I've been using my X-Fi Elite Pro with Z-5500 speakers for a couple of years now. While I know neither is the best they seem to pair well (subjectively) for their respective prices. My use is pretty much limited to music...don't really watch movies on my rig, I'd rather sit on the couch for that. Anywho...
However, on the audio card end there's some new players on the block, such as the Xonar, Prelude, and Claro+. I'm still satisfied with the bacteria-killing bass of the Z-5500's, despite its laser-beam like sats. The Z-5500's seem okay for personal surround. For critical listening I use an outboard DAC and headphone amp with reasonable headphones (listed below).
Vista64 is the platform and the X-Fi EP works beautifully there. However, is there any benefit to be had by moving to one of the above listed sound cards or does the X-Fi offer all the audible resolution I'm going to get out of the Z-5500's? I know this is not the Hydrogen Audio Forum, and I may ask there as well, but I thought there may still be some Audiophiles that frequent this forum that could offer some opinions.
However, on the audio card end there's some new players on the block, such as the Xonar, Prelude, and Claro+. I'm still satisfied with the bacteria-killing bass of the Z-5500's, despite its laser-beam like sats. The Z-5500's seem okay for personal surround. For critical listening I use an outboard DAC and headphone amp with reasonable headphones (listed below).
Vista64 is the platform and the X-Fi EP works beautifully there. However, is there any benefit to be had by moving to one of the above listed sound cards or does the X-Fi offer all the audible resolution I'm going to get out of the Z-5500's? I know this is not the Hydrogen Audio Forum, and I may ask there as well, but I thought there may still be some Audiophiles that frequent this forum that could offer some opinions.