[Another] X-Fi Thread

Tute · 7 Nov 2006 at 14:53

Hi.

I don't visit this forum much, however i've almost got my build finished for my PC, and having experienced the on-board sound, i'm going to need an X-Fi.

It's just awful. I went from nForce 3 sound to this, and I wish I could have bought my nForce chip over. It did everything I needed, and sounded fine.

The new one... well... it sometimes "forgets" to play certain sound effects if there is a lot going on (something to do with the number of simutaneous sound effects?). It's tinny, and there's no real "feel" to any of the sound.

I'm more than happy in my case to go for an X-Fi, the question is which?

I don't really want to break the bank for the Fatal1ty edition, so I guess my question is... is the Extreme Gamer worth it over the Extreme music? I use my PC for all my mp3's and music, and I like to game.

I also have a JVC digital amplifier that I used to use. It's a really nice system, just takes up a fair amount of space so at the moment i'm using a 2.1 set instead. I would like the option to use the amp at a later date though. It connects via a 5.1 digital coaxial cable (the type that uses the SP-DIF socket). I can't see connections for it on either of the cards listed above... so... is it possible? Or would I have to go for the X-Fi with the breakout box to use the amp?

Thanks in advance guys

Greenlizard0 · 7 Nov 2006 at 14:59

Budget?

It depends on your setup but I never look for anything without a breakout box because a lot of my things plug into the front of my computer.

So for that reason I'd go for the Fata1ty, it allows you to switch modes as well allowing you to play games with EAX or listen to your music if you wish..

Tute · 7 Nov 2006 at 15:05

There isn't really a budget but i'd feel crappy if I went over about £100.

I know some will disagree, but i'm not as much of an audiophile that I can hear the difference between a £60 and £100 sound card.

However I can hear how awful onboard sound is

Greenlizard0 · 7 Nov 2006 at 15:06

Fair, most of the creative cards that go over £100 are due to them having console boxes/remote controls etc, but for under that it really depends on what you use your system MORE for.

Music or Games basically will help you decide what to get..

Tute · 7 Nov 2006 at 15:12

greenlizard0 said:
Fair, most of the creative cards that go over £100 are due to them having console boxes/remote controls etc, but for under that it really depends on what you use your system MORE for.

Music or Games basically will help you decide what to get..

So what do you suggest to people who do a balance of both?

I listen to music while web surfing, and while playing certain games, and I want it to sound good.

I also want my games to feel immersive and crisp, there's nothing like Doom 3 with surround on

squiffy · 7 Nov 2006 at 15:17

Front panel audio I/O is useless, if you just plug your sound system in and that's it. Useful for headphones and other things that frequently plug-in remove. I wouldn't use front panel for permenant audio inputs/outputs.

What about the M-Audio range? Both have digital output (electrical) and will sound better than the X-Fi for music, although D3D hardware mixing/EAX is included on the Creatives.

Tute · 7 Nov 2006 at 15:44

squiffy said:
Front panel audio I/O is useless, if you just plug your sound system in and that's it. Useful for headphones and other things that frequently plug-in remove. I wouldn't use front panel for permenant audio inputs/outputs.

What about the M-Audio range? Both have digital output (electrical) and will sound better than the X-Fi for music, although D3D hardware mixing/EAX is included on the Creatives.

I can't seem to see an "M-Audio" range on the OcUK site?

On a side note... I think i've found the connector i'm looking for.

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=1780

Claims to work with all versions of the X-Fi.

From looking through the other threads here, it seems that many prefer the XtremeMusic to the XtremeGamer?