Headset + Sound Card

[leiuno]

Hello,

I have decided to buy this headset http://steelseries.com/products/audio/steelseries-7h and I plan to use it mainly for games. Additionally I have 2 +1 Philips SPA5300 which I’m happy with. My plan is to use the Philips for music and movies and the headphones for gaming.


I have the following question. If I get a "decent" sound card, will I be able to hear noticeable improvement in sound quality compared with the integrated audio of Asrock P67 Pro 3?

Here are the cards I’m interested in:

Xonar DX - http://www.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_DX/

Creative Recon 3D - http://uk.store.creative.com/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-recon3d-pcie/1-20885.aspx The newest model, but from what I read she is nothing special. Also I cant find this card anywhere in my country (Bulgaria) atm. Some say it was "a step backwards,'' compared to the last generation cards in terms of technologies that she can offer.

Xi-Fi Titanium http://uk.store.creative.com/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-x-fi-titanium/1-17927.aspx
Other proposals are also accepted. I have not identified specific budget for card, but I think I don’t need the hi-end models.


I would be very grateful to hear advices from people who have experience and are deep into things. Overall I am interested in how things are with the drivers and maintenance, as some cards are models from several years ago.

For now, after reading some reviews I am most likely to go with the Xonar DX. Here the price of the Xonar DX is around 70 € and the Titanium is 80 € and I hear the Xonar has the better drivers.
I will use it on Asrock P67 pro 3 under Win7 x64


Thanks and Regards

 

[Computerrock1]

Well, creative has been known to have driver issues with x64 systems however, for gaming I would suggest the Creative because it is meant for gaming. That may be a weak argument when comparing reviews and what not, but in my experience Creative has the best response and most accurate location within a game. Which is important, because it allows you to judge where your enemies are based on sound. The DX is great for a htpc and what not, but if gaming is what you are going for, i would spend the extra money and get the Recon.

 

[gamerk316]

Question: Are you using the USB variant of the headset? [Steelseries website is blocked at work...] If so, a soundcard does nothing for you.

Right now, I simply can not recommend any situation for buying a Recon3D series card from Creative. It stinks spec wise compared to X-fi's and C-Media chipsets used by ASUS, Auzentech, and HT Omega, and I'm already hearing about driver issues...

The ASUS Xonar DX is a very good entry level soundcard though, and I'd recommend it over the Titanium in a heartbeat, and against a Recon3D, its not even a competition. And other higher end soundcards are avaliable depending on your exact needs.

 

[leiuno]

No, I will buy the standart 7h without the USB sound card. I know that USB headsets don't use the soundcard thats why im gettin the one with the standart Mic and Headset "cabble in" (not sure about the word).
I have decidet to go with the Xonar DX.
Thanks for the comments.