[Question] Best Soundcard 2010

[ganzir]

Hello,

I'm looking for a new Soundcard, which I use mainly for Games, Movies and Music (listening to). Most times I use a Headset since I'm using VoIP applications. Which soundcard would you recommend for the field of application described above?

Thanks in advance.

Greetz
Ganzir

[Bobsama]

Asus Xonar, but be aware that you'll see no practical difference with typical shoddy computer speakers.

[crackhead2k]

Asus for under 300
LynxTWO B it about a grand. uses XLR
For even better - Lyne AES with Aurora Converter you can go 8ch or 16 ch.

You will need good speakers.
You can directly plug them into an amp.
You may want a preamp.

I hope this helps

[Donnie27]

Hello,

I'm looking for a new Soundcard, which I use mainly for Games, Movies and Music (listening to). Most times I use a Headset since I'm using VoIP applications. Which soundcard would you recommend for the field of application described above?

Thanks in advance.

Greetz
Ganzir

Auzentech Forte. It has the best Game support since you named that first. It does the best job of making your headphones sound like surround sound speakers and ain't bad for music and movies.

[FinBenton]

Got Forte + sennheiser HD600 and it sounds awsome but drivers crappy, crashes every now and then.

[deshen]

Asus Xonar Essence ST. Lovin it!

[pogiman]

Asus Xonar gives you really good components. Its probably the best value in soundcards out there. If you like to go to the extreme, you can get a Benchmark DAC1 USB. But hooking that up to computer speakers would be a waste.

[STEvil]

TerraTec DMX 6fire.

http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/terratecdmx6fire/
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...re-24,410.html

There are lite and USB versions as well: http://www.terratec.net/en/products/..._USB_2084.html

I want a USB one to plug into a netbook for use in my vehicle.

edit

The USB one is the best really.

[RAW-Raptor22]

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS

Just Kidding.

Actually I still use my Audigy 2 ZS and it is just fine for what I use it for (upscaling and outputting in 5.1), but I need to upgrade too.

Thread Subscribed.

[Donnie27]

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS

Just Kidding.

Actually I still use my Audigy 2 ZS and it is just fine for what I use it for (upscaling and outputting in 5.1), but I need to upgrade too.

Thread Subscribed.

Hey, I've getting the itch to build a remake of the old Air Suspension speakers for the seventies.

I heard a nice sound system with the sweet sounding but over price X-Fi HD

http://www.auzentech.com/site/produc...theater_hd.php

Sorry, it is the best sound card I've ever heard. The guy had the larger Old school Garrard Air Suspension set with a smaller Marantz receiver. Pure Analog sweetness!

From the Terratec review!

""The line-out of the Audigy sounds smoother and more pleasant in the headphones, but the highs are a little incorrect. The Terratec provides a sound closer to the original, but the headphones-out has considerable downsides. The Audigy will suit those who prefer listening to music, the Terratec will be a choice of those who process music."

X-Fi sounds better than the Audigy/s and the Auzentech X-fi sounds better that all of the X-Fi's except one.

There is no comparison for Games, X-Fi does the best Job for the most Games, EAX or NOT! X-Fi kicks A$$ with 24bit-192KHz DVD-Audio or better as well. That review did a great thing in pointing out how important source material is. It's why I laugh at Audiophile wanna be's at HeadFi and AVS when they rant about how they are Audiophiles and then talk about how good their CD-Audio sounds

An absolute damned shame DVD Audio was done in by Sony I have a few discs and I hope some large group would re intro it sort of like Quadraphonic ended up being reintroduced as AC3 LOL! I have very nice 24bit/96KHz discs from the Eagles, Deep Purple, Sting, Alan Parsons and others.

[pogiman]

Its one thing if you want to be able to utilize the special sound effects generated by games. The X-Fi will be much better in this respect. If you want absolute best sound quality, the X-Fi is not a good contender. (with one exception: if you do the opamp and capacitor mods) As an EE specializing in audio circuits, I know producing a clean analog waveform is no easy feat and surely ~$100 sound cards will not beat equipments costing tens of thousands. The reason why most people do not hear a difference is 1)they dont know what to look for and what to expect from better sounding audio equipment. 2)they have a weakest link in their setup, usually the speakers. 3)The ones who claim an amazing difference is under the placebo effect as our ears are limited in sound accuracy. Most opamps nowadays are very precise and going from decent to extremely good is a merely 20% difference in audio quality. To the untrained ear, this difference is barely noticeable. Some claims at HeadFi are accurately made by educated members and some just say what others say.

[Donnie27]

Its one thing if you want to be able to utilize the special sound effects generated by games. The X-Fi will be much better in this respect. If you want absolute best sound quality, the X-Fi is not a good contender. (with one exception: if you do the opamp and capacitor mods) As an EE specializing in audio circuits, I know producing a clean analog waveform is no easy feat and surely ~$100 sound cards will not beat equipments costing tens of thousands. The reason why most people do not hear a difference is 1)they dont know what to look for and what to expect from better sounding audio equipment. 2)they have a weakest link in their setup, usually the speakers. 3)The ones who claim an amazing difference is under the placebo effect as our ears are limited in sound accuracy. Most opamps nowadays are very precise and going from decent to extremely good is a merely 20% difference in audio quality. To the untrained ear, this difference is barely noticeable. Some claims at HeadFi are accurately made by educated members and some just say what others say.

Sure but no two of us perceive sound the same. Different aspects of sound reproduction affects us differently. There is no better or worse based on a number system or an amount. I played with 8 different Op-Amps on Prelude and to my ears the variance wasn't much more than slight but noticeable.

One was Hot, meaning it over emphasized the the highs. One seemed to loose too much of the mid range and add too much bass, another did a better job with those two but seemed to narrow the sound stage. One presented a sweet sound stage but didn't do as well with bass. NONE of them pleased me completely but I didn't think any of them sucked.

How did I pick one? I did all of the tests over with my system connected and adjusted. Two of them just about tied? I finally went with the Warm sounding very wide sound stage one. The only problem is that I removed some of the letters/markings so names of them wouldn't influence me.

The X-fi I was talking about is NOT the base model.

I'm looking for a new Soundcard, which I use mainly for Games, Movies and Music (listening to). Most times I use a Headset

Games are listed first and most of the time a headphone are used. X-Fi does the best 2 driver surround sound on the market. No simulated surround crap-o-la. That will put the X-Fi head and shoulders above the others. Now if that is music and movies, then games, great speakers/sound system then one of the others would move X-Fi to a 3rd or 4th choice.

[pogiman]

Agreed. No opamp or discrete sounds the same and no two ears hear the same. I was just fed up with people comparing apples to oranges in audio applications. A reason I like the Asus is because they use good components and some allow the user to change the opamps, which is a plus. Most sound cards I've seen used mediocre amp which isnt unreasonable since their goal is to make profit. (Especially Creative) The Asus presents a feeling like you are getting your moneys worth buy using very good quality components.

@Donnie27: I hope I didnt offend you in anyway and I didnt mean to "attack" your post in anyway. I agree the X-Fi is perfect for gaming but I just wanted the OP to know more details before plunging in, "in case" movies and music mattered. And I also agree on your perspective on opamps. As stated, most opamps nowadays are very good and the differences are slight, but noticeable. However, not noticeable enough where people are ranting on forums how amazing "x" opamp really is.

[STEvil]

Hey, I've getting the itch to build a remake of the old Air Suspension speakers for the seventies.

I heard a nice sound system with the sweet sounding but over price X-Fi HD

http://www.auzentech.com/site/produc...theater_hd.php

Sorry, it is the best sound card I've ever heard. The guy had the larger Old school Garrard Air Suspension set with a smaller Marantz receiver. Pure Analog sweetness!

From the Terratec review!



X-Fi sounds better than the Audigy/s and the Auzentech X-fi sounds better that all of the X-Fi's except one.

There is no comparison for Games, X-Fi does the best Job for the most Games, EAX or NOT! X-Fi kicks A$$ with 24bit-192KHz DVD-Audio or better as well. That review did a great thing in pointing out how important source material is. It's why I laugh at Audiophile wanna be's at HeadFi and AVS when they rant about how they are Audiophiles and then talk about how good their CD-Audio sounds

An absolute damned shame DVD Audio was done in by Sony I have a few discs and I hope some large group would re intro it sort of like Quadraphonic ended up being reintroduced as AC3 LOL! I have very nice 24bit/96KHz discs from the Eagles, Deep Purple, Sting, Alan Parsons and others.

I think I made a mistake by linking the older model review. Should try reading a review from the USB line which are 24/196. Also notice how poorly the audigy did in a couple of the tests :p

[RAW-Raptor22]

Hey, I've getting the itch to build a remake of the old Air Suspension speakers for the seventies.

I heard a nice sound system with the sweet sounding but over price X-Fi HD

http://www.auzentech.com/site/produc...theater_hd.php

Sorry, it is the best sound card I've ever heard. The guy had the larger Old school Garrard Air Suspension set with a smaller Marantz receiver. Pure Analog sweetness!

From the Terratec review!



X-Fi sounds better than the Audigy/s and the Auzentech X-fi sounds better that all of the X-Fi's except one.

There is no comparison for Games, X-Fi does the best Job for the most Games, EAX or NOT! X-Fi kicks A$$ with 24bit-192KHz DVD-Audio or better as well. That review did a great thing in pointing out how important source material is. It's why I laugh at Audiophile wanna be's at HeadFi and AVS when they rant about how they are Audiophiles and then talk about how good their CD-Audio sounds

An absolute damned shame DVD Audio was done in by Sony I have a few discs and I hope some large group would re intro it sort of like Quadraphonic ended up being reintroduced as AC3 LOL! I have very nice 24bit/96KHz discs from the Eagles, Deep Purple, Sting, Alan Parsons and others.

The air suspension speakers are epic, I wish I had more of them so I could hook them upto a modern receiver and a system a with a sub or two to really hear them sing.

I still prefer CrO2 Cassettes...

[Kingcarcas]

Would you say Z-2300s are mid-range or just crappy PC speakers?

[Donnie27]

Would you say Z-2300s are mid-range or just crappy PC speakers?

Before going off topic again, Full range speakers or 5.1 Speakers that cover the whole range are a must. Too much of the sound goes missing or not played loud enough or etc... when computer speakers are used.

How about Low Mid-Range? I think we all might say something sucks too often. Just because something is not as good, doesn't mean it sucks, it is horrible and etc.................. Likewise, you DON'T need to spend a ba-zillion dollars for great sound but that's STRICTLY my opinion. More power to those who believe you do and often do spend large sums of money on this stuff.

The air suspension speakers are epic, I wish I had more of them so I could hook them upto a modern receiver and a system a with a sub or two to really hear them sing.

I still prefer CrO2 Cassettes...

Sure but you can't take advantage of them unless you're using a modern receiver in Stereo Mode. Even then, many do exhibit that punch of the Old School amperage monsters of the past.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...sette-76893685

One of my favorites and I used the normal bias tapes for everyday normal recordings. I only used High-End MA for High End source material, it didn't improve old records or etc..... Remember, I have 10" Reel to Reel and use a Phase Linear Noise Reduction Range Expansion unit.

One other thing over looked here and deserves it own thread. Feeding those old Amps Higher Dynamic Range sources that are easier and more affordable today.

[Mescalamba]

Auzentech HTHD or Bravura, depends on needs. Thats from those "regular soundcards".

Lynxes seems pretty good.. (http://www.lynxstudio.com/).

Heh and Creative Audigy 2 ZS.. that soundcard was something, still happy with it and Kx drivers in my HTPC. Though, Bravura is same level and slightly better (not from sound point of view, but from what it can do..).

[Donnie27]

I think I made a mistake by linking the older model review. Should try reading a review from the USB line which are 24/196. Also notice how poorly the audigy did in a couple of the tests :p

Again, Audigy is not X-Fi=P

Thank you but I did read it. I like Terratec but wouldn't use it for gaming. I agree with the conclusion made that it was better suited for recording or etc... than gaming as the OP asked. The question was;

I'm looking for a new Soundcard, which I use mainly for Games, Movies and Music (listening to).

I merely tried to answer the question.

[Donnie27]

Auzentech HTHD or Bravura, depends on needs. Thats from those "regular soundcards".

Lynxes seems pretty good.. (http://www.lynxstudio.com/).

Heh and Creative Audigy 2 ZS.. that soundcard was something, still happy with it and Kx drivers in my HTPC. Though, Bravura is same level and slightly better (not from sound point of view, but from what it can do..).

No KX problem with X-Fi to worry about though. Then the 3rd party drivers from DanielK, YouP_Pax and others are even sweeter. My wife's computer still has an Audigy 2ZS installed and it is connected to the same receivers as my Main Rig. X-Fi sounds better in Analog and for games, Digital as well.

Agreed. No opamp or discrete sounds the same and no two ears hear the same. I was just fed up with people comparing apples to oranges in audio applications. A reason I like the Asus is because they use good components and some allow the user to change the opamps, which is a plus. Most sound cards I've seen used mediocre amp which isnt unreasonable since their goal is to make profit. (Especially Creative) The Asus presents a feeling like you are getting your moneys worth buy using very good quality components.

@Donnie27: I hope I didnt offend you in anyway and I didnt mean to "attack" your post in anyway. I agree the X-Fi is perfect for gaming but I just wanted the OP to know more details before plunging in, "in case" movies and music mattered. And I also agree on your perspective on opamps. As stated, most opamps nowadays are very good and the differences are slight, but noticeable. However, not noticeable enough where people are ranting on forums how amazing "x" opamp really is.

No biggie and no offense taken! I just advised two different uses to go with Asus after X-Fi's caused them problems on their setup. NOTHING is perfect and compatibility problems do happen to Creative, Asus and anybody else. X-Fi isn't a universal across-the-board best, even for me. When some one asks for help building a computer, we ask "What will you be using your computer for?" Well, sound cards are the same IMHO!

I bold-ed what you said to add a QFT! Or SMFT! So Mutha F%#$ing True LOL! Most of the folks I know are split on what sound cards used and I've not heard a bad sounding system with any sound card these folks are using. mainly due to the rest of the system, most of us have multiple computers, with multiple configurations.

If my HTPC didn't have a Prelude X-Fi left over from my main rig, I'd have an Asus whatever installed. I'm not using one in my main because I game too much. Most of the time I listen to Music in my Den though. I had an Asus card for a total of 2 hours, another bud bought it from me before I could install it. Sounds great in his HTPC.

Last but not least, the state of Computer sound is great, hell, even mobo continues to get better. ADC, Op-Amps and DACs are the only real thing separating mobo sound right now. Like the Acer Tube Amp Mobo, some will eventually do something about that problem and better than the X-Fi FX thingy

[RAW-Raptor22]

Sure but you can't take advantage of them unless you're using a modern receiver in Stereo Mode. Even then, many do exhibit that punch of the Old School amperage monsters of the past.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...sette-76893685

One of my favorites and I used the normal bias tapes for everyday normal recordings. I only used High-End MA for High End source material, it didn't improve old records or etc..... Remember, I have 10" Reel to Reel and use a Phase Linear Noise Reduction Range Expansion unit.

One other thing over looked here and deserves it own thread. Feeding those old Amps Higher Dynamic Range sources that are easier and more affordable today.

Thats definitely true, something that I do...

Those blank tapes are sweet, I wish I had some. I just use the high quality, normal bias, 90 minute Sony tapes, and they have a ton cheap at the Target by my house...

I have quite a few of the old school CrO2 late 80s cassettes and they sound nice except the ones that have been left in a car or whatever over the years. I like them cause I can listen to them in my car still. (I dont have a CD player, nor do I want one)

[STEvil]

Again, Audigy is not X-Fi=P

Thank you but I did read it. I like Terratec but wouldn't use it for gaming. I agree with the conclusion made that it was better suited for recording or etc... than gaming as the OP asked. The question was;



I merely tried to answer the question.

I agree, but also should the headphones used to make the review be taken into consideration? The review being referred to is still the old one as well.

[Donnie27]

Thats definitely true, something that I do...

Those blank tapes are sweet, I wish I had some. I just use the high quality, normal bias, 90 minute Sony tapes, and they have a ton cheap at the Target by my house...

I have quite a few of the old school CrO2 late 80s cassettes and they sound nice except the ones that have been left in a car or whatever over the years. I like them cause I can listen to them in my car still. (I dont have a CD player, nor do I want one)

Being a big guy in a small truck, my Auto Sound options are limited. Not to mention I'm not in it long enough to make use of it. I'd love to have a smaller version of what STEvil has

Anyway, one thing I always did was use a weather proof Cassette Case. I have about 300 cassettes and used to have a 450, many are 20 to 33 years old. I've messed up less than 5 and one of those was purchased 1978 LOL! I always had a group of about 10 cassettes that were my "Traveling Tapes" that was constantly recorded over and used my vehicles. Most of the others never left the house.

Funny as hell! I was going through an old box in the attic and found my 8 Track to Cassette adapter

I agree, but also should the headphones used to make the review be taken into consideration? The review being referred to is still the old one as well.

Absolutely!

[RAW-Raptor22]

Being a big guy in a small truck, my Auto Sound options are limited. Not to mention I'm not in it long enough to make use of it. I'd love to have a smaller version of what STEvil has

Anyway, one thing I always did was use a weather proof Cassette Case. I have about 300 cassettes and used to have a 450, many are 20 to 33 years old. I've messed up less than 5 and one of those was purchased 1978 LOL! I always had a group of about 10 cassettes that were my "Traveling Tapes" that was constantly recorded over and used my vehicles. Most of the others never left the house.

Funny as hell! I was going through an old box in the attic and found my 8 Track to Cassette adapter



Absolutely!

I wish I had one, I have about 40 tapes plus ones I have dubbed and they are all in my glovebox. My oldest tapes are from 1975 through 1978...

I have original:
Bob Seger - Night Moves
Bob Seger - Live Bullet
Eagles - The Long Run
Eagles - Hotel California (everybody has that... )
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Street Survivors
Marshall Tucker Band - Carolina Dreams

Those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head, those are all from '75-'78...

It actually sounds half decent in my car because I guess it was one of the first to have the interior designed with sound quality in mind.

[Donnie27]

I wish I had one, I have about 40 tapes plus ones I have dubbed and they are all in my glovebox. My oldest tapes are from 1975 through 1978...

I have original:
Bob Seger - Night Moves
Bob Seger - Live Bullet
Eagles - The Long Run
Eagles - Hotel California (everybody has that... )
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Street Survivors
Marshall Tucker Band - Carolina Dreams

Those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head, those are all from '75-'78...

It actually sounds half decent in my car because I guess it was one of the first to have the interior designed with sound quality in mind.

Just score a set of HPM 500's Crossovers. I've got the wood, the Mid-Range Speakers and two 10" woofers. Tweeters and or Horns are still needed!