SC for music and gaming?

squiffy · 23 Sep 2006 at 10:34

Any recommendations for a good soundcard for 2 channel for mp3/ogg/mpc/flac playback to a Rotel/B&W PC sound setup, and for gaming? Currently using onboard Realtek 882. Not impressed with people's opinion's on CL X-Fi so something else really.

I do have a M-Audio Revo 5.1 in the htpc, so either get the same, or take that out and fit into the sig. rig, then get another for the htpc. I don't use analogue outputs on the htpc though, just digital.

Dr.EM · 23 Sep 2006 at 11:11

The M-Audio AUDIOPHILE 2496 is good value at £55 from a competitor. It offers only stereo output so all you money goes into quality, not outputs you won't be using

. However, when it comes to EAX for games, I really couldn't say as it certainly isn't geared toward that sort of thing (I doubt your onboard has EAX at the moment?). Certain it would sound great with your music though

Mundu · 23 Sep 2006 at 19:14

I've got an E-MU 0404 and am blown away by the difference in quality that comes out of my amp and speakers.

Dr.EM · 23 Sep 2006 at 19:24

What speakers do you use with it Mundu? I also have B&W/Rotel like the OP, but they are connected to an Audigy 2 card. I don't have any complains about it, but it doesn't sound as good as my CD player (could be more involved than just the SC here though). Tempted to upgrade, but doubt I will, Creative stuff is simple to run and very compatible, i'll give it that.

Buckster · 24 Sep 2006 at 00:17

Audigy 4 Pro

(2nd hand off Ebay about 30 pounds or so) - is superb sound quality and for lossless playback of music - within 99% of the quality of my Sony ES CD player.

Its connected to a Rotel amp + AE Aeolite speakers

Make sure its an Audigy 4 Pro though .... the other Audigy 4s are much lower sound quality.

Better than my X-Fi too

Mark.

Mundu · 24 Sep 2006 at 01:08

Dr.EM said:
What speakers do you use with it Mundu? I also have B&W/Rotel like the OP, but they are connected to an Audigy 2 card. I don't have any complains about it, but it doesn't sound as good as my CD player (could be more involved than just the SC here though). Tempted to upgrade, but doubt I will, Creative stuff is simple to run and very compatible, i'll give it that.

Running it with my Cambridge Azur 540A and Wharfeldale 9.1s. I actually don't have a CD player to compare it with as I just rip my CDs losslessly and play them straight through my PC.