Recommend me a sound card!

jac705 · 8 Oct 2008 at 20:00

On board sound has started to stutter and clearly is not complimenting my Z5500s.
Can someone recommend me the best card on a budget of about £40?
Thanks!

Reality|Bites · 8 Oct 2008 at 23:26

M-Audio Audiophile 2496

google it.

Hamster · 8 Oct 2008 at 23:39

The Z5500 are 5.1 speakers and the m-audio 2496 only outputs stereo so perhaps not the best choice. Google it

Reality|Bites · 8 Oct 2008 at 23:43

d'oh

Looks like your stuck with either the X-FI extreme audio or the cheapest Xonar then.

or if you can find a 2nd hand M-audio revolution.

jac705 · 9 Oct 2008 at 00:04

Iv heard only good things about the x-fis but there are so many...any suggestions?
Are the more expensive ones really worth it?

Gimpymoo · 9 Oct 2008 at 14:49

I paid just under £200 for an elite pro to go with my Z5500s and was VERY underwhelmed.

Sold after less than a month for a loss.

Now looking at the ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3.

Personally, I would say up your budget and go for one of the Xonars.

The X-Fi chip really isnt all that, sure it is better than onboard audio but your Z5500s deserve something better.

Why pay £200 for a pair of speakers then run them off a £40 soundcard? Madness.

Uriel · 9 Oct 2008 at 19:45

You don't say what you want to use the soundcard for. The Xonar D1 and DX are excellent all-rounders and only slightly over-budget.

If you're not a gamer I'd happily recommend something cheaper.