Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround or X-Fi HD

X-Fi surround supports 5.1 and comes with software that optimizes DVD movie audio decoding, but lacks 96KHz audio decoding and EAX 5.0. Get this if you want to use 5.1 speakers.

X-Fi HD is the audiophile card. Only supports stereo, so no 5.1, but it does include 24bit 96KHz playback, as well as a phono preamp to rip vinyl at 96Khz. It also has a headphone amp. Get this if your main sound concern is high-fidelity music playback.

X-Fi Go! is for stereo gaming. It does not support 5.1, but does support EAX 5.0, which decodes high-quality gaming sound effects. Get this if you care more about games than music, and do not plan on using 5.1 speakers.

It's unfortunate that they don't have a top end product that has all of the features, like they do with internal cards. I can maybe see why they'd leave gaming and 5.1 out of the Audiophile-aimed card, but for the life of me I can't think of why they wouldn't even offer an option with both 5.1 AND EAX 5.0

I have an older model of the X-Fi 5.1 (before they were THX certified), and i'm having problems with static whenever my laptop sends data wirelessly. It might be my laptop's problem, but i doubt it.

I'm currently looking at the Fiio E10 to replace it, which might suit your needs, too, and is a lot smaller.

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewberge 

I have an older model of the X-Fi 5.1 (before they were THX certified), and i'm having problems with static whenever my laptop sends data wirelessly. It might be my laptop's problem, but i doubt it.

 

I'm currently looking at the Fiio E10 to replace it, which might suit your needs, too, and is a lot smaller.

Check and make sure none of your inputs are left floating -meaning they are enabled with nothing connected, this essentially turns them into antennas, especially the mic inputs when boosted.

This may be the issue you are having.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TehSkull 

I didn't mention it in the OP, but I do kinda want a nice card for audio recording, so the E10 is out. Thanks for the suggestion though. I'm sure the E10 is (much) better at its sole job though.

The X-fi HD actually has a very good recording section, the ADC is a high end unit.  Much higher quality then is seen on most consumer level cards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX 

Check and make sure none of your inputs are left floating -meaning they are enabled with nothing connected, this essentially turns them into antennas, especially the mic inputs when boosted.

 

This may be the issue you are having.

You mean my recording devices? They're all disabled. All of my playback devices except the headphone jack, too.

EDIT: Also worth noting that WASAPI and ASIO have no effect, the static remains.

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewberge 

You mean my recording devices? They're all disabled. All of my playback devices except the headphone jack, too.

 

EDIT: Also worth noting that WASAPI and ASIO have no effect, the static remains.

Well, it was worth a shot.  Strange.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX 

Well, it was worth a shot.  Strange.

Isn't it? I've read about people having problems with the laptop not being properly grounded, unplugging it made no difference, either. It's really just when i'm using the wifi.

I'm actually hoping it's a problem with the card and not my computer, so that getting a new card will fix it.

Fortunately it still records just fine, because the Fiio E10 has no line in.