onboard vs xfi?

Psypher5

Psypher5

Psypher5

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Going to be getting a new mobo setup soon and was wondering what the quality was like compared to the xfi.

asus p5b, has HD audio and does dolby whatnot. Would it be worth stciking with this or paying out 80quid for an xfi music?

Currently been using onboard with a set of z-5500's and the quality is quite decent. [i know youll **** me off here], onboard due to selling an audigy2 for upgrade to an xfi and never getting round to it :P

Anyway, worth it with this new wave of onboard audio?
 
I guess it depends on what you want from the audio. If you listen to music a lot (especially on headphones or good speakers) then I would spend the extra on a proper sound card as the quality is usually noticeably better. You also have to remember that on-board will eat a bit of your system resources, although usually not enough to bother anything. I also really like all the advanced EAX and pseudo-surround stuff on the X-Fi as I play a lot of games and watch a lot of movies on my PC.
 
I have to admit ive wanted an xfi for a year now, but couldnt justify it.

I do want high quality but, im afraid ill be wasting the money on something that isnt that much better?

I watch movies a hell of a lot, and music is a major thing in life.

'spose i need to hear it first hand, ill see if anyof my mates have one :)
 
I'm using an XFi Fata1ity and some Logitech z-5500s at the moment. The sound quality from those two combined is better than anything I've ever heard on a PC. Incredibly happy with the purchase.
 
If you have the XFi installed, the weakest link will almost certainly be your speakers. If they're good 2.1s, they'll sound great, if they're cheap, they'll just limit you I'm guessing.
 
Just bought a X-Fi myself and it is total badboy. Even with my cheap and nasty Creatvie 5.1 setup it sounds brilliant - installed a plugin for Winamp...Izotop Ozone or something and, dare I say it.... sounds like a Hi-fi... there I said it.

*prepares to be shot down by a prowling audiophile*
 
Sudden said:
would it make a difference with 2.1 speakers as well?
Click to expand...

Interesting in this myself, using a Rotel integrated and B&W speakers with the Realtek 882 from onboard. Isn't EAX purely for 4 channel setups?
 
I upgraded from onboard to Sound Blaster Audigy, there was a world of difference.

Then I upgraded to X-FI music, and from the audigy there was a massie leap again, so from onboard to X-FI your going to be amazed ! lol
 
Looking at getting me a decent sound card, is it worth the extra 30quid for the FPS edition instead of the platinum?

I do a lot of gaming so will it be useful?

:)
 
Okay doke, X-Fi Extreme it is then.

Right, now OEM or Retail?

Any major difference other than 20quid?

:)
 
I sent a webnote asking that earlier.

Not sure if they are cheap ex dell ones *with reduced features* or just, without a box. I'll let you know when i get a reply.
 
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