New Sound Card

Marky

Marky

Marky

Soldato
Joined
16 Apr 2007
Posts
23,425
Location
UK
Hey all,

Im looking for a new Sound Card :)

I currently use the Sound Card that comes with the Maximus Formula Motherboard.

However, recently I have become more and more noticing a sort of static noise whenever playing games and listening to music (Using my headphones). I also notice it whilst in windows, wearing my headphones, but when there isn't any sound and I start scrolling down in a window for example, you can hear the static sounds.

So I thought I'd go with another sound card and hope that this cures this problem (Unless anyone has any other suggestion?)

I currently use Vista 64 Bit - I listen to music often (Through my speakers (Aego M 2.1's) and through headphones) and I also play games, and occasionally watch movies etc.

Any recommendations would be handy :)

Thanks,
Marky
 
I'd have the Asus XONAR one in the This Week Only section ATM :) Although, this is based on absolutely nothing, apart from that I prefer Asus as a company compared to Creative.

I'm tempted to get one to replace my X-Fi XtremeMusic, we don't particularly get on well.
 
Xonar DX/D2X is, according to people on this forum, much, much better for Vista than a Creative X-Fi.

The Auzentech however is supposed to be decent.

Depends on what you want though. Auzentech has the Crystalizer (sound feature).

I'd say the Xonar is best for you for music and films.
 
get the Xonar D2X. It is EXCELLENT, especially at that price point. It holds its own vs audiophile sound cards costing a lot more. The audio fidelity when compared to any creative card is far superior. There is no hiss when there is no sound playing through headphones on the Xonar. I have had not a single issue with the Xonar on Vista 64bit on latest drivers.
 
i have the xonar D2, unlike my old creative "Xtremegamer" it actually works!! in windows!!!!!!! and in linuxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx2"""""!!!"£$""""


buy buy buy creative are rubbish.
 
Okay so I went for the D2X and I feel like I should have got the D2...

I have a couple of questions:

1.
dsc00218vj9.jpg


Is that okay being so close to the 4870x2 - Im a little worried it may get very hot?

2. I have a headphone jack on the front of my case (Antec P182) - is there a way I can connect it to my sound card?
 
Regarding your first question, the reason I went for a D2 over a D2X is becuase I didn't fancy it being so close to my graphics card. However, I don't think it'll be a problem for you. Won't the 4870x2 just draw in air past the graphics card [edit: D'oh - I meant soundcard] and exhaust it out of the case?

And regarding the 2nd question: unfortunately - no, unless you get one of those generic breakout things that takes cables from the rear of your case and feeds them to the front (which I wouldn't bother with).

Bizarrely, the lower end D1 and DX cards have an internal front panel connector but the D2 and D2X don't. :rolleyes:
 
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Uriel said:
Regarding your first question, the reason I went for a D2 over a D2X is becuase I didn't fancy it being so close to my graphics card. However, I don't think it'll be a problem for you. Won't the 4870x2 just draw in air past the graphics card and exhaust it out of the case?

And regarding the 2nd question: unfortunately - no, unless you get one of those generic breakout things that takes cables from the rear of your case and feeds them to the front (which I wouldn't bother with).

Bizarrely, the lower end D1 and DX cards have an internal front panel connector but the D2 and D2X don't. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Okay cool :) Thanks for answering them :)

Can you get a front panel for this sound card? That way I can have a headphone jack at the front?
 
Auzentech Prelude - If you Game/DVD's

ive had all XFI products & Auzentech, Auzentech Prelude is a killer in sound department
 
Hmm I just went to put my headphones into the back... but im not sure where the put them...

I have my Aero M's in the "Front Speaker/Headphones" socket - so where do I put my headphones?!
 
Yep the P182 does have a headphone jack, I have it connected to my Xonar DX and simply choose "FP Headphone" for the front headphone jack.
 
A Hi-Fi pre-amp with headphone amp will sort the problem out, not only have direct volume control, but switching outputs, headphone output (right in front of you) Should be able to buy a Arcam Alpha 8c/9c quite cheap.
 
I'd rather not pay for an amp - or spend much more at all to be honest - all I'd like to be able to do is just turn off my speakers and plug in my headphones (Into the front) and use them straight off - without having to unplug this and that behind the PC...
 
"Front Speaker/Headphones" socket < that is the analogue stereo out connection.
That is the only problem with aegos, no headphone socket.
Sound card manu's really should think about adding 2x analogue stereo out on their cards, it's an issue that has bugged me for years.
I have logitech z4's because they have a headphone socket on the wired remote but the sound quality is reduced.

It's an absolute joke that in this day and age we cant have soundcards that let you plug in speakers and headphones at the same time without losing quality on either without buying some crummy front panel bundled overpriced card with too short a lead.
 
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C64 said:
"Front Speaker/Headphones" socket < that is the analogue stereo out connection.
That is the only problem with aegos, no headphone socket.
Sound card manu's really should think about adding 2x analogue stereo out on their cards, it's an issue that has bugged me for years.
Click to expand...

any card that has a front panel connector has two sets of front analogue outputs. hell, my old motherboard had two independent sets that could output from different sources. the d2 and d2x not having a front panel connection is an exception, not the norm.
 
Yea I am saying that sound cards should be 2x stereo out as standard one for headphones one for stereo/2.1 speakers.
Or support third party front panel headphone sockets at least.The x-fi ones have a big cable like an IDE cable right ?
 
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