so i might upgrade my sound card, but i don't know if i should get a EMU 0404 or the 1212 or sould i get one of the X-Fi
What are you going to be doin' with the sound card? Stupid question, probably, but unless you're doing amazing amounts of encoding, decoding, mixing, and hooking your system up to a phenomenal receiver, is it really worth getting the X-Fi?
Even though the E-MUs use the same chip as the Audigys (if I'm not mistaking), the drivers are not made for games. That's something to consider. If you're just gonna be watching DVDs and listening to music, then it's a moot point. Those pro cards use high-quality converters, though. As for M-Audio products, they're really good, judging from my experience. I have the Transit USB. It's a neat little device.... If you're gonna get an Envy24-based card, try to find out what converters it uses. Voyetra's offering as well as other cheap products are not up to snuff.
Chaintech 7.1 Channel PCI 24HT-S Sound Card I bought this because a few of you recommened it. I'm a big audiophile, so sound is very important to me. I like this card more than my friends's $60 Creative card.
Erm, I guess that's what happens when you don't read all the previous posts... Just read ivanolo's post.
Here are some reviews for you, Sparky.... Different Envy24 solutions: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/revolution71.html http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/terratec-aureon71.html http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/audiotrak-prodigy71/ Chaintech AV-710: http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=140 http://techgage.com/review.php?id=2300 http://www.sudhian.com/showdocs.cfm?aid=654 http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?p=848255#post848255 The Chaintech appears to be a perfectly fine solution that can hold its own against the more expensive cards, if properly configured, that is. It has the Wolfson converter needed for pristine sound quality, but only for digital out, if I'm not mistaken. Don't feel embarassed, you got a good deal! Read those reviews, especially the Sudhian and Head-Fi reviews, because they have some interesting tips on how to get the most out of that piece of hardware.
I love that card. I had it hooked up to my reciever through the spdif connector, man did it rock. I would highly recomend this card, especially seeing as the only Creative option you can get for $25 is an SB16 or something.
The Wolfson is a DAC (digital to analog converter). Its an alright piece, but not up to BB's class. 24bits is still a bit of a marketing hype, you can have 1bit DACs that are much better than 24bit. Depends on the methodology used (any EEs wanna jump in and give a good explanation? I'm a terrible teacher. Esun, Roca?). And if your going to be running any sort of digital out, the card really doesn't make a difference SQ-wise. Its all in the DACs
