Picking a sound card

alonmach

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Dec 23, 2013
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hello there, i need a recommendation for a sound card.
I plan on gaming with a headset, preferably 7.1 (5.1 also an option), and also connecting 2.1 speakers

Im looking for good sound mainly in games thru the headset, and movies thru the speakers are a second priority.

currently running z97 (alc 1150)

budget is $80 US, flexible

an option, and a cheaper option will bring big thanks :)

was looking at the asus xonar cards but couldnt make heads or tails from all the different versions. also the xi-fi

 
Solution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rXcJuEsy0, personally I wouldn't recommend soundcards and the video link can help explain why and also cut through marketing BS. Also check this thread for some in-depth information about surround sound gaming (http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound) , and if you are still looking to purchase a headset then check this one (http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-4-17-2014-akg-k612-and-k712-pro-added-edits).

IRONBATMAN

Honorable
What slots are free on your motherboard ? PCIe ? PCI ?

I have the Asus Xonar DG and it's not bad at all. It has digital surround enabled too. But personally, I don't hear much of a difference i different soundcards. Neither should you, unless you're an audiophile. you'll get used to any sound actually.

For instance, I originally had the Creative A250 2.1 They would great. Then for my birthday, my Uncle got me the higher end Acoustic energy AE Ego-M They were great too. But during the first week, I preferred my old speakers. My new speakers grew on me and I don't feel that it has much of a difference.

To conclude, Creative A250 + Asus Xonar DG is all you need. Anything better and you'll just get used to it and won't see any significant difference.
 
Been using xonar d2 (pci version) for several years now and absolutely love it, it is miles ahead of any onboard sound, especially if you like using headphones, and i mean quality headphones, not some cheapo stuff. This is one piece of hardware i never intend to sell :) highly recommended.
 

soullStream

Distinguished
Jan 4, 2012
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rXcJuEsy0, personally I wouldn't recommend soundcards and the video link can help explain why and also cut through marketing BS. Also check this thread for some in-depth information about surround sound gaming (http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound) , and if you are still looking to purchase a headset then check this one (http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-4-17-2014-akg-k612-and-k712-pro-added-edits).
 
Solution

alonmach

Honorable
Dec 23, 2013
55
0
10,640


good reading, thx