[dwong]

I will be building a new desktop rig soon for a friend and was wondering if there are any suggestions for a sound card that would be good for gaming, music, and movies for ~$200 or less. He won't be using an external DAC and will be using this mostly with his Audioengine A5's. I've been looking at the Auzentech Prelude, which seems to be the likely candidate for now. Any others that compete with this card around this price? Suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[jenneth]

Prelude is a good choice, but you do have a few other choices:

Asus Xonar D2X: $128.99 (w/ $30 rebate)

HT Omega Claro Halo: $171.59

Or you could wait for the Asus Xonar Essence (should be out soon): ~$200

 

[dwong]

Thx for the quick reply jenneth. I see you have both the Claro Halo and the Prelude, which one do you prefer using?

 

[jenneth]

Hmm... I'd have to say I like the Halo a little better than the Prelude; it has a warmer sound signature, and I like that.

 

[ROBSCIX]

You can modify either card with opamps so you can improve or dial the sound in a little more to your liking. The Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe model may also be a consideration...

 

[dwong]

Thanks much

I think I'm still leaning towards the Prelude tho, seems like the X-fi features will benefit him more for his games.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Well the Prelude is a great card for gaming.