Hello! I currently have a Soundblaster Zx which I bought in 2014, I recently noticed that it seems to struggle to play sound via SPDIF (sound cuts in and out constantly), I upgraded the drivers in the hope it would fix this, but instead I now get bluescreens every 30 mins or so, so I think its about time I replaced the card. (i've also replaced the cable, and have since tested the connection with a different device and it works, so it seems to be the sound card itself) I was wondering if anyone had any advice of what cards to look at. I currently use the PC to play games and occasionally music in private with Sennheiser HD 598 headphones, so some kind of virtual surround is a must, i'm a big fan of the controller that the Soundblaster Zx came with (it enabled me to use it as a mic, connect the headphones using its default connector (6.35mm), and control headphone level. and obviously also included an AMP for the headphones. Ontop of this, I also have the computer connected to a Home thearter system (Yamaha RX-V675) Where I'm running a 5.1 setup for Movies, music and gaming if friends are over etc. I was looking at the Soundblaster Zxr, but if anyone has any other suggestions which would fit my needs It would be great, also would you advise with the setup I have using Optical audio, or analogue connections to relay the sound? Thanks
Are you using DD Live / DTS for that 5.1 gaming to your receiver? If so, then do not consider an AE-5, as it lacks that feature.
Soundblaster AE-5, but there are better DACs for treble clarity. (I tried the AE-5 and while it is pretty good, treble response was limited on my HD650 and Meze headphones) There are also the external AE-7 and AE-9 with decent DACs for the front channels. All the above are 5.1, have a headphone amp and good virtualisation.
I would say external Sound BlasterX G6 is a good alternative for the internal AE5. Compact and nice set of features. I have used the G5 quite some time now and it sounds good. Powers my DT990 250ohm easy.
