Looking for a good sound card recomendation...

[7499richard]

I'm looking for a good sound card to use in conjunction with my stereo.

I've got a semi-highend stereo consisting of
Adcom GFA555II power amplifier
Adcom GTP500II pre amp
Cerwin Vega Loud speakers

I want to be able to run my MPs and other forms of audio right off of my computer instead of buring cd's all the time. So I would likesome rrecommendations on sound cards.

I will be using RCA interconnects from the comp to preamp. Or if possible can a sound card create a large enough signal to go directly into the amp?

Cost is an issue but don't hold anything back, I don't know how much a goodsound card actually costs so that will determine whether or not I can get one anyway, I don't want cheap quality.

I have an ipod and a Monster cablefor hooking the ipodinto the stereo but the sound quality off the ipod is terrible compared to CD, I don't want the same effect. The sound card must rival the current setup, or exceed it...

TIA

[ToTTenTranz]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=205374

This seems to be what you want, but it's not out yet.

However, if you don't want to spend too much money, the external E-MU 0202 USB is relatively cheap for the DACs it possesses and is very good.

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=15186

[nefariouscaine]

for the quality of sound you are going for pretty much anything from a Creative Audigy 2zs Platinum all the way to the Asus Zonar will fit the bill - possible avoid the Creative stuff on vista - not sure if they got those issues fixed finally

I've used a Creative 2zs Platinum with the front unit - used some 1/4" to RCA adapter plugs and used it to drive sound to a mixer on a PA setup for listening to Mp3's of tracks and audio from Ableton and buzzmachines - good quality - and there are higher end sound cards than that even - pretty much 100% sure that most any card of decent quality will work - you'll just need 1/8 or 1/4 to RCA jacks if you can't do line in on the preamp

[ToTTenTranz]

Well, if you're going to plug it into an overclocked machine like the one in your sig, I'd strongly suggest an external soundcard. Overclocking brings noise to the PCI-bus power and you don't want that in a high-end soundcard. Not if you're going to use analog anyway.

[Miwo]

if cost is not an issue, use either bit-perfect USB or SPDIF Coax/Optical as a transport to an External DAC. It seems to be the thing to do for a dedicated 2CH Stereo setup

[stealthbomber]

E-MU 0404 PCI is top notch, the 0202 USB uses budget quality DAC in comparison, avoid it.

The E-MU 0404 USB is also very good (slightly better than the PCI version).

Another option is the high end E-MU 1212M, some may find the sound too neutral/uncoloured compared to the 0404.

Avoid the creative cards (consumer grade) ;)

[YukonTrooper]

Do you plan on using 5.1, or just 2.1? Looks like you're a gamer, that's why I ask. I'm pretty sure just 2.1, though, considering your setup you mentioned.

The best option would be getting a separate DAC, then sending a bit perfect signal from your PC, to DAC, to amp. You can use the analogue outputs on a sound-card, but just remember that you'll be using its amplification, plus the amplification on your amplifier, and this is something you want to avoid as much as possible. That's the main reason why your iPod sounds like total ass on your speakers. You're sending an already amplified signal to be amplified once more. The iPod's amplifier is crap, plus you're totally messing with impedance of the signal as it's going through all of your different components.

The second best option (probably your best option, considering price and the RCA interconnects you would like to use), is to get a sound-card that has non-amplified analogue outputs. That way you can avoid unnecessary tampering of the signal.

[Biker]

I use my Prelude (http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php) for gaming 2.1 and 5.1 and it produces FANTASTIC audio, whatever I ask it to do.

Recommended.

[ripken204]

I use my Prelude (http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php) for gaming 2.1 and 5.1 and it produces FANTASTIC audio, whatever I ask it to do.

Recommended.

the Prelude really is the best sound card that you can buy these days.
it is amazing for games, music, and movies.

[slim142]

Another vote for Prelude
With RC8 drivers, its been amazing so far. No complains here (Z-5500).

I read that HD Prelude is coming out soon (january), so you might keep it in mind.

[KamuiRSX]

I'm looking for a good sound card to use in conjunction with my stereo.

I've got a semi-highend stereo consisting of
Adcom GFA555II power amplifier
Adcom GTP500II pre amp
Cerwin Vega Loud speakers

I want to be able to run my MPs and other forms of audio right off of my computer instead of buring cd's all the time. So I would likesome rrecommendations on sound cards.

I will be using RCA interconnects from the comp to preamp. Or if possible can a sound card create a large enough signal to go directly into the amp?

Cost is an issue but don't hold anything back, I don't know how much a goodsound card actually costs so that will determine whether or not I can get one anyway, I don't want cheap quality.

I have an ipod and a Monster cablefor hooking the ipodinto the stereo but the sound quality off the ipod is terrible compared to CD, I don't want the same effect. The sound card must rival the current setup, or exceed it...

TIA
Auzentech X-FI Prelude freaking rocks. It will definitely make some great sound quality for you.

[Jamesrt2004]

Emu - 1212

[Zifko]

I also agree with the people that recommend Prelude. That card is still probably the best card money can buy right now. I use to have issues with the DDL cutting out but they fixed that so now the card runs perfectly no matter what mode I put it in.

Also, try to find music that is in AC3 or 5.1 surround format, the quality is far superior to mp3 format, plus you hear things in songs you've never heard before. Try and stay away from Creative cards, they are a bunch of scandilst I feel.

[Shocker003]

for the quality of sound you are going for pretty much anything from a Creative Audigy 2zs Platinum all the way to the Asus Zonar will fit the bill - possible avoid the Creative stuff on vista - not sure if they got those issues fixed finally

I don´t have any problem with my low end X-FI Extreme Audio pci-e and Audigy SE on Vista Home Premium 64bit with creative´s original drivers.



Try and stay away from Creative cards, they are a bunch of scandilst I feel.

Well i will agree with you as they tend to rename their cards like Nvidia.

[RealTelstar]

If music is your main goal, there is no better than pro firewire dacs.
RME fireface or the one that i'm going to get myself:TC Konnect 8.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/Konnekt8.asp

It costs only 300$ comparing to 600 and over of the FF400. And it supports 192khz sampling rate.

[Particle]

Avoid Creative sound cards if you're serious about your audio. I was absolutely floored by the sound quality and volume with the ASUS Xonar DX, however. Even with 64-ohm headphones, it gets much louder than any onboard or Creative sound card I've had. It is also clearer and cleaner sounding. I've always considered myself to have a tin ear, but the difference was quite large.

You might also consider a Turtle Beach product--they make good cards.

[ROBSCIX]

Avoid Creative sound cards if you're serious about your audio. I was absolutely floored by the sound quality and volume with the ASUS Xonar DX, however. Even with 64-ohm headphones, it gets much louder than any onboard or Creative sound card I've had. It is also clearer and cleaner sounding. I've always considered myself to have a tin ear, but the difference was quite large.

You might also consider a Turtle Beach product--they make good cards.


Sure and consider the DX is the lowest priced and spec'd of the line up. The current analog champ for the Xonar line up is the HDAV 1.3 and this card will be surpassed by the Xonar Essence which I have been listening to for a while now and it sounds excellent.

This is a great time to get into PC audio there are many great cards out on the market right now and you can get some great sound for even a $80...
You need to decide what you after fore features usch as EAX/OpenAL support or straight high quality audio playback or recording options..etc. Depends greatly on your tasks that require audio. There are a few new cards that will be coming to market very soon such as the Xonar Essence STX, Auzen X-fi Forte', Auzen HTHD 7.1...etc.

[noinimod]

if you're more into music listening, DACs would be a better choice

[Wolf132]

My x-fi titanium sounds amazing on my klipsch 5.1 ultras. People still give creative a lot of crap about the crackling and popping issues from previous generations of cards.

[ToTTenTranz]

Erm.. you do know that your klipsch multimedia set is years away from his audio equipment, right?