tehpwnerofn00bs

As I'm sure all you audiophiles are aware, Creative has fallen out of favor rather dramatically. I am interested in replacing my Xtremegamer with a comparable card. Basically, I'm looking for a card that plays music and games equally well; erring on the side of better music.

I don't really know much about the cards from Auzentech, Asus, HT Omega, M-Audio, etc. Could you please fill me in on what cards I should check out that are preferably $100 or less.

Hopefully we can get some good suggestions and discussion going here as I'm sure plenty of other people are feeling the same way I am right now about Creative.

Thanks.


Edit:
So far we have:
-Auzentech Prelude (uses X-fi though)
-Asus Xonar
-Razer Barracuda AC-1
-Omega Striker
-Auzentech Xplosion.
-M-Audio Revolution (non-gamer)
-E-Mu 0202
-B-Enspirer

__________________

Murlocke

I'd get a Auzentech.

Not sure how much the prelude is running nowadays tho.

__________________

tehpwnerofn00bs

Any one in particular? I'm not interested in the X-FI one(s).

__________________

zorpnic

Around 170 on newegg with like 8 bucks shipping. Not sure elsewhere though.

__________________
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
George Bernard Shaw
Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
James A. Garfield

reberto

The Prelude uses Creative's X-FI chip, I'd avoid that card if I were you.

__________________
For Sale: Backup rig + parts

BOYCOTT YOUR MOTHER!

ericeod

edit...

__________________
eVGA 680i Overclocking guide .......... ASUS P5E/Maximus Thread.......... 4.4GHz CPU-Z

CuriouslyHigh

I give props to an Asus Xonar.

__________________
Pros: I loaded up Bioshock and maxed out the settings, but this graphics slit the game's throat then ate it's entrails for dessert. It slammed Assassin's Creed's head onto the curb then stomped its head into that curb until it was nothing but a bloody pulp. This card is one bad mo-fo. It'll backhand your sister and degrade your mom, but they will still love it and want to date it because it is just that good. I love this card so much that I burned my tongue trying to french kiss it, and I still keep trying.

tehpwnerofn00bs

That's a rather peculiar card. And not exactly full of the usual plugs is it?

__________________

Duckydude

From what I've heard, the sound quality is not good for the price, might as well pay the extra $20 and get the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude.

__________________
Crucial Ballistix Club

My First Guide: The Perfectionist's Guide To Ripping Audio CD's

Check This Out (Intel Users Only):
The Definitive Answer To: RAM Overclocking: Higher Speed vs. Tighter Timings

h4rdcor3

The asus Xonar is the other favorite around these parts. It is better sounding for music and movies but lacks EAX that puts the X-fi on top of most gamers list.

It is a very solid all around card and probably one of the best competitors to a high end X-fi.


Otherwise you have the Azuntech XPlosion and the HT Omega Striker that go for $80 on the egg that are both nice sounding cards

__________________