[oporto]

Hi, I have a Logitech Z-5500 and a SteelSeries Siberia V2 and I am looking for the best sound card or setup for both of them. I use the Z-5500 for music and movies and the headphones for gaming. From all the reviews I have read (a lot) the Asus Xonar STX is the best for music and the Auzen Forte is the best for gaming. The problem is that most reviews for those cards are for headphones and that's because those cards are made for headphones. My question is, which one of those OR other should I get to make it work perfectly with both my headphones and speakers? And what would be the pros and cos for each one?
 
I am pretty sure I'm not the only one that has this problem. I just cant find a solution : /   I have found these forums very good, so if someone can help me with this or direct me to the right site/forum please tell me.
If there is any other detail I should write down please let me know. I am using onboard at the moment, my motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-EX58-DS4.
 
Asus Xonar Essence STX
http://www.asus.com.au/product.aspx?P_ID=zCDHPnfR1jymHK2f&templete=2
X-Fi Forte 7.1
http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_forte.php
Logitech Z-5500
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers/devices/224
SteelSeries Siberia V2
http://steelseries.com/products/audio/steelseries-siberia-v2


 
AND
 
I have read some good things about the HT Omega Claro plus +, but there are not enough reviews that can compare it to the STX or Forte to see which one is better. Same with the Strike and Halo. If someone knows anything about this cards which I believe are very close to the STX and Forte in quality let me know too.
 
Claro
http://www.htomega.com/claroplus.html
Striker
http://www.htomega.com/striker.html
Halo
http://www.htomega.com/clarohalo_xt.html

 

[JRG1990]

I would recommend something extenal out the pc case not using noisey pc power, with a optical or coax out that can pass though 5.1, like the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD or a second hand m-audio audiophile usb.

 

[dye1337]

I admittedly have the z-5500 and I'm not a fan, I'm going to keep the sub and the amp, but build some new speakers for the satellites. 

That having been said, a nice DAC would do wonders for both your headphones and the speakers

 

[oporto]

thanks guys, I like both ideas, dye1337 I thought on the same but how do I know what speakers to get, because I connected 2 good speakers (big ones) to my old sub and after two days It burned inside, it couldnt handle the big speakers... I dont want the same to happen to the Z-5500 sub. AND what DAC would you recommend me? any good brands??
 
thanks again : )

 

[Watsy1958]

I know this thread is old but I had to least know if you did buy the HD Omega Claro plus soundcard I keep reading if your into music this is the card why I'm asking just last week my brother called me he owns a storage place and he asked me if I care to clean out one of his units with exchange I get to keep what ever was inside and what I found still new in the wrapper was a Logitech z-5500 5.1 system and a sound card the claro plus brand new so really this is why I'm fishing in these old posts to dig up some tips about the card it's far better to chat with someone who has the card pose to reading up in a manual.....