)
I guess i should wait then, buy the headphones, save some more money and go for the Prelude :)

Could you explain whats the benefeit from swaping the OpAmps? (i dont know what they are!)

Thanks again :)

[Keitosha]

Hey Keitosha thanks for your answer :up:
So you have/had both cards and you noticed a difference, thats good to know because most ppl said that its not worth the upgrade :eek: (from Fatal1ty to Prelude...)
I guess i should wait then, buy the headphones, save some more money and go for the Prelude :)

Could you explain whats the benefeit from swaping the OpAmps? (i dont know what they are!)

Thanks again :)I have no experience with swapping OpAmps, but some have modded their X-Fi's and also the Auzen X-Meridian (uses the C-Media Oxygen 8788 APU) with the OpAmps that the Prelude uses. The OpAmps on the Prelude seems to be very popular.

Swapping OpAmps will give you a different sound experience, for example, one can give you a more crisp and natural sound, while the other offers more in the bass department.

Here's a good read about Operational Amplifiers (OpAmps): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_amplifier

IMHO there's really no need for changing the OpAmps (Operational Amplifiers) on the Prelude.

As for what they do? They deliver the sound. They also process the sound and different ones also give different sound output.

Here's something to read for you:

I still have my CL X-Fi Fatal Pro. I've put it in my gf's rig, because she was still using that dreaded onboard. That sounds much better, but i was really surprised by the sound quality increase of the Prelude compared to the Fatal Pro.

Sometimes my ears hurt because of its crispness. :P

The Prelude is the best gaming card available and perhaps even the best multimedia card. The drivers are rock solid, unlike those of CL, but they use the same CL interface (so 3 modes, Audio Creation, Gaming and Entertainment).

Would you decide to go for Creative Labs, keep in mind to NOT touch the Xtreme Audio. The X-Audio is a total scam and it doesn't have the true X-Fi chip. The card is just a re-branded Live24! card with an X-Fi sticker and it only has 1 mode: Entertainment. Ohhhh.... and it doesn't use EAX5.0 and it does all the X-Fi specific stuff via software emulation, thus straining your cpu. (as with any onboard card)

The lowest CL X-Fi card with a true X-Fi chip is the XtremeGamer (non fatal, the half PCB one).

[Donnie27]

Come again? The Prelude uses high end components compared to the CL X-Fi cards. I agree that the XGamer is way better than onboard, but imho the Prelude offers much better sound (more crisp and natural) than any CL X-Fi counterpart.

The reason? It's in the OpAmps that the Prelude uses the LM4562NA OpAmps, which are very popular on the X-Meridian cards. The Prelude already has them and they are swappable. So you can buy other OpAmps to fully customize your card.

The Prelude also has an AC'97/HD connector, so that you can connect your generic front audio panel.

As for me, i went from CL X-Fi XGamer Fatal Pro to the Prelude and even i (i don't consider myself an audiophile) noticed the increased sound quality.

It's exactly what you get for your money: the best sound experience available.

There's nothing wrong in recommending that card. It's the OP's choice to get what he wants. The XGamer really isn't bad, it's a darn good card for its price (go for the OEM and avoid the Retail. Retail only comes with a shiney box and costs $10 - $20 more), but it doesn't do justice with the Sennheiser HD595 headphones.

I own; Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music and an Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1. So please try your sales pitch somewhere else? Then, I'd take my DT-770 over the Senn-595's 10 out of 10 times. High-End Parts? It has fewer High-end parts than my $87 Motherboard:rolleyes:

Opamps, most folks have already upgraded from the LM's. Some folks have moved to as many as 4 better models since the Prelude launched. Again, old info for most of here.

Now I merely suggested that XGamer at half the price. It sounds good and not only half as good as Prelude, again, we're talking games, not Music or etc...

[Donnie27]

Oh and before I forget, be very careful with OEM's, they are NOT merely Retail parts without the Extras and Fancy boxes. That's been already Proven Here.

[Keitosha]

I own; Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music and an Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1. So please try your sales pitch somewhere else? Then, I'd take my DT-770 over the Senn-595's 10 out of 10 times. High-End Parts? It has fewer High-end parts than my $87 Motherboard:rolleyes:

Opamps, most folks have already upgraded from the LM's. Some folks have moved to as many as 4 better models since the Prelude launched. Again, old info for most of here.

Now I merely suggested that XGamer at half the price. It sounds good and not only half as good as Prelude, again, we're talking games, not Music or etc...I see you know nothing on the audio department.

I know what i hear and i'm just sharing the experience and like what ROBSCIX (and he knows as i know his from many (audio related) forums and he works in the audio industry) has said before, the Prelude is the best soundcard available atm. You can expect that for your money, but i've never said that the XGamer is bad. It's the OP's choice and i respect that. Now don't come whining at me for putting down advertising crap for Auzentech. :down:

What's next? "I have more posts than you, so i know better than you?"

[Donnie27]

I have no experience with swapping OpAmps, but some have modded their X-Fi's and also the Auzen X-Meridian (uses the C-Media Oxygen 8788 APU) with the OpAmps that the Prelude uses. The OpAmps on the Prelude seems to be very popular.

Re-write this one? X-Meridian Didn't ship with LM's, they were added by folks looking for better sound.

Swapping OpAmps will give you a different sound experience, for example, one can give you a more crisp and natural sound, while the other offers more in the bass department.

Generally true.

IMHO there's really no need for changing the OpAmps on the Prelude.

I still have my CL X-Fi Fatal Pro. I've put it in my gf's rig, because she was still using that dreaded onboard. That sounds much better, but i was really surprised by the sound quality increase of the Prelude compared to the Fatal Pro.

Something I've not seen. Better yes, day and night difference, no. The other problem is to get the most of the Analog playback, it is NOT the Equipment but the source material. With real good material, then Prelude stands out very well and separates itself easily from everything but the Xonar DX2.

Sometimes my ears hurt because of its crispness. :P

The Prelude is the best gaming card available and perhaps even the best multimedia card. The drivers are rock solid, unlike those of CL, but they use the same CL interface (so 3 modes, Audio Creation, Gaming and Entertainment).

Prelude uses Creative's Drivers for its Creative processor=P Even stripped, they run at the same speed and the newest ones are buggier than Creative's. But Creative's last ones are Buggy too LOL!

Would you decide to go for Creative Labs, keep in mind to NOT touch the Xtreme Audio. The X-Audio is a total scam and it doesn't have the true X-Fi chip. The card is just a re-branded Live24! card with an X-Fi sticker and it only has 1 mode: Entertainment. Ohhhh.... and it doesn't use EAX5.0 and it does all the X-Fi specific stuff via software emulation, thus straining your cpu. (as with any onboard card)

The lowest CL X-Fi card with a true X-Fi chip is the XtremeGamer (non fatal, the half PCB one).

True.

[Donnie27]

I see you know nothing on the audio department.

I know what i hear and i'm just sharing the experience and like what ROBSCIX (and he knows as i know his from many (audio related) forums and he works in the audio industry) has said before, the Prelude is the best soundcard available atm. You can expect that for your money, but i've never said that the XGamer is bad. It's the OP's choice and i respect that. Now don't come whining at me for putting down advertising crap for Auzentech. :down:

What's next? "I have more posts than you, so i know better than you?"

The next post after your reply and you see that you are the one who knows nothing LOL! It has nothing do with posts and I might learn something if you knew what you're talking about;)

Take your own advice, sure the OP can buy whatever he or she likes:D

[Keitosha]

Re-write this one? X-Meridian Didn't ship with LM's, they were added by folks looking for better sound.Re-read my post! Indeed the Meridians don't ship with the LM4562NA's, but many modded their Meridians with LM4562NA's.

I don't care about your rude attitude. You're accusing people for trying to "sell" stuff to others, while both me and ROBSCIX didn't say that the XGamer is a bad choice. You like to make it worse.

To the OP: get whatever floats your boat and remember: anything is better than onboard.

[SoMBrA]

Thank both of you for your thoughts!
After reading you, i guess i will leave the headphones+sound card decision for the last one since i have my old headphones + onboard sound its always there :)

Will let you know what my final decision is ;)

[Donnie27]

Re-read my post! Indeed the Meridians don't ship with the LM4562NA's, but many modded their Meridians with LM4562NA's.

I don't care about your rude attitude. You're accusing people for trying to "sell" stuff to others, while both me and ROBSCIX didn't say that the XGamer is a bad choice. You like to make it worse.

To the OP: get whatever floats your boat and remember: anything is better than onboard.

Dewd relax and start over, you were rude to me first;) I'll extend a hand out if you want it. I tend to treat people how they treat me. I never tried to force a sale on anyone.

If you look through the thread you'd see that; When asked for advice, I've given suggestions only, not try to force any one to buy anything. I've suggested not only the X-Gamer, but EMU, Prelude, DX2, and most of the others.. I've always tried to help folks pick whats best for them.

[Donnie27]

Thank both of you for your thoughts!
After reading you, i guess i will leave the headphones+sound card decision for the last one since i have my old headphones + onboard sound its always there :)

Will let you know what my final decision is ;)

Good luck!

[Keitosha]

not try to force any one to buy anything. I've suggested not only the X-Gamer, but EMU, Prelude, DX2, and most of the others.. I've always tried to help folks pick whats best for them.Yeah right! The Xonar DX2 is more expensive than the Prelude and i also would recommend that card as well. But you are really blind. I mean REALLY BLIND. I never forced anything upon him, just gave him some suggestions, also the XGamer, which, i will say it again for like the 3rd time, isn't a bad card.

The choice lies with the OP and i respect that, but you already think i'm some kind of Auzentech salesman. Sad really. :(

I have nothing more to discuss with you. Bye!

[Donnie27]

Yeah right! The Xonar DX2 is more expensive than the Prelude and i also would recommend that card as well. But you are really blind. I mean REALLY BLIND. I never forced anything upon him, just gave him some suggestions, also the XGamer, which, i will say it again for like the 3rd time, isn't a bad card.

The choice lies with the OP and i respect that, but you already think i'm some kind of Auzentech salesman. Sad really. :(

I have nothing more to discuss with you. Bye!

Thank goodness, no more Captain Obvious and misinformed posts LOL!

[Keitosha]

Thank goodness, no more Captain Obvious and misinformed posts LOL!Whatever, Captain Know-it-all. :bravo:

Go call your friends and hold a party at your place, since you've clearly won the internet. :shrug: :nuts:

[Donnie27]

Whatever, Captain Know-it-all. :bravo:

Go call your friends and hold a party at your place, since you've clearly won the internet. :shrug: :nuts:

Hahahaha!:rofl: :D

[SoMBrA]

Ok guys i finally got X-Fi platinum that a friend of mine had stock at his shop and he wanted to get rid of (closing the shop :P).

I think the platinum is no longer for sale (the very first version NOT the fatal1ty championship whatever thing...)

How much should i pay him? :P

[Donnie27]

Ok guys i finally got X-Fi platinum that a friend of mine had stock at his shop and he wanted to get rid of (closing the shop :P).

I think the platinum is no longer for sale (the very first version NOT the fatal1ty championship whatever thing...)

How much should i pay him? :P

Go to Ebay and see what the Going rate is? I wouldn't bargain as hard with a Friend as I would with a stranger. That Friend may need all of the money he or she can get since the shop is closing:)

[SoMBrA]

Go to Ebay and see what the Going rate is? I wouldn't bargain as hard with a Friend as I would with a stranger. That Friend may need all of the money he or she can get since the shop is closing:)

Will do :up:
Thanks everyone for the help. I have to say that i was really surprised when i first heard music coming out from the X-Fi! The only thing i didnt like was the IDE cable that i had to mod (made it rounded cable :up:)

[Budwise]

i use the same combo of HD595's and an X-Fi. I have the original Xtreme Music X-Fi though. Sound is fantastic for music and games.

[SoMBrA]

i use the same combo of HD595's and an X-Fi. I have the original Xtreme Music X-Fi though. Sound is fantastic for music and games.

Hello Budwise, im still waiting for the HD595! I have to wait because ive spent too much building my new rig :rolleyes:

Will post some pics when i finish it :up: (waiting mobo, i had to RMA Rampage Formula!)