Sound card help

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ben62670
ben62670 Posts: 15,969
edited May 2008 in Electronics
Well I have been eyeballing SC's for a while, and was looking at M-Audio, but they do not believe in updating their drivers or cards.
I am looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156001 With upgrade options on the op-amps, and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006 for the rave reviews. I have been reduced to living in an 8x8x8 living quarters (not kidding-I call it the cube), and have no space for equipment. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ben
Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
Thanks
Ben
Post edited by ben62670 on
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited May 2008
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    Nothing wrong with M-Audio cards. Which model were you looking at. If you looking for audio and not gaming, M-Audio are great cards.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 8,102
    edited May 2008
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    If you just want serious 2-channel output, get the M-audio 24/96 Audiophile model or one of the E-Mu models that are priced around $100 (the 0202 USB, or 0404 PCI).

    http://us.creative.com/products/welcome.asp?category=237&

    I wouldn't worry about the fact that M-audio doesn't update their models much or drivers. Their stuff is solid and their drivers are reliable. The only reason some of these other companies are constantly changing their models/drivers is to support new sound formats (that come from gaming or movies).
    See profile for rigs. Nothing else here.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
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    billbillw wrote: »
    If you just want serious 2-channel output, get the M-audio 24/96 Audiophile model or one of the E-Mu models that are priced around $100 (the 0202 USB, or 0404 PCI).

    http://us.creative.com/products/welcome.asp?category=237&

    I wouldn't worry about the fact that M-audio doesn't update their models much or drivers. Their stuff is solid and their drivers are reliable. The only reason some of these other companies are constantly changing their models/drivers is to support new sound formats (that come from gaming or movies).

    Thanks guys.
    I have been taking a long look at M-Audio, but the lack of DTS output for gaming has shyed me away. The drivers for Vista just were released, and there have been reports of issues. I have looked at the 24/96, and love the solid simplicity of the card, and RCA's, but it doesn't fit all my needs.
    Thanks for the link on the creative. I was no aware they had a line of cards like that. I will do some more research. Did you guys see the replaceable op-amps on the AuzenTech? It has 8v+, and 8v- rails for the op-amps.

    Thanks Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited May 2008
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    I decided to get a Razer Barracuda AC1 sound card. Sound is very good but MAudio are better.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
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    http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-plosion.php
    Ordered from newegg $60 after $20 rebate. Solid caps, Vista compatable, can swap op-amps, and 8v+/8v- power for op-amps. What can I say. I love to tweek.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited May 2008
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    Look like they use some quality parts, and the concept hot swapping OPA's is definitely HIFI. Their upper card sports 4 AKM DACS. Sweet.
    -Ignorance is strength -
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
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    Well I got, and am listening to it right now. Pretty sweet. The biggest problem is just like every other HQ piece of gear it shows what is wrong. The sound stage, and dynamics are the most impressive thing about this card. My puter is right next to the right speaker, and it really has created an issue with sound stage. The dynamic range is awesome compared to the on-board which was a realtech HD audio chip. Well I'll let it play for a while before I give it a full thumbs up.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • honda cber
    honda cber Posts: 267
    edited May 2008
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    that realtek chip probably cost about $.18, if i had to guess... you are not alone in finding it (and probably most onboard audio... cough... soundblaster) to be garbage. upping the soundcard was the best thing i ever did for my computers as far as audio goes.

    a
    gear list:
    1 down, 4 up....
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
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    Yeah there was no way I was going to get a soundblaster. This card has the SQ, and the DTS output for gaming on my PrePro/projector. The DTS output is a real cool option. I am very satisfied with the SQ with this card. It is a super punchy no nonsense card.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2008
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    Some Soundblaster cards also have DTS. I believe I've had 3 cards from them and have never had a problem. Next time I may try one of their E-MU/Professional series cards.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • honda cber
    honda cber Posts: 267
    edited May 2008
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    Face wrote: »
    Some Soundblaster cards also have DTS. I believe I've had 3 cards from them and have never had a problem. Next time I may try one of their E-MU/Professional series cards.

    e-mu is a whole nuther ballgame though.

    a
    gear list:
    1 down, 4 up....
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited May 2008
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    Ben, are you getting all channels via Realtek HD? I'm having problems with getting anything other than 2 ch. out via the fiberoptic?
    I've got it set up to do DD, DTS, and all spectrums of bit rate/hz.
    It's Vista 64 if that makes a difference.
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
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    I never did hook it up to my Pre/Pro. I just wanted to make sure the new card was capable.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited May 2008
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    Phooey! I hate emailing tech support. Oh well...
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • Phasearray
    Phasearray Posts: 437
    edited May 2008
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    engtaz wrote: »
    I decided to get a Razer Barracuda AC1 sound card. Sound is very good but MAudio are better.

    engtaz

    I have the Razer also. Real steal when woot put them out for $50. It does both DD Live and DTS and I'm using the optical output. I don't see how MAudio can be any better.
    Receiver - Onkyo HT-R340
    Front - Pioneer S-HF21
    Center -Onkyo SKC-340C
    Surround Back - Polk R15 <--Ticket to club polk
    Subwoofer - Onkyo SKW-340
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2008
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    Face wrote: »
    Some Soundblaster cards also have DTS. I believe I've had 3 cards from them and have never had a problem. Next time I may try one of their E-MU/Professional series cards.
    honda cber wrote: »
    e-mu is a whole nuther ballgame though.

    a
    I just received a email back from Creative on the subject.

    There would be no improvement in sound if I am using the digital coax out. They said, it may be troublesome for my application?! It appears I'll be keeping their XFi XtremeMusic card for a while.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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