Soundcard opinion needed

Azultra · Nov 16, 2006, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinnie

well ppl..an X-meridian is a lot more expensive than the Fortissimo 4..For the fortissimo 4 I'll give about 50eur...in that price range what do you recomend?creative has a good sound but the drivers are heavy...
I am getting interested in the fortissimo 4 but the lack of "real" opinions except azultra has putting some fear on me...
edit: other option is an used HDA Digital X-Mystique 7.1 Gold/ Dolby Digital Live

Same immense difference between a X-Mystique and the X-Meridian ( ROBSCIX: which is indeed an excellent card, the best in its price range, sorry for repetitions

)

edit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

As for Headphone Technologies I haven't heard ANYTHING better then Dolby Headphone...
Of course sound is subjective, so things I like may not be things you like.....

Afaik Dolby Headphone is just a surround downmix method.. ( mostly useful for movies )

skinnie · Nov 16, 2006, 11:27 AM

I think I will go to the fortissimo 4...HDA Mystioque are more than 50eur..even used...

ROBSCIX · Nov 16, 2006, 06:17 PM

Well your money so it's your choice. I would do your own research.
I use the Dolby headphone for gaming and it sounds great...
I think I don't have all the info regarding the Fortissmo. Your a Headfi guy? a person who uses external DAC's? and headphone amps? But if that's the Case with the Fortismo then your kinda cheating then correct? Becasue your using a cheap card to output to a expensive DAC and headphone AMP....
BTW I have a Envy 24 HT-S Equipped sitting right here on my desk. I have never tried it out. I know what your saying about hardware DSP's and CPU's it used to be a major issue but with the advent of modern processors we will have power to spare...
Some people get to worried about the hardware DSP and they end up missing features that are easily to add in software.
All i all skinnie I would say do your homework get peoples opinions but remeber they are just that. Make your decision I am sure you will be happy..
@Azultra what do you think of the X-Meridian?

skinnie · Nov 16, 2006, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

Well your money so it's your choice. I would do your own research.
I use the Dolby headphone for gaming and it sounds great...
I think I don't have all the info regarding the Fortissmo. Your a Headfi guy? a person who uses external DAC's? and headphone amps? But if that's the Case with the Fortismo then your kinda cheating then correct? Becasue your using a cheap card to output to a expensive DAC and headphone AMP....
BTW I have a Envy 24 HT-S Equipped sitting right here on my desk. I have never tried it out. I know what your saying about hardware DSP's and CPU's it used to be a major issue but with the advent of modern processors we will have power to spare...
Some people get to worried about the hardware DSP and they end up missing features that are easily to add in software.
All i all skinnie I would say do your homework get peoples opinions but remeber they are just that. Make your decision I am sure you will be happy..
@Azultra what do you think of the X-Meridian?

well guess there is no soundcard for me..I failed in the driving test today..so the money will go to that..but talking again about soundcards...I only use it to listen to mp3..more or less that..with my X-530..so will it worth an uppgrade?and what card will worth more..in the 50eur price range the only options I see are Audigy 4 bulk,Audigy 2 ZS used,Fortissimo 4..here in portugal soundcards apart from creative are very difficult to find..

Azultra · Nov 16, 2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

I think I don't have all the info regarding the Fortissmo. Your a Headfi guy? a person who uses external DAC's?

Huh ? Of course not, otherwise I wouldn't recommend the Fort IV for its analog qualities.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

and headphone amps?

The Fort IV can properly drive my 50Ω HD-595 up to 50-70% volume ( above the harshness is sensible ) ( my listening level : 50% ), I'm still planning to buy one but I couldn't say for now if it is really worth. That's not a concern for PC speakers which have their own integrated amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

But if that's the Case with the Fortismo then your kinda cheating then correct? Becasue your using a cheap card to output to a expensive DAC and headphone AMP....

Honestly I think head-fi is full of blind pedantists who overhype the virtues of an external DAC

, they don't take into account the specs of the DAC which are often almost the same than their current soundcard, and the fact that mostly all current shipped music is 16bits sound ( a better external DAC may only improve a little 20/24 bits sound )

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

@Azultra what do you think of the X-Meridian?

Same DAC as the EMU 1820M, full to burshing connectivity, swappable opamp, molex connectors to get rid of unamped line-out, my every-dream soundcard

( just a bit worried by the lack of big caps ). Afaik it's really an excellent card

ROBSCIX · Nov 16, 2006, 08:20 PM

Also, The X-Meridian is gonna have some company soon. The company is rumored to be working on it's own external DAC!! and other things but I can't seem to find any info. Now c'mon how cool is that? they are keeping this card geared right to high end audio lovers.

mysy · Nov 24, 2006, 09:26 AM

? what are you talk about?

kelticknight · Nov 24, 2006, 09:00 PM

what you guys think about the razer sound card comming out

DJShamrock · Dec 27, 2006, 08:24 AM

I have an X-Fi and I hate it. It crashes my machine, snaps crackles pops and screeches. Turns out I am not alone. I have 3 other friends of mine who have this card and have the same problem. Went to Creatives forums to find a fix and there are thousands of people who are also having this problem.

In fact, they have a petition going around to get Creative to recall these cards. If you want to play it safe, I would try another card. But, I am alittle bitter for good reason.

kelticknight · Dec 27, 2006, 08:55 AM

had creative extreme music version and had a prob where couldnt get system to boot,when removed card ,all was ok,got audigy4 and work good with no probs
whats up with creative and these x-fi that so many are having probs with
creative blame other hardware,which is very lame,was going to try the fata1lty x-fi gamer card with 64 ram on board,not sure if have probs again
would get one without the front bay panel as waste of time and money

kelticknight · Dec 27, 2006, 08:57 AM

also ,creative laying off some of its work force,which is bad sign

Nightowl225 · Dec 27, 2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelticknight

what you guys think about the razer sound card comming out

I found a review of the Razer Soundcard, not sure where anymore, and contrary to what Razer claims, it is a CMEDIA 8788 based soundcard.

ROBSCIX · Dec 27, 2006, 03:50 PM

YEs it is I reviewd their drivers and the are STOCK C-Media 8788 drivers. That fancy green and black driver you see on the wesite is a custom app meant to access the card over top of the default drivers. This company is funny, they rename DOlby technologies and try to pass them off as their own. LIke Razor 720 ESP? -funny that is just Dolby 7.1 virtual speaker. etc. The card probably will sound half decent becasue the 8788 chipset is a force to be rekoned with. I own the X-meridian and it sounds phenominal.

kelticknight · Dec 27, 2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

YEs it is I reviewd their drivers and the are STOCK C-Media 8788 drivers. That fancy green and black driver you see on the wesite is a custom app meant to access the card over top of the default drivers. This company is funny, they rename DOlby technologies and try to pass them off as their own. LIke Razor 720 ESP? -funny that is just Dolby 7.1 virtual speaker. etc. The card probably will sound half decent becasue the 8788 chipset is a force to be rekoned with. I own the X-meridian and it sounds phenominal.

Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Professional Soundcard looking at this a last option
dont see any company to buy x-meridian i uk that ships to ireland

kelticknight · Dec 27, 2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightowl225

I found a review of the Razer Soundcard, not sure where anymore, and contrary to what Razer claims, it is a CMEDIA 8788 based soundcard.

over priced any ways

kelticknight · Dec 27, 2006, 04:17 PM

http://www2.computeruniverse.net/info.asp?id=90155751
found a place
is it same card as you have

Nightowl225 · Dec 27, 2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelticknight

http://www2.computeruniverse.net/info.asp?id=90155751
found a place
is it same card as you have

The link you posted is for the Auzentech X-Mystique 7.1 which uses the same 8768+ CMEDIA chip as the Montego DDL. The 8768+ soundchip is still a decent sound chip. All the Montego DDL, and Diamond Sound XStreme 7.1DDL cards are is, nothing more, nothing less than rebranded CMEDIA 8768+ soundcards. The Auzentech X-Mystique 7.1 is a custom designed 8768+ soundcard.

The X-Mystique 7.1 would still do good for gaming, music and movies.

I started using the CMEDIA reference drivers for my card, got tired of having to have multiple settings for games, music, and movies, and environments not being in effect at all times.

I will say this, I like my Montego DDL better than any Creative card I've ever owned.

kelticknight · Dec 28, 2006, 12:03 AM

so which is best sound card for gaming

ROBSCIX · Dec 28, 2006, 12:47 AM

Depends on what your after. If you want EAX etc. the Creative is probably a card for you. I personally use a X-Meridian and I would never sell or trade it fo anything. least of all a X-fi. The don't sound as good as the X-Meridian. I Think for you though you may want to look at a X-fi Extreme Gamer or Extreme music.

kelticknight · Dec 28, 2006, 12:56 AM

for gaming rig
had a x-fi music version and a pile of crap
last system setup,couldnt get system to boot
have audigy 4 at moment
so looking for better for gaming

Nightowl225 · Dec 28, 2006, 06:43 AM

For CMEDIA gaming cards I would get either the Auzentech X-Mystique 7.1 or the Montego DDL for cards based on the 8768+ chip, or the X Meridian 7.1, or one of the other 8788 based soundcards. CMEDIA support the 8770 chip that the X-Plosion 7.1 uses at all.

kelticknight · Jan 2, 2007, 10:04 PM

found a place in uk that sell the X Meridian 7.1,waiting for them to arrange to ship to me in ireland
will any of these cards support OpenAL

ROBSCIX · Jan 2, 2007, 10:09 PM

Auzen is developing OpenAL support for the X-meridian. I am not sure if that is just under VISTA or if it will be XP aswell.

kelticknight · Jan 3, 2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

Auzen is developing OpenAL support for the X-meridian. I am not sure if that is just under VISTA or if it will be XP aswell.

are you taliking software support for openal or new card

Nov 16, 2006, 11:27 AM	#32
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	I think I will go to the fortissimo 4...HDA Mystioque are more than 50eur..even used... __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201

Nov 16, 2006, 06:17 PM	#33
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Well your money so it's your choice. I would do your own research. I use the Dolby headphone for gaming and it sounds great... I think I don't have all the info regarding the Fortissmo. Your a Headfi guy? a person who uses external DAC's? and headphone amps? But if that's the Case with the Fortismo then your kinda cheating then correct? Becasue your using a cheap card to output to a expensive DAC and headphone AMP.... BTW I have a Envy 24 HT-S Equipped sitting right here on my desk. I have never tried it out. I know what your saying about hardware DSP's and CPU's it used to be a major issue but with the advent of modern processors we will have power to spare... Some people get to worried about the hardware DSP and they end up missing features that are easily to add in software. All i all skinnie I would say do your homework get peoples opinions but remeber they are just that. Make your decision I am sure you will be happy.. @Azultra what do you think of the X-Meridian? Last edited by ROBSCIX; Nov 16, 2006 at 06:32 PM.

Nov 24, 2006, 09:00 PM	#38
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	what you guys think about the razer sound card comming out __________________

Dec 27, 2006, 08:24 AM	#39
DJShamrock DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tennessee but from NY Posts: 206 Rep Power: 37 System Specs	I have an X-Fi and I hate it. It crashes my machine, snaps crackles pops and screeches. Turns out I am not alone. I have 3 other friends of mine who have this card and have the same problem. Went to Creatives forums to find a fix and there are thousands of people who are also having this problem. In fact, they have a petition going around to get Creative to recall these cards. If you want to play it safe, I would try another card. But, I am alittle bitter for good reason. __________________ My rap group. http://www.myspace.com/waxingpoetix

Dec 27, 2006, 08:55 AM	#40
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	had creative extreme music version and had a prob where couldnt get system to boot,when removed card ,all was ok,got audigy4 and work good with no probs whats up with creative and these x-fi that so many are having probs with creative blame other hardware,which is very lame,was going to try the fata1lty x-fi gamer card with 64 ram on board,not sure if have probs again would get one without the front bay panel as waste of time and money __________________

Nov 16, 2006, 08:20 PM	#36
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Also, The X-Meridian is gonna have some company soon. The company is rumored to be working on it's own external DAC!! and other things but I can't seem to find any info. Now c'mon how cool is that? they are keeping this card geared right to high end audio lovers.

Nov 24, 2006, 09:26 AM	#37
mysy DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: ShangHai CN Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	? what are you talk about?

Dec 27, 2006, 08:57 AM	#41
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	also ,creative laying off some of its work force,which is bad sign __________________

Dec 27, 2006, 03:50 PM	#43
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	YEs it is I reviewd their drivers and the are STOCK C-Media 8788 drivers. That fancy green and black driver you see on the wesite is a custom app meant to access the card over top of the default drivers. This company is funny, they rename DOlby technologies and try to pass them off as their own. LIke Razor 720 ESP? -funny that is just Dolby 7.1 virtual speaker. etc. The card probably will sound half decent becasue the 8788 chipset is a force to be rekoned with. I own the X-meridian and it sounds phenominal.

Dec 27, 2006, 04:17 PM	#46
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	http://www2.computeruniverse.net/info.asp?id=90155751 found a place is it same card as you have __________________

Dec 28, 2006, 12:03 AM	#48
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	so which is best sound card for gaming __________________

Dec 28, 2006, 12:47 AM	#49
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Depends on what your after. If you want EAX etc. the Creative is probably a card for you. I personally use a X-Meridian and I would never sell or trade it fo anything. least of all a X-fi. The don't sound as good as the X-Meridian. I Think for you though you may want to look at a X-fi Extreme Gamer or Extreme music.

Dec 28, 2006, 12:56 AM	#50
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	for gaming rig had a x-fi music version and a pile of crap last system setup,couldnt get system to boot have audigy 4 at moment so looking for better for gaming __________________

Dec 28, 2006, 06:43 AM	#51
Nightowl225 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 139 Rep Power: 0	For CMEDIA gaming cards I would get either the Auzentech X-Mystique 7.1 or the Montego DDL for cards based on the 8768+ chip, or the X Meridian 7.1, or one of the other 8788 based soundcards. CMEDIA support the 8770 chip that the X-Plosion 7.1 uses at all.

Jan 2, 2007, 10:04 PM	#52
kelticknight DriverHeaven Knight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: EIRE{great for black stuff ,bulmers cider and Munster rubgy Posts: 1,095 Rep Power: 0	found a place in uk that sell the X Meridian 7.1,waiting for them to arrange to ship to me in ireland will any of these cards support OpenAL __________________

Jan 2, 2007, 10:09 PM	#53
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Auzen is developing OpenAL support for the X-meridian. I am not sure if that is just under VISTA or if it will be XP aswell.