What sound card to get?

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Originally Posted by speculum jockey

Unless you are doing some manner of sound mixing, or have $500+ speakers you are not going to notice any difference. On-board sound these days is great, and telling the difference between it and a real sound card usually requires cranking the volume up past safe hearing levels.

Are you hearing some manner of static or distortion? Or is there some cash burning a hole in your pocket?

The biggest advantage of a sound card is that you can pair it with good set of headphones = cheapest way to have a good sound, as some audiophiles would say.

Other than that, the statement is true. If you have crappy speakers / amp (particularly if you use any kind of PC speakers) investing in a sound card is not going to help much. Xonar DG/DS is the best option then.

Originally Posted by kimosabi

If you like music with a touch of audiophile in you, Xonar Essence ST(PCI) or Essence STX(PCI-E) are great soundcards. They cost the same as a D2X though lol.

Essence is an under priced product, for what it offers IMO. The only downside is that after trying your MP3's with this - you will be forced to switch to FLAC.

Originally Posted by kimosabi

Asus Xonar DS, or DG, might be the card for you. Note: They are PCI cards.

Be careful of that - double check with your MBO.

xFi Extreme Gamer in my rig (Creative), superb card.

[CharveL]

Ive had a SBLive with the breakout front console for about 5 years now and I'll never buy a Soundblaster product again.

Between the crappy drivers, constant crackling, and complete disregard by support I'm done with them.