AOwpr

I'll be buying a pair of HD555's soon, but I have onboard audio, and that's obviously no good. My budget for a sound card is around $100, but every cent above $50 is going to be hurting my wallet a lot, so the less expensive the better.

Over at Head-Fi, they recommended this one, but it doesn't work with Vista 64 bit, and I'll probably be moving to Win7 early next year so I don't want even more driver issues. I know absolutely nothing about sound card specs, so any help here is appreciated...

Also, I'm considering just buying a cheap USB soundcard for $15 or so and putting off the "real" upgrade for a few months--thoughts on that? It would probably be better than what I have right now anyway...

Thanks!

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RallyMaster

Asus Xonar DX or D1.

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I will stop reading your post if I spot a grammatical or spelling error.

People who mindlessly recommend the Sennheiser HD555 need to be banned.

HoldYrPistlstr8

ASUS Xonar DX.

Also, get Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 instead if you are going to be doing gaming; AD700s don't need amplification to sound awesome or anything, while the HD555s rely a bit more on a good amp. AD700s have a wider soundstage + better sound quality + is usually cheaper.

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Socom

I second the Xonar DX.

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yellowtoblerone

Please save your money until you have enough for a Xonar STX. Even though the D1/X are good cards, the STX is very much above it. Also my DX had loads of install problems, as well as software problems.

I would hate to see you spend 80 dollars on one card and yet have to spend another 150-200 in a year or so for something much better. I think if you can put off an upgrade until you have enough leg room in your wallet, it would make much more sense.

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ASUS Xonar DX/D1 (based on PCI/PCIe preference) seems to be the best choice considering you really don't want to spend too much.

You should also give the HT Omega Striker serious consideration. I'd place it higher than the Xonar DX/D1 in music/movies.

Finally the Auzentech Forte and Xonar Essence STX are good choices but unfortunately over your budget.

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AOwpr

Hmm, thanks to all for the quick replies. So I think I'll probably go with a cheap USB sound card for now and save up then. Cheers!

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musicPC

Check out the a stocked Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 great for stereo, you can upgrade opamp later down the track.

See my review

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Review: OverClocked Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 sound card + Burson opamps Part II

Review: AKG K55 Headphone