Sound card info

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By request I have written this brief summary. DSO, please post where you see fit.

Disclaimer: My opinions stated here are not based upon direct usage, but rather my experience with the various components that the manufacturers utilise in the production of these audio cards. I graduated from college at age 19 with honors in Physics. My experience in the audio industry includes handcrafting and designing exotic high end audio transducers (speakers), acting as audio consultant for audio retailers, custom pro installation of sound systems, as well as reviewing music and high end audio components.

First, I'd like to point out the pros, cons and primary features of the sound cards that DSO provides. I will then follow up with my opinions of how each card ranks for specific customer requirements.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer

Pros: cheapest of the three sound cards
         offers X-Fi and EAX HD (5.0)
         utilises a cirrus logic DAC (high quality) and wolfson microelectronics (think iPod and PSP) ADC

Cons: Not compatible with all mobos. Although Creative states that it's an issue with nVidia chipsets and poor driver support on their part, non-nVidia chipsets have some of the same issues. IE. crackling and other distortion.
          X-Fi crystaliser. Many swear by it, but all it does is take feedback samplings and does a summation based upon an extrapolation program. That is, it takes a lot of unnecessary processing power to create coloration to the sound. It can be toggled off, however. They do have 2MB of Xram to mitigate the processing strain to be fair.
          Utilises EMU20K1 software DSP (mini cpu). Their software is part of the incompatibility issues some people experience.
          Utilises JRC cheap op amps. Not a place to skimp on an audio device.
          Noisiest of the three choices.

Features: X-Fi and EAX HD. X-Fi crystaliser, S/PDIF mini TOSLink optical output (adapter required), HD front panel header. SNR 109dB. (very good. Better than onboard sound)

Bottom line: If you need surround sound for gaming, and this card works, X-Fi and EAX HD will make you happy. If the card works for you. Some compatibility issues with Vista have come into question.

Razer Barracuda

Pros: reasonably priced
         4 AKM DACs (considered audiophile grade)
         6 analog devices op amps (audiophile grade)
         wolfson microelectronics ADC
         C-Media's top DSP

Cons: Output requires using an adapter dongle (tail like device included with card)
          A little pricey for some

Features: Dolby ProLogic IIx
               DTS Neo
               TOSLink optical input and output (true DTS available thru optical output, but requires outboard DAC/HT receiver)
               SNR 116dB (excellent)
               Output is designed to work with Razer's gaming headsets which provide surround sound effects.

Bottom line: Excellent for all around use. Solid audio package.

ASUS Xonar D2X

Pros: 4 Burr-Brown DACs (audiophile quality)
           Cirrus Logic ADC (audiophile quality)
           S/PDIF input and output via coaxial (RCA plugs, audio standard) includes mini-TOSLink
           C-media's top DSP

Cons: expensive
         no front header connectivity (input and output in rear of card only)

Features: Dolby Digital Live and DTS
               Dolby Pro Logic IIx
               EAX compatibility for Vista
               SNR 118dB (best in pc audio)

Bottom line: Very musical. The card for the one who wants the best in pc audio. Not the best for surround sound with games.

How to choose

For 1st person shooter fans, I recommend either the Creative X-Fi (personally would go with Auzentech's Prelude as it's a better performing X-Fi card) or the Razer Barracuda. The Xonar may do well enough, but if you really really need to know where that hand grenade landed, you may find it a bit of a guessing game with this card.

For 1st person shooter fans that like headsets, the Razer Barracuda would make an excellent surround combo with their HP-1 headset. Not exceptionally expensive and great for LAN parties!

For those who are more into games not requiring sound specific location cues, I recommend the Razer Barracuda, unless you want the best sound. Then, go for the Asus Xonar. BTW, In my opinion, even games like Assassin's Creed and Oblivion where the view is 1st person or over the shoulder, I find stereo sound to be sufficient in locational cues as there aren't hand grenades dropped by your teammate in those games... 

For music lovers, especially those using high end headphones, I highly recommend the Asus Xonar. If you want better sound, you'll need to hook up your digital output to an outboard DAC and full audio system or at least a headphone amp. A home theater receiver with a built in DAC would do okay depending upon the components. Personally, IMO, a whole stereo for a pc is excessive. Been there. Done that.

Edited by widdlecat - 10 Jan 2009 at 1:10am

Sound card info

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