X Fi Titanium, Xonar, Auzen or other

[markeyg]

I currently have a Creative Audigy 4 running on Vista with Creative T7900 Speakers. The Drivers are absoloutly terrible for Vista. I know it's the drivers because I've tested it on XP with exactly the same setup.
I've been looking @ the Creative X Fi Titanium (not Fatal1ty).
People say though that the Xonars are better and others say Auzentechs, but they both cost more. I don't mind spending more as long as I hear the difference.
It is music that I want to use it for mainly. I may do some light gaming from time to time but nothing demanding!
I want my music to be loud and clear (don't we all)! With the Audigy I've got now it's loud but really unclear!!

What do you guys suggest?

P.s I want to keep my Creative Inspire T7900 Speakes

 

[mikeny]

If I may chime in....Ive also heard about Xonar and Auzentech. I was thinking of going to XFI Titanium/Fatality. What's good for gaming and listening to music also.

 

[ragsters]

I have the Titanium fatality and love it. I don't understand why people are hating lately but it works for me. By the way the fatality and non fatality are the same thing except for the aluminum shell.

 

[gamerk316]

Xonars are far and away the best cards for all around usage right now.

I (finally) managbed to put a rig together not plagued by SCP issues by Creative sound cards (It only took 3 mobos to find one not affected...), and SCP aside, I still rate the Xonars higher in overall sound quality.

Auzentech doesn't seem to have the same constant driver issues Creative does; go with them over Creative.

 

[mikeny]

Which Auzentech? I see 7 of them on Newegg.

 

[markeyg]

Which Auzentech? I see 7 of them on Newegg.

Don't know TBH, dnt mind either, I don't mind spendin as long as it sounds it!!

 

[gamerk316]

Xonars:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132001 (D2) [PCI]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132005 (D2X) [PCI-E]

Essentailly the same card. If you have a spare PCI slot and want to save the $20, get the D2.

AuzenTech:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156010 (Forte) - And older offering, but still a great card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156005 (Prelude) - Top of the line card, full X-fi support, great sound quality.

Really, it comes down to those extra options that come built into the card (DTS, X-fi, etc), so do your own research before buying. Both the Xonar D2(X)'s and the Prelude are top of the line cards free of driver issues (as opposed to Creatives junk drivers...)

 

[halcyon]

I don't know, I have two X-Fi's in Vista 64 and not only do they sound great but their drivers are quite quite good now with a lot of utility. Did Asus and Auzentech finally make some really good drivers for their good sounding gear?

 

[mikeny]

Thanx gamerk for the links.

 

[stevensl2]

i got the asus xonar dx, and its amazing i have to say.. for that price, you cant get anything too much better