OFFICIAL Auzen X-fi Prelude Specifications!

ROBSCIX · May 9, 2007, 10:16 PM

I sent Auzentech a email regarding components on the Prlude and was sent these. They are OFFICIAL. Seems like it's goona be a awome soudcard.

Key Components
Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor
One AKM AK-5394 super high performance 192kHz 24-bit ADC for analog input
Four AKM AK-4396 192kHz 24-bit advanced multi-bit DAC for analog output
64Mbytes of memory for audio processing
High fidelity audio OP-Amps for analog input and output
Front L/R output OP-Amp is replaceable by end-user
Dual mode S/PDIF receiver and transmitter

IO Connectors
One 3.5mm MIC input connector in rear panel
One 3.5mm line input connector in rear panel
One 4-pin AUX connector on board
Four 3.5mm 8 channel line output connectors in rear panel
(FL/FR/C/SW/RL/RR/RSL/RSR)
One S/PDIF combo input connector in rear panel for receiving either coaxial
or optical digital
One S/PDIF combo output connector in rear panel for transmitting either
coaxial or optical digital
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32,
44.1, 48 and 96kHz
One 10-pin front panel connector on board for MIC input and headphone
support
One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other
digital functionality

Technical Specifications
24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate
24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog
7.1 speaker output
24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192kHz to
stereo output
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32,
44.1, 48 and 96kHz
ASIO 2.0 support at 16-bit/44.1kHz, 16-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/44.1kHz
24-bit/48kHz and 24-bit/96kHz with direct monitoring.
Enhanced SoundFont support of up to 24-bit resolution
64MB of X-RAM

ChaosMinionX · May 10, 2007, 01:23 AM

Nice, now I wonder how this is going to stack up to the upcoming Asus Xonar series. But it definately looks like a solid card, hopefully they get rid of the crackling haha.

ROBSCIX · May 10, 2007, 01:37 AM

well if this card has the same output sectionas the current X-Meridian then it will decimate the Asus card or any other in the same porice range. Check for yourself the X-Meridian is the top soudcard for movies and music...all the reviews say the same thing...
What soundcard do you use BTW?
If your waiting for the Xonar card and expecting great things from it..you would probably get similar performance from the Blue gears -B-Enspirer or Sondigo Inferno..

**dj_stick** · May 10, 2007, 02:46 AM

this is some good news

stuck

t0pD4wG · May 10, 2007, 03:34 AM

Question is will the drivers work for us x-fi fatality users or x-fi users in general. Time will tell but I prolly doubt it.

**kris23** · May 10, 2007, 04:05 AM

man if i get something like this, my balls will probably fly off from good sound quality....

since they have a whole lot of high quality OP amps it seems to be good, i hope auzentech redesigns the drivers for this card because the other ones suck hard......

if they do...... im not gonna buy creative for a long, long long time

ChaosMinionX · May 10, 2007, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

well if this card has the same output sectionas the current X-Meridian then it will decimate the Asus card or any other in the same porice range. Check for yourself the X-Meridian is the top soudcard for movies and music...all the reviews say the same thing...
What soundcard do you use BTW?
If your waiting for the Xonar card and expecting great things from it..you would probably get similar performance from the Blue gears -B-Enspirer or Sondigo Inferno..

I currently use a Xfi Xtreme Gamer, and want something with alot better audio and options for my speakers..... Maybe this card will be the one to wait for?

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0pD4wG

Question is will the drivers work for us x-fi fatality users or x-fi users in general. Time will tell but I prolly doubt it.

I doubt they will from the start, but Im sure someone will figure out a way to mod them to work with the Creative XFi line..... Although theres a possibility it will be totally incompatible with the Creative line, I wouldnt get your hopes up about it.

ROBSCIX · May 10, 2007, 02:29 PM

This card if you read the specs is similar to the high end X-fi's for features but will be similar to the X-meridian for sound quality. This card is gonna be the one to have in your rig for sure...

Rogacz · May 10, 2007, 06:32 PM

I hope that someone will at last distribute Auzentech cards here in Poland.

ROBSCIX · May 10, 2007, 06:41 PM

I though the company distributed worldwide. Did you contact the company themselves?

ChaosMinionX · May 11, 2007, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

This card if you read the specs is similar to the high end X-fi's for features but will be similar to the X-meridian for sound quality. This card is gonna be the one to have in your rig for sure...

This gonna be like 200$+ range? or like 150$.....Im guessing 200+ haha

Caliostro · May 11, 2007, 08:21 AM

Its very difficult to get an Auzentech-Card in Germany.
Auzentech has listed 3 onlineshops in Germany and NONE of them sells the X-Meridian.

I hope they re-think their startegy when the Prelude is out.
Otherwise i have to pay very much more in a french onlinestore or amazon.uk

So finally they decided to build the card i ever dreamed of

Im definitly buying this thing !
Cant wait *argh*

I have a question:
Does anyone know what kind of chip this is ?
" Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor"
Is this a "normal" X-Fi Chip or that crappy thing they used on the X-Fi extreme audio ?

Rogacz · May 11, 2007, 11:05 AM

CA20K is a regular X-Fi chip.

It's even harder to get this cards here in Poland. I have to pay 30$ for shipping from US.

ROBSCIX · May 20, 2007, 02:10 AM

Auzen using the 20KX is what makes the card a X-fi Model. Although the rest of the card will be built using similar architecture to the X-Meridian 7.1. Below is some recent informations I have gathered:

This from Auzentech support:

"We are planning to develop the next generation board the 'Auzen X-Tension HDMI 1.3'. It will offer the high quality sound of Dolby-HD and DTS-HD"

This means there will be a HDMI 1.3 output board available for the X-fi Prelude sometime after the release of the card as the exact date hasn't been annouced. This is big news for a large group of people who have been waiting along time for HDMI compatible PC audio gear. The board will be compatible with both the X-Meridian 7.1 and the Prelude. Given the high resolution standards reported available by the card from the Aunzentech it will in fact be a true HDMI 1.3 solution and not just HDMI connector running older digital formats. Which seems to be the case with some other HDMI solutions. These solutions would infact only support Dolby digital and DTS formats already available under the normal SPDIF connectors. Some companies are just using the "HDMI" as a catch word to sell products that do not offer the high resolution audio available by true HDMI devices.

Further info suggested the Auzentech design team will be using the National semi's LM4562 High fidelity audio opamps for the front channels (it is replacable) The remaining channels will be outfitted with the Ti's OPA2134 High fidelity audio opamps. Both Amps are highly regarded in the audio wold and very well know. In fact I replaced all my opamps on my X-Meridian oopting instead for the LM4562na audio opamps. Extremely high quality sound. Needless to say the Auzen Prelude will sound very nice out of the box, in fact it should sound rather exceptional. I will post further info as it becomes available. Different info seems to find its way to various fourms so I will try and keep it all together for people interested in the cards development.

Specifications sheets:

LM4562
OPA2134

classic_leon · May 27, 2007, 04:38 PM

I hope we'll have something to do with this card...

ROBSCIX · May 27, 2007, 04:46 PM

I think the company is opting to use Creative drivers. I am not sure if they will be redesigned for the Prelude or not.. You guys up for it Leon?

classic_leon · May 27, 2007, 05:42 PM

Yes, I've not only talked with other guys when you let me knew about this, but also I read most of info on Prelude official site you said. If decoders work on Prelude, they're supposed to work on Creative official as well. I believe neither Creative would give up all features of this chip deserves to have, nor all of us would.

ROBSCIX · May 27, 2007, 05:52 PM

Your refering to the Dolby/DTS digital decoders -I guess. If it is just a driver thing that wuld be great if you guy ould just flip a switch and turn them back on. I prefer to have Dolby/DTS Decoding and Encoding on my system

classic_leon · May 28, 2007, 01:25 AM

Yeap, I am. And audio hardware acceleration as well - I meant. We'll be able get decoders, EAX without "ALchemy"ing every single game (even though it still won't work for some game), etc that way.

Socio · May 28, 2007, 03:09 PM

I don't see it in the specs;

Will it do DD 5.1 and DTS 5.1 on the fly encoding like the X-Merdian and X-plosion?

ROBSCIX · May 30, 2007, 07:10 PM

Heres the pic of the new Prelude
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/audio...elude-pic.html

Arklon · Jun 4, 2007, 10:44 PM

Hmm, my X-Fi Platinum died the other day (1 year RMA replacement is still in effect, luckily). Since Newegg doesn't carry it anymore, maybe I can get a refund for it (which I could use to help pay for an X-Fi Prelude). My onboard sound is much nicer than I expected, but I want my EAX HD and other such features. But it'll work until it comes out.

ROBSCIX · Jun 5, 2007, 01:52 AM

This card would be anice one to pick up. The sound quality will be amazing if it is similar to the X-Meridian.

Arklon · Jun 8, 2007, 06:02 PM

Any new news?

ROBSCIX · Jun 8, 2007, 06:36 PM

The only news is the Release date is set for the end of June, so I have read.

Arklon · Jun 8, 2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

The only news is the Release date is set for the end of June, so I have read.

I read between mid-June to end-June.

Edit: End of June. http://www.auzentech.com/site/company/press.php

ROBSCIX · Jun 11, 2007, 11:16 PM

Further info suggest the card will eventually support Dloby Digital Live aswell as DTS output. Althoguh these features may be added after the initial elease through software updates. The HDMI 1.3 X-tension board will in fact support ALL high resolution standards usually associated with HDMI - Both Lossy and Lossless standards.

ROBSCIX · Jun 13, 2007, 08:58 PM

Tha main site for onformation about the Prelude has been updated and has alot of details for people interested in this card. Enjoy:
http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php

Arklon · Jun 14, 2007, 08:11 PM

Yeah, looks like they're using modded Creative drivers.

Keefa · Jun 30, 2007, 08:58 AM

How about Linux, then? Any idea if this'll have a better driver support on Linux than X-Fi (which actually has no driver support) ?

May 9, 2007, 10:16 PM	#1
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	OFFICIAL Auzen X-fi Prelude Specifications! I sent Auzentech a email regarding components on the Prlude and was sent these. They are OFFICIAL. Seems like it's goona be a awome soudcard. Key Components Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor One AKM AK-5394 super high performance 192kHz 24-bit ADC for analog input Four AKM AK-4396 192kHz 24-bit advanced multi-bit DAC for analog output 64Mbytes of memory for audio processing High fidelity audio OP-Amps for analog input and output Front L/R output OP-Amp is replaceable by end-user Dual mode S/PDIF receiver and transmitter IO Connectors One 3.5mm MIC input connector in rear panel One 3.5mm line input connector in rear panel One 4-pin AUX connector on board Four 3.5mm 8 channel line output connectors in rear panel (FL/FR/C/SW/RL/RR/RSL/RSR) One S/PDIF combo input connector in rear panel for receiving either coaxial or optical digital One S/PDIF combo output connector in rear panel for transmitting either coaxial or optical digital 16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz One 10-pin front panel connector on board for MIC input and headphone support One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other digital functionality Technical Specifications 24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog 7.1 speaker output 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192kHz to stereo output 16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz ASIO 2.0 support at 16-bit/44.1kHz, 16-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/44.1kHz 24-bit/48kHz and 24-bit/96kHz with direct monitoring. Enhanced SoundFont support of up to 24-bit resolution 64MB of X-RAM

May 10, 2007, 01:23 AM	#2
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,911 Rep Power: 47 System Specs	Nice, now I wonder how this is going to stack up to the upcoming Asus Xonar series. But it definately looks like a solid card, hopefully they get rid of the crackling haha. __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

May 10, 2007, 03:34 AM	#5
t0pD4wG DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PA Posts: 124 Rep Power: 0	Question is will the drivers work for us x-fi fatality users or x-fi users in general. Time will tell but I prolly doubt it. __________________ Windows Vista Basic 32 bit Asus A8N5X Motherboard AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 Dual Core Seagate 250 Gig Hd Maxtor 80 Gig Hd EVGA 8800GTS 640MB 2 Gig pc2700 Kinston Memory Creative X-FI Fatality Extreme Gamer 500 Watt Antec PSU

May 10, 2007, 04:05 AM	#6
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,017 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	man if i get something like this, my balls will probably fly off from good sound quality.... since they have a whole lot of high quality OP amps it seems to be good, i hope auzentech redesigns the drivers for this card because the other ones suck hard...... if they do...... im not gonna buy creative for a long, long long time __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

May 10, 2007, 06:32 PM	#9
Rogacz Porcupine Floyd Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Poland Posts: 422 Rep Power: 0	I hope that someone will at last distribute Auzentech cards here in Poland. __________________

May 10, 2007, 01:37 AM	Thread Starter #3
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	well if this card has the same output sectionas the current X-Meridian then it will decimate the Asus card or any other in the same porice range. Check for yourself the X-Meridian is the top soudcard for movies and music...all the reviews say the same thing... What soundcard do you use BTW? If your waiting for the Xonar card and expecting great things from it..you would probably get similar performance from the Blue gears -B-Enspirer or Sondigo Inferno..

May 10, 2007, 02:29 PM	Thread Starter #8
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	This card if you read the specs is similar to the high end X-fi's for features but will be similar to the X-meridian for sound quality. This card is gonna be the one to have in your rig for sure...

May 10, 2007, 06:41 PM	Thread Starter #10
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	I though the company distributed worldwide. Did you contact the company themselves?

May 11, 2007, 08:21 AM	#12
Caliostro HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bonn, Germany Posts: 36 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Its very difficult to get an Auzentech-Card in Germany. Auzentech has listed 3 onlineshops in Germany and NONE of them sells the X-Meridian. I hope they re-think their startegy when the Prelude is out. Otherwise i have to pay very much more in a french onlinestore or amazon.uk So finally they decided to build the card i ever dreamed of Im definitly buying this thing ! Cant wait argh I have a question: Does anyone know what kind of chip this is ? " Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor" Is this a "normal" X-Fi Chip or that crappy thing they used on the X-Fi extreme audio ?

May 11, 2007, 11:05 AM	#13
Rogacz Porcupine Floyd Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Poland Posts: 422 Rep Power: 0	CA20K is a regular X-Fi chip. It's even harder to get this cards here in Poland. I have to pay 30$ for shipping from US. __________________

May 20, 2007, 02:10 AM	Thread Starter #14
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Auzen using the 20KX is what makes the card a X-fi Model. Although the rest of the card will be built using similar architecture to the X-Meridian 7.1. Below is some recent informations I have gathered: This from Auzentech support: "We are planning to develop the next generation board the 'Auzen X-Tension HDMI 1.3'. It will offer the high quality sound of Dolby-HD and DTS-HD" This means there will be a HDMI 1.3 output board available for the X-fi Prelude sometime after the release of the card as the exact date hasn't been annouced. This is big news for a large group of people who have been waiting along time for HDMI compatible PC audio gear. The board will be compatible with both the X-Meridian 7.1 and the Prelude. Given the high resolution standards reported available by the card from the Aunzentech it will in fact be a true HDMI 1.3 solution and not just HDMI connector running older digital formats. Which seems to be the case with some other HDMI solutions. These solutions would infact only support Dolby digital and DTS formats already available under the normal SPDIF connectors. Some companies are just using the "HDMI" as a catch word to sell products that do not offer the high resolution audio available by true HDMI devices. Further info suggested the Auzentech design team will be using the National semi's LM4562 High fidelity audio opamps for the front channels (it is replacable) The remaining channels will be outfitted with the Ti's OPA2134 High fidelity audio opamps. Both Amps are highly regarded in the audio wold and very well know. In fact I replaced all my opamps on my X-Meridian oopting instead for the LM4562na audio opamps. Extremely high quality sound. Needless to say the Auzen Prelude will sound very nice out of the box, in fact it should sound rather exceptional. I will post further info as it becomes available. Different info seems to find its way to various fourms so I will try and keep it all together for people interested in the cards development. Specifications sheets: LM4562 OPA2134 Last edited by ROBSCIX; May 20, 2007 at 02:32 AM.

May 27, 2007, 04:38 PM	#15
classic_leon HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wu Han, Hu Bei, P.R.China Posts: 1,238 Rep Power: 0	I hope we'll have something to do with this card... __________________ Fashion keeps us alive. YouP-PAX Please visit http://www.A-PAX.co.uk to discuss the computer mods. The latest YouP PAX modded drivers are provided on the site.

May 27, 2007, 04:46 PM	Thread Starter #16
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	I think the company is opting to use Creative drivers. I am not sure if they will be redesigned for the Prelude or not.. You guys up for it Leon?

May 27, 2007, 05:42 PM	#17
classic_leon HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wu Han, Hu Bei, P.R.China Posts: 1,238 Rep Power: 0	Yes, I've not only talked with other guys when you let me knew about this, but also I read most of info on Prelude official site you said. If decoders work on Prelude, they're supposed to work on Creative official as well. I believe neither Creative would give up all features of this chip deserves to have, nor all of us would. __________________ Fashion keeps us alive. YouP-PAX Please visit http://www.A-PAX.co.uk to discuss the computer mods. The latest YouP PAX modded drivers are provided on the site.

May 27, 2007, 05:52 PM	Thread Starter #18
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Your refering to the Dolby/DTS digital decoders -I guess. If it is just a driver thing that wuld be great if you guy ould just flip a switch and turn them back on. I prefer to have Dolby/DTS Decoding and Encoding on my system

May 28, 2007, 01:25 AM	#19
classic_leon HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Wu Han, Hu Bei, P.R.China Posts: 1,238 Rep Power: 0	Yeap, I am. And audio hardware acceleration as well - I meant. We'll be able get decoders, EAX without "ALchemy"ing every single game (even though it still won't work for some game), etc that way. __________________ Fashion keeps us alive. YouP-PAX Please visit http://www.A-PAX.co.uk to discuss the computer mods. The latest YouP PAX modded drivers are provided on the site.

May 28, 2007, 03:09 PM	#20
Socio DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 82 Rep Power: 0	I don't see it in the specs; Will it do DD 5.1 and DTS 5.1 on the fly encoding like the X-Merdian and X-plosion?

May 30, 2007, 07:10 PM	Thread Starter #21
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Heres the pic of the new Prelude http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/audio...elude-pic.html

Jun 4, 2007, 10:44 PM	#22
Arklon HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 163 Rep Power: 0	Hmm, my X-Fi Platinum died the other day (1 year RMA replacement is still in effect, luckily). Since Newegg doesn't carry it anymore, maybe I can get a refund for it (which I could use to help pay for an X-Fi Prelude). My onboard sound is much nicer than I expected, but I want my EAX HD and other such features. But it'll work until it comes out.

Jun 5, 2007, 01:52 AM	Thread Starter #23
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	This card would be anice one to pick up. The sound quality will be amazing if it is similar to the X-Meridian.

Jun 8, 2007, 06:02 PM	#24
Arklon HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 163 Rep Power: 0	Any new news?

Jun 8, 2007, 06:36 PM	Thread Starter #25
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	The only news is the Release date is set for the end of June, so I have read.

Jun 11, 2007, 11:16 PM	Thread Starter #27
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Further info suggest the card will eventually support Dloby Digital Live aswell as DTS output. Althoguh these features may be added after the initial elease through software updates. The HDMI 1.3 X-tension board will in fact support ALL high resolution standards usually associated with HDMI - Both Lossy and Lossless standards.

Jun 13, 2007, 08:58 PM	Thread Starter #28
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Tha main site for onformation about the Prelude has been updated and has alot of details for people interested in this card. Enjoy: http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php

Jun 14, 2007, 08:11 PM	#29
Arklon HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 163 Rep Power: 0	Yeah, looks like they're using modded Creative drivers.

Jun 30, 2007, 08:58 AM	#30
Keefa HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	How about Linux, then? Any idea if this'll have a better driver support on Linux than X-Fi (which actually has no driver support) ?