Xonar D2X

illogik · 9 Mar 2010 at 17:26

I recieved a D2X today after returning my D2 because it wouldnt fit into the pci slot properly due to the graphics card and have found a couple of minor issues with it.

Firstly, I'm using a set of logitech Z2300's and since using the D2X the volume knob doesnt seem to do anything until its turned beyond roughly 10% then it works as normal. Theres just no sound at all until I turn the volume to about 10%. I didnt have this problem with the PCI Xonar D2...

Also, when listening to music with winamp, if i pause the music and turn up the volume there is a very loud hissing/crackling noise which gets louder with more volume. After a bit of research I found that it has something to do with directsound so in the winamp config I changed the output plugin to Wave and the hissing disappeared. I'm not much of an expert on soundcards etc but isnt directsound supposed to be the better option because it uses hardware and the wave option uses only software? I may be wrong here as, like I said, I'm no expert, but surely I should be able to listen to music using the default winamp output plugin which is directsound?

I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate x64 with the latest Xonar drivers from the Asus site.

Edit: I updated directx and that seems to have fixed the hissing sound. Still at a loss as to why the volume control on the Z2300's only kicks in after 10% tho..

Firegod · 9 Mar 2010 at 17:57

Not sure on the volume question. Obviously that volume knob ties in to the Windows volume. I've just set mine to 4 (from 25) and can still just hear music. (I use Foobar). And if I max to 100 within Windows, I don't get any hissing.

Have you tried a different media player, such as Foobar, and seen what it's like?

Also, make sure your Default Format in Windows is 24-bit 48K Hz. And set the same within the Xonar Audio Center. See if that improves matters.

Thanks.

illogik · 9 Mar 2010 at 18:07

As I said in the edit of my first post, I updated directx and the hissing disappeared.

I just now changed the windows audio settings to 24bit 48k as you said and it seems fine.

Still no clue about the volume thing though. I have my windows sound set on 80% and winamp also on 80% but for some reason the volume knob on the z2300's doesnt seem to do anything until I turn it beyond 10% or so. Very strange. What is even stranger is the fact that before I sent the Xonar D2 back I didnt have this issue with the volume...

Thanks

Firegod · 9 Mar 2010 at 18:19

illogik said:
As I said in the edit of my first post, I updated directx and the hissing disappeared.

I just now changed the windows audio settings to 24bit 48k as you said and it seems fine.

Still no clue about the volume thing though. I have my windows sound set on 80% and winamp also on 80% but for some reason the volume knob on the z2300's doesnt seem to do anything until I turn it beyond 10% or so. Very strange. What is even stranger is the fact that before I sent the Xonar D2 back I didnt have this issue with the volume...

Thanks

Sorry, missed your edit.

Cool, well at least that's one problem down.

Not sure though about the voulme on the actually z2300's. Especially if it worked with the other card. I guess just keep it turned over 10%.

illogik · 9 Mar 2010 at 18:24

Firegod said:
I guess just keep it turned over 10%.

Yeah this is what I'm doing. It isnt exactly a huge issue, more of a mystery than anything else

Groog · 11 Mar 2010 at 09:23

Just had a go with the volume thing myself (have the same setup).

Hadn't noticed it before, but surely it really isn't an issue?

illogik · 11 Mar 2010 at 11:18

Groog said:
Just had a go with the volume thing myself (have the same setup).

Hadn't noticed it before, but surely it really isn't an issue?

No of course its no biggie. I'm just mystified as to why it happens with the pci express d2x and not with the pci d2.