I have a really hard time buying something like that because it just looks so terrible. I don't know why only a few companies care about aesthetics as well as sound quality. Seems like you only get one or the other.

I've been looking for some new 2.0 computer speakers since my laptop speakers don't really cut it when I want to listen to have ambient music or watch a movie with friends.   Normally I use a headphone setup (Sennheiser HD650, Schiit Valhalla amp) but I want something so that other people...

It's good to hear from someone who has this card. Thanks for letting me know how it is.

Well, I have pretty much decided to go with the Creative X-Fi Titanium HD because it's more suited for my needs. I like some of the features it has with the software, such as recording "What you hear" (desktop audio). Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I'll probably go with that.

So you would recommend the HT-Omega CLARO Plus+ over the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD?

I looked at one HT-Omega card, but most are more than I want to spend I realize it's only like $30 more than the Creative one, but it has to stop somewhere.   By the way, I have an external headphone amplifier. Would getting a soundcard with a built-in headphone amp like the HT-Omega above...

The drivers aren't what bother me. From the reviews of that Creative card I have read, people say it is a big improvement over their previous cards. I'll probably end up buying that unless I can find something better.

Does the same chip mean same audio processing and same crappy quality?

I like the looks of this card: http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496.html   M-Audio is known for good quality stuff, I just don't know if I'd have compatibility problems with it.   I'm not averse to an external DAC either. I'm looking at some of Creative's and it seems...

Well, I've heard Creative stuff is really bad compared to other stuff. I've never had anything else so I wouldn't know. If there is a decent consumer soundcard that would be compatible with games, I would get that. I'm just looking for something that doesn't produce static when I'm watching a...

I recently decided I need a new soundcard. I currently have a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, but I realized it kind of sucks. I get some static even when listening to YouTube videos and it's really annoying.   I have the Schiit Valhalla tube headphone amplifier that I run from the...

Well I ordered the Valhalla. I can't wait for the release. I hope that it's better than the Asgard.

Both Jason and I were kind of shocked that there would be no noticeable difference on any device. It might be my plebeian ears, but I plan giving the Valhalla a shot.

I've decided to return my Asgard. The minimal (unnoticeable to me) difference is just not worth $250, and I don't want an expensive volume knob.

I'm not sure if anyone has posted a review yet, but here is mine. To clarify, I have limited knowledge in this area and my set up is probably not ideal. I have no other amps other than the Asgard and it is my first.   PC (Soundblaster Xtremegamer) > Asgard > Sennheiser HD650   Just from...