Best bang for buck soundcard ~$40.

NguyenAdam · Apr 4, 2011

So I'm looking for a sound card, but I'm not willing to break the bank for this rig. I was thinking about getting a DX, but I'll wait for my next rig. I am going to be using M Audio AV40s and Sennheiser PC-350s on this. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

lowkickqop · Apr 4, 2011

I'd like to know also. I had an xtreme music and now I have stock and I want to cry listening to music now.

Moltar · Apr 4, 2011

How about an Open Box DS?

Grobinov · Apr 4, 2011

Look into Asus Xonar DS and DG then... DS has better overall sound quality and is 7.1 but DG supports Dolby Headphones and has a headphone amp...

lowkickqop · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moltar;12997147
How about an Open Box DS?

This card is only 24 bit. It would be basically the same as a motherboard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grobinov;12997177
Look into Asus Xonar DS and DG then... DS has better overall sound quality and is 7.1 but DG supports Dolby Headphones and has a headphone amp...

Most speakers or headphones arent 7.1. What's the purpose?

Deluxe · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997399
This card is only 24 bit. It would be basically the same as a motherboard.

You need higher than 24 bit? Does that even exist in consumer audio?
add-on Sound-cards don't really make your music sound better, it's the added effects from stuff like the crystallizer on x-fi cards.
If I turn off all effects, it sounds exactly like your regular onboard sound.

Iceman23 · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997399
This card is only 24 bit. It would be basically the same as a motherboard.

Umm no. Do you know anything about soundcards/onboard audio?

lowkickqop · Apr 4, 2011

Settle down nerds. I got confused. 24 bits is fine.

This is a card you might want to consider.

XtremeGamer is $50 shipped. http://us.outletstore.creative.com/Refurbished-Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFI-XtremeGamer/M/B002A3MWQ0.htm

WizrdSleevz · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997477
Settle down nerds. I got confused. 24 bits is fine.

This is a card you might want to consider.

XtremeGamer is $50 shipped. http://us.outletstore.creative.com/Refurbished-Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFI-XtremeGamer/M/B002A3MWQ0.htm

This card sucks dont get that.. ^^^

Just look in the for sale threads and find a xonar DX for around 50$.. well worth the wait and you'll be very pleased.

lowkickqop · Apr 4, 2011

You'll be waiting a long time to find something for that price and I don't buy used stuff.

WizrdSleevz · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997564
You'll be waiting a long time to find something for that price and I don't buy used stuff.

That was for OP, but I havn't been on this forum for that long and seen like 3-4 already for that price. Also an HT Omega for 52 $shipped (Original Price 75+). Great deals from great sellers just gotta look around and wait for the right price.

Deluxe · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997564
You'll be waiting a long time to find something for that price and I don't buy used stuff.

But you would buy refurbished stuff, which is essentially the same.

WizrdSleevz · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deluxe;12997660
But you would buy refurbished stuff, which is essentially the same.

lol that too... ^

lowkickqop · Apr 4, 2011

I never said I was going to buy it. THREAD/

Simca · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grobinov;12997177
Look into Asus Xonar DS and DG then... DS has better overall sound quality and is 7.1 but DG supports Dolby Headphones and has a headphone amp...

DG is a crappy crappy card and the headphone amp is nearly useless!

DS is the better card between the two.
Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997399
This card is only 24 bit. It would be basically the same as a motherboard.

Most speakers or headphones arent 7.1. What's the purpose?

7.1 is for speakers, not the headphones, ya' nerd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowkickqop;12997477
Settle down nerds. I got confused. 24 bits is fine.

This is a card you might want to consider.

XtremeGamer is $50 shipped. http://us.outletstore.creative.com/Refurbished-Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFI-XtremeGamer/M/B002A3MWQ0.htm

Nah, that card sucks and can be had for 30 bucks.

OP: If you live near a Fry's, they're having a sale on the Creative Titanium Fatal1ty. Normally I would not advise anyone to get this card unless their sole intent and purpose was for gaming and needed speakers, but this card currently has a 60 dollar rebate. So if rebates are your thing, you can get this card for 40 bucks. For 40 bucks, I could recommend this card.

If you don't live near a Frys, I'd recommend the DS.

http://www.overclock.net/online-deals/981683-frys-creative-x-fi-titanium-fatal1ty.html

lowkickqop · Apr 4, 2011

I wish there was a frys or microcenter near me. Who is spending the money for 7.1 speakers and a $40 sound card?

Deluxe · Apr 4, 2011

@Simca
If you think the X-Fi fatality is any better than a X-Fi XtremeGamer or XtremeMusic, you better wake up now.
But yeah, for 40 dollar it's a good deal.

NguyenAdam · Apr 4, 2011

How is the warranty policy on open box items on newegg?

Moltar · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

What is an Open Box item?

Open Box items have been opened and touched and/or returned. Because they originate from different situations, they may or may not include accessories, documentation or retail packaging. Refurbishment is done by the manufacturer. Open Box products are warranted for only 30 days. We recommend that you try out your Open Box product immediately after receiving it.

As for the actual item. If something goes bad, it should be covered by your manufacture warranty. Asus is usually pretty good about RMA's and the like. I bought my STX open box and could not be happier.

cuad · Apr 4, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by NguyenAdam;12997025
So I'm looking for a sound card, but I'm not willing to break the bank for this rig. I was thinking about getting a DX, but I'll wait for my next rig. I am going to be using M Audio AV40s and Sennheiser PC-350s on this. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

hi. you will get a sound upgrade when you upgrade your mobo. That would make any sound card under $50 that you buy now completely useless, so save your $40 and put it towards a Realtek ALC892 mobo or better.

Best bang for buck soundcard ~$40.

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