Need new Soundcard with decent line out.

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caffineking

caffineking

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Jan 16, 2014
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Sound on the Motherboard has started to give up the ghost, with left speaker channel working only when it feels like it!!
Rather than take my entire computer to bits and return the Mother board under warranty, I've decided to get a new soundcard.
PCI connection would be best - only because remaining PCI-E slots will be a little too close to the graphics card.

I currently have my computer connected to an old Rotel RA-920Ax amp, with a set of bookshelf Gale speakers so a half-decent line out is a must.
Not too fussed about surround sound although I might always change the set up in the future.

Mainly for listening to (Various) music - MP3's in the main, and a little gaming thrown in.

Oh - and not looking to spend more than about £50 quid. Less is better!
I was considering the Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Extreme Audio PCI card, which I can pick up new for about £25. Any other recommendations?


System:
Gigabyte GA Z-87 D3HP Motherboard, i5 4670 Processor, Radeon HD7870 Graphics Card, 8GB Kingston Memory. Windows 8.1.
 
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jb6684

jb6684

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Feb 20, 2011
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You could improve sound with a USB D/A for connection to your integrated amp and speakers...

http://www.audioadvisor.com/AudioQuest-Dragonfly-v10-USB-Digital-Audio-Converter/productinfo/AQDRFLY/#.Utgw7rQbBjs

http://www.audioadvisor.com/Audioengine-D1-Premium-24-Bit-USB-DAC/productinfo/AUD1/#.UtgxMbQbBjs
https://www.google.com/search?q=Rotel+RA-920A&client=firefox-a&hs=LBZ&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:eek:fficial&tbm=isch&source=iu&imgil=h4VN7511Ny1hMM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcTm86GQ6CXbi5vwrHepjaXu_VaoXdPu41Gbh_GPQjpQerV_sdTb%253B800%253B255%253BqKCSKTWseWF3RM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.hifiengine.com%25252Flibrary%25252Frotel%25252Fra-920.shtml&sa=X&ei=2yzYUsevLo3LkAennIGwDA&ved=0CDMQ9QEwAA&biw=1280&bih=595#facrc=_&imgrc=h4VN7511Ny1hMM%253A%3BqKCSKTWseWF3RM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hifiengine.com%252Fimages%252Fmodel%252Frotel_ra-920ax_front.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hifiengine.com%252Flibrary%252Frotel%252Fra-920.shtml%3B800%3B255

 
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caffineking

caffineking

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Jan 16, 2014
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Creative Z looks good. Sadly not PCI.

DAC's not something I'd actually considered to be honest, but look pretty good. Prices might mean I'll have to wait a short while this soon after my Christmas spending spree!!!
 
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caffineking

caffineking

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Jan 16, 2014
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Trying to keep the soundcard away from the Graphics card, hence PCI rather than PCIe. More I think about it the more I'm thinking about getting a cheap PCI soundcard (so I've got something that actually works under the bonnet!), and a DAC converter.... Decisions decisions....!!!
 
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T

Traciatim

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I have one of these... other than the ability to have headphones plugged in and speakers and switch with software I've been pretty unimpressed. Though, I only have it plugged in to some Logitech Z-2300's and some Beyerdynamic DT660's so it's not I have it in any high end audio gear or anything. Other than clearing out my interference problem from the onboard I can barely even notice the difference in actual sound.
 
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Illumynization

Illumynization

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Nov 12, 2013
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Ah sorry didn't see the PCI requirement.

Sorry to hear that you aren't too content with your creative card. Granted that on board audio has gotten significantly better I still like the creative card more. I've used it with the z5500 z623 and a creative headset.
 
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colragland

colragland

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Jan 19, 2012
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I have a Creative Sound Blaster Z OEM next to my Radeon HD7750 Graphics Card with no problems at all it has been the best sound card that i have owned and it's on sale at newegg.com for $57.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102054

But i just ordered and installed a Asus Xonar DG for a friend that was on a budget for $29.99 and i was surprised by it's great sound big upgrade from his on board sound and Asus has a $10.00 rebate going on til 1/31/2014

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132020
 
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Illumynization

Illumynization

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Nov 12, 2013
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Needs to be PCI so the first one is out. The second one could work, up to him.
 
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caffineking

caffineking

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Jan 16, 2014
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Thanks for all the help.
After all the above praise for Asus, I've picked up the older brother to the Asus Xonar DG - the D1 - for a bargain £30 quid, which should sing pretty sweetly.
Once my bank account has recovered from Christmas, I fully intend to pick up a USB DAC too. The Dragonfly looks good, and Richer Sounds do one for a shade under £80 http://www.richersounds.com/search/audioquest%20dragonfly , or Arcam do the rPAC which goes (used) for about £60 - 80 on fleabay.... :)
 
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