Sound Card Recommendations?

ShadowMyth · *Last edited by ShadowMyth; 10-09-2009 at 15:20.*

I'm looking to spend under $200, closer to $150 unless it's well worth it. It's gotta have an optical toslink output or SPDIF, support Dolby Digital Live & DTS interactive. Any other technologies like DTS Neo:6 would be welcome as my receiver supports it. I have been looking at Auzentech's sound cards & like the features. I really don't know what group of manufactures are at the top right now as I have been using on-board audio cards for quite some time. I'm a bit of an Audiophile when it comes to equipment, just haven't gone that route with my new HTPC yet. Any suggestions?

Deckard79 · 10-09-2009, 13:41 | posts: 119 | Location: Bristol, UK | User is Offline

A lot really depends on what you plan to use it for... there are a few great cards at present, each of which has a different primary strength:

Auzen X-Fi HD
ASUS D2X
ASUS Xonar Essence

live4life · 10-09-2009, 13:51 | posts: 1,508 | Location: Greece/Athens | User is Offline

auzen x-fi hd
auzen x-fi prelude
x-fi titanium fatality pro champion series

ShadowMyth · *Last edited by ShadowMyth; 10-09-2009 at 15:14.*

I like your choices, those were the cards I was looking at, thanks. I want something balanced for HTPC/Gaming rig.

Redemption80 · 10-09-2009, 15:13 | posts: 2,967 | Location: Glasgow | User is Offline

Asus cards are usually aimed at the audiophile side of things, while the Auzentech cards are more gamer orientated.

But both are very good at doing both, i want to upgrade my Asus Xonar, but its still a cracking card, even if HD audio isn't supported.

momomo67890 · 10-09-2009, 15:19 | posts: 2,146 | Location: Austin Tx | User is Offline

forte .

live4life · 10-10-2009, 02:28 | posts: 1,508 | Location: Greece/Athens | User is Offline

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowMyth

I like your choices, those were the cards I was looking at, thanks. I want something balanced for HTPC/Gaming rig.

what choices? XDDD

ShadowMyth · 10-10-2009, 05:16 | posts: 964 | Location: West Chester, PA | User is Online

Quote:

Originally Posted by live4life

what choices? XDDD

Auzen X-Fi HD
ASUS D2X
Auzen Prelude

I see what your saying.

live4life · 10-10-2009, 06:20 | posts: 1,508 | Location: Greece/Athens | User is Offline

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowMyth

Auzen X-Fi HD
ASUS D2X
Auzen Prelude

I see what your saying.

im glad that i help m8! but dont go xoanr if u not really wanna to test something else....x-fi gives more full sound on all channels in mp3s for me...xoanr has good hardware and omaps but in sourround cant do so good job..in music is good and movies too but all that u get its not so enthousiact in the end...i sell my HDAV 1.3 to buy the Auzen X-Fi HD when it comes to my shops...asus makes something difrent and it was good on start but now we have something more juice.... go to Auzen X-Fi HD like me....if u what a powerfull card for htpc and gaming!!!!!!as for driver problem that other say..anytime im here to help m8 cause i never had serius problems with x-fi drivers the only - is the cust fauteres from older models...anyway i be here for any help bud!

gamerk2 · 10-12-2009, 05:38 | posts: 1,026 | Location: Medford, NY | User is Offline

If you looking for a balanced rig, ASUS is probably the way to go.