Hi guys, another long explanation type thread with many questions!
Right, im into PC's but I am more into Music/Home Cinema with a strong emphasis on sound quality.
Currently I have an Audigy 2 Platinum with front panel connectors. I hook this up to my 6.1 Denon AV Amp via 3 runs of stereo phono cables (about 15m away so sound quality isn't great).
I don't use the DIGITAL out as the Audigy downmixes to 2 channels (when playing games/Itunes/DVD Audio but not AC3 codecs like DVD's) for copyright protection.
Also there was a well known bug with the firmware where the Subwoofer channel was output through the analogoue interface at such a low voltage that my Amp/Sub couldn't amplify it and so I have never been able to get good bass when playing Itunes and games!
Anyway, im about to take stock of a new system including Abit IP35 Pro motherboard and was wondering first, which sound processor to use. The Audigy2 or the newer Abit onboard. Or, is it worth shelling out a bit for one of the latest X-FI cards ?
Basically, I like the X-Fi type cards as they all get good reviews, but am a bit stumped as to which one to get?
Can anyone recommend me a good card which is mainly used for games/music and of the highest sound quality? (Got to be THX all day long!)
Also does anyone know if the Abit onboard or X-Fi cards output full 6-7.1 channels out of their DIGITAL outputs or do they still downmix like the Audigy 2.
Thanks to anyone that has some info regarding the above.
Right, im into PC's but I am more into Music/Home Cinema with a strong emphasis on sound quality.
Currently I have an Audigy 2 Platinum with front panel connectors. I hook this up to my 6.1 Denon AV Amp via 3 runs of stereo phono cables (about 15m away so sound quality isn't great).
I don't use the DIGITAL out as the Audigy downmixes to 2 channels (when playing games/Itunes/DVD Audio but not AC3 codecs like DVD's) for copyright protection.
Also there was a well known bug with the firmware where the Subwoofer channel was output through the analogoue interface at such a low voltage that my Amp/Sub couldn't amplify it and so I have never been able to get good bass when playing Itunes and games!
Anyway, im about to take stock of a new system including Abit IP35 Pro motherboard and was wondering first, which sound processor to use. The Audigy2 or the newer Abit onboard. Or, is it worth shelling out a bit for one of the latest X-FI cards ?
Basically, I like the X-Fi type cards as they all get good reviews, but am a bit stumped as to which one to get?
Can anyone recommend me a good card which is mainly used for games/music and of the highest sound quality? (Got to be THX all day long!)
Also does anyone know if the Abit onboard or X-Fi cards output full 6-7.1 channels out of their DIGITAL outputs or do they still downmix like the Audigy 2.
Thanks to anyone that has some info regarding the above.