Just purchased Z5500 - Now which soundcard?

[Jameshill675]

Which soundcard from the X-fi would suit me?

I need a digital out, and my budget is £80

Thanks
J

 

[Things change I've changed]

Yep, X-Fi will suit that setup down to the ground, welcome to the forums mate

edit- stay away from the cheaper Extreme Audio and go the the Extreme Music or better.

 

[Jameshill675]

Which model do you think would suit my needs?

My Mother board Asus A8n - SLI already has S/PDIF out and a optical out.

 

[Things change I've changed]

Which model do you think would suit my needs?

My Mother board Asus A8n - SLI already has S/PDIF out and a optical out.

I just edited my post as you posted that, go for the Extreme music or better .

 

[smsmasters]

I just edited my post as you posted that, go for the Extreme music or better .

I second that. I've had the xtrememusic x-fi card since Nov 2005 when it first came out. Never had a problem with it yet! *touch wood*

It will make your crap speakers sound good, and your good speakers sound better.

 

[LLBDTiberio]

Indeed it will, got the Fatality card with the I/O bay and haven't looked back since.
X-fi makes it soo much more enjoyable to listen to music/gaming/watching films and with those speakers it will be the best.
Enjoy

 

[Tommy B]

X-Fi

1. It makes PC speakers sound better.

2. It makes Hi-Fi (Amp + Speakers) sound crap.

As you fit the first profile, go for it.

 

[AaronW]

What is the best way to connect the X-Fi to the Z5500 speakers? There is no oprical out on the Xfi Music.

 

[Tommy B]

You wouldn't see any advantage over optical anyway.

Standard Jack lead is the best IMO.

 

[smsmasters]

What is the best way to connect the X-Fi to the Z5500 speakers? There is no oprical out on the Xfi Music.

Creative sell the module which you connect to the soundcard that has optical/coax inputs/outputs.

 

[smsmasters]

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

 

[Jameshill675]

I think I am going to go for the Fatal1ty card!

I want all the i/o and I also need a optical out!

 

[Sirrel Squirrel]

For films the optical out will be fine but for surround sound in games you will need to use the 3 analogue jacks to get the 5.1 sound.

 

[Things change I've changed]

X-Fi

1. It makes PC speakers sound better.

2. It makes Hi-Fi (Amp + Speakers) sound crap.

As you fit the first profile, go for it.

I'm not sure I entirely agree there tbh, I'm guessing you mean with all the extra's enabled, 3d audio, crystallizer etc, turn all of them off and pipe the audio to a seperate amp and speakers and it sounds very nice indeed, I've just replaced my audigy 2 with an X-Fi and I noticed straight away that the music sounded much tighter, definitly seemed to have better timing and a much more realistic punchier bass,

what experiance do you have with soundcards ? , do you think (with no effects, eq's etc) the M-audio 192 would be much better quality wise ?

 

[Jameshill675]

I ahve just received my Z5500's today tested them with both by DVD player(coax) and Pc (optical) also with PC but they keep cutting out.

I get strange hissing sounds and the sub keeps beating like some strange interference.

Are my speakers broken?

When i turn the power off then back on they work again for random amount of minutes.

I am cntemplating sending them back but i don't know if there is something i havn't done?

I have double checked all connections.

 

[Psypher5]

tried all connections you say..?

Tried fuses? (both..) tried them in a diff room (plug, etc,)
Is the sub close to anythign electrical?

 

[Jameshill675]

Yes mate tried all connections optical coaxial and stereo lead. The sub is on the opposite side of the room and they now have no power at all to them!

 

[Psypher5]

tried fuses? And plugs?