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Best sound card for 5.1 gaming and movies

Forum CPU & Components : Sound Cards - Best sound card for 5.1 gaming and movies

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I'm currently using an X-Fi XtremeMusic, which I think has served me very well for the last three years. However, I just ordered a Logitech Z-5500, which will replace my Logitech X-530 speakers. So I'd like to make the best use of it by getting a better sound card.

I've done quite a bit of research, but I can't seem to find the right card for my needs. Bottom line: I need a sound card that works really well with a 5.1 system for Blu-ray movies and games. I don't really care too much about music, so those two things are my main concern. Also, I use Vista 64-bit.

Max price I'd spend is $200.

Any input would be much appreciated.


Message edited by erebus14 on 05-19-2009 at 03:48:36 AM
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I've heard that the X-Fi Prelude 7.1 sound card works well with Vista 64-bit. Yes, it's not a 5.1, but we also have to ensure Vista x64 compatibility, right?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6829156005

------------------------------ Desktop | E7300 | P5KPL-AM | 2GB DDR2 667MHz | NVIDIA 9500 GT | ST3320613AS | w2228h
XPS M1330 | T8300 | Dell 0U8042 | 2GB DDR2 800MHz | NVIDIA 8400M GS | WD2500BEVS-75US | 1280 x 800
Reply to r_manic

I heard it has issues with mics not picking up well at all on the Prelude. Can you confirm this?

Reply to erebus14
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ASUS Xonar
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6829132006
$90 (has a $25 MIR) its 7.1 tho (should be backwards compatible)

Reply to IH8U

Xonar D2(X), Xonar STX Essense, Xonar HDAV1.3, Auzentech Prelude/Forte

In short: Anything that does NOT say Creative on the front...

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Reply to gamerk316
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Sorry, I can't confirm that OP, maybe the people on the thread I saw would know?

IH8U and gamerk316, would you know how those sound cards are in Vista 64?

------------------------------ Desktop | E7300 | P5KPL-AM | 2GB DDR2 667MHz | NVIDIA 9500 GT | ST3320613AS | w2228h
XPS M1330 | T8300 | Dell 0U8042 | 2GB DDR2 800MHz | NVIDIA 8400M GS | WD2500BEVS-75US | 1280 x 800
Reply to r_manic

I've personally run the Xonar D2(X) and for a brief time, the Prelude. I compare them about equal, although the newer Prelude has a slight edge in gaming compared tot he D2(X). I've seen nothing but goodness about the ASUS STX Essense and HDAV1.3, although the HDAV1.3 is geared more toward the Home Thearte audience, so that might be more of what you're looking for...

Guru3d has a ton of reviews on all the listed models, and the forums has ongoing discussions on the Prelude, STX Essense, and HDAV1.3

http://www.guru3d.com/article/auze [...] view-test/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/auze [...] 71-review/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-xonar-d2x-review/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus [...] tx-review/

Forum threads:
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=278062 (STX Essence)
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=277132 (HDAV1.3)
http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=290455 (Forte)

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Reply to gamerk316
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I'm about to order a Logitech Z-5500 so I am in the same boat as the OP. Think I'm gonna get the X-Fi Prelude 7.1.

Reply to n64ra
Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Sound Cards > Best sound card for 5.1 gaming and movies
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