Sound Cards w/ EAX 5.0

[Badie05]

I am look for E.A.X 5.0 compatible sound cards...just a list. So far I have the the Prelude which is expensive...what else is there?

[Jason S. Global Moderator]

X-Fi XtremeMusic and XtremeGamer are both cheap and have 5.0

[chconline Veteran]

Anyhting on the X-Fi line basically. Don't get XtremeAudio, it has no hardware acceleration :no:

[MR_Candyman]

honestly, the prelude is the same price as as comparable creative made card, but is MUCH better.

I own 2 of the preludes because they are just such fantastic cards, but would I ever buy a creative made one again? NO, far too many problems and crappy sound in comparison

[Joe User]

I am look for E.A.X 5.0 compatible sound cards...just a list. So far I have the the Prelude which is expensive...what else is there?

You need to either spend money on a good card or just use the built in audio.

Avoid Creative, they are always a long-term disapointment. (And I've used almost all of them)

[Badie05]

I don't like X-Fi cards..and looking for 7.1. I guess the X-FIs and Preludes are the only EAX 5.0 compatible cards..anymore would be nice though :D

[NienorGT]

X-Fi (other than Xtreme Audio) have true EAX 5.0

The only cards not X-Fi that do EAX 5.0 emulation is the Asus Xonars.

[Badie05]

Thanks. Will check out the Xonars.

[NienorGT]

But I warn you, it's NOT true EAX 5.0, it's an emulation mostly done on the CPU.

But with today's CPUs and the death of EAX in Vista, you will not see new super games with EAX so it's just old games.

The Xonar DX is $10 cheaper than the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer. Though the X-Fi do real Hardware EAX 5.0 (IN XP ONLY, in Vista, EAX > OpenAL isn't perfect and use CPU) the card look WAY less good quality.

(PCI-E x1 don't bring you nothing in fact than just a use for that slot where PCI are phasing out)

NCIX Asus Xonar DX $90

Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer $99

Review where Creative's Xtreme Music card get mostly owned face to the Xonar :p

Edited April 17, 2008 by NienorGT

[Badie05]

So is OpenAL the way to go..or DirectSound or EAX. I just originally wanted to have the best sound for gaming. I know the Prelude is the best but it's so damn expensive for *just* a sound care ($199 CAD).

[ctebah]

what would be the best sound card for an HTPC?

[Badie05]

I suggest the Prelude if you don't mind that price.

[chconline Veteran]

Auzentech X-Fi Prelude is awesome, but it's expensive. :s

Being that, I must say that I do love mine. :p

[Jason S. Global Moderator]

you guys are pretty picky :p

i have the Xtrememusic w/ Vista and it's great. ive never had a single issue and EAX5 works fine.... although not that many games use it afaik.

in fact, ive only owned two sound cards, both are Creative. the SBLive! was the other... i used that thing for like 7yrs and it was awesome.

[Badie05]

i might just get this: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku...ture=HT%20Omega

Cheap and gold plated...with Optical :D

[PricklyPoo]

i might just get this: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku...ture=HT%20Omega

Cheap and gold plated...with Optical :D

:rolleyes: :p