Best sound card for Z-5300e ??

[andrelyn]

Hey guys. I need some help.. I need the best sound card I can get for ~$100 (CDN) for my lovely Logitech Z-5300e set.

I can't decide which is the best. I'm also not that informed about sound cards and such.

Some things to consider - I want to in the future upgrade to real home theater speakers (connect it to PC, I'm pretty sure I heard of that?).. I don't really want to upgrade to a Z-5500, might as well get some real home theater speakers if I'm going to pay that price. So, I want a sound card that's future proof for this too.

Thanks!

 

[dmantech]

I have the Z-5500's and I use a creative X-Fi and it makes a world of a difference. The Soundblaster X-Fi these should suite you speakers and they will compliment your set http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102005 and if you want something cheap but with good quality go for this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102002. Hope this helps.

 

[Conumdrum]

Does the Mobo and the 5300's have a digital audio connector? I have the 5500's and my mobo has a optical digital out. IF you have digital out from the mobo, you don't need a soundcard, it's as pure as can be. If it's analog out only (mini RCA jacks), then you should get a soundcard. And the SB stuff is not near as good as other brands.

 

[andrelyn]

..?

Have you guys not heard of the Z-5300e?

There is no digital, it's only analog. Z-5300e with a bigger sub and digital outputs + extras = Z-5500.

Z-5300e is a THX certified 5.1 system, 280 RMS, 560 watts.. it's the model under the Z-5500.

I don't know if I should go with the X-Fi Xtreme Gamer or some Auzentech card.. (I'm using XP).