Picking a sound card

[alonmach]

hello there, i need a recommendation for a sound card.
I plan on gaming with a headset, preferably 7.1 (5.1 also an option), and also connecting 2.1 speakers

Im looking for good sound mainly in games thru the headset, and movies thru the speakers are a second priority.

currently running z97 (alc 1150)

budget is $80 US, flexible

an option, and a cheaper option will bring big thanks

was looking at the asus xonar cards but couldnt make heads or tails from all the different versions. also the xi-fi

 

[IRONBATMAN]

What slots are free on your motherboard ? PCIe ? PCI ?

I have the Asus Xonar DG and it's not bad at all. It has digital surround enabled too. But personally, I don't hear much of a difference i different soundcards. Neither should you, unless you're an audiophile. you'll get used to any sound actually.

For instance, I originally had the Creative A250 2.1 They would great. Then for my birthday, my Uncle got me the higher end Acoustic energy AE Ego-M They were great too. But during the first week, I preferred my old speakers. My new speakers grew on me and I don't feel that it has much of a difference.

To conclude, Creative A250 + Asus Xonar DG is all you need. Anything better and you'll just get used to it and won't see any significant difference.

 

[herrwizo]

Been using xonar d2 (pci version) for several years now and absolutely love it, it is miles ahead of any onboard sound, especially if you like using headphones, and i mean quality headphones, not some cheapo stuff. This is one piece of hardware i never intend to sell highly recommended.

 

[soullStream]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rXcJuEsy0, personally I wouldn't recommend soundcards and the video link can help explain why and also cut through marketing BS. Also check this thread for some in-depth information about surround sound gaming (http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound) , and if you are still looking to purchase a headset then check this one (http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-4-17-2014-akg-k612-and-k712-pro-added-edits).

 

[alonmach]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rXcJuEsy0, personally I wouldn't recommend soundcards and the video link can help explain why and also cut through marketing BS. Also check this thread for some in-depth information about surround sound gaming (http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound) , and if you are still looking to purchase a headset then check this one (http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-4-17-2014-akg-k612-and-k712-pro-added-edits).

good reading, thx

 

[soullStream]

No problems, enjoy!