[Neuronaut]

This is my first thread on Head-fi, so first of all I'd like to say hello to everyone! I am in the market for a sound card to use for 80% gaming and 20% music. I only have a PCIEx1 slot available. I am relatively new to all of this audio stuff, so if you experienced Head-phi'ers could help me choose a good card for under $150 I would really appreciate it!

I just bought a set of HD555's and would love a card that would increase the positional audio in games and also make my music sound better of course. I have my eye on the Auzentech Forte. Does anyone have any experience with this card or have any other recommendations??? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Hybrys]

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...reative%20Labs

I used to have one of these, and it was pretty nifty. Decent sound quality, great 'positional audio', and can be used as a bit-perfect transport to an optical in on a DAC, if you ever choose to step up your music quality.

Edit: If you're in Canada, pricematch it with this for a cool $13 off.

http://www.anitec.ca/product/11349/c...-70sb088600003

US: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-019-_-Product Get that for a cool $109 USD if you order by Feb 11th.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neuronaut /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is my first thread on Head-fi, so first of all I'd like to say hello to everyone! I am in the market for a sound card to use for 80% gaming and 20% music. I only have a PCIEx1 slot available. I am relatively new to all of this audio stuff, so if you experienced Head-phi'ers could help me choose a good card for under $150 I would really appreciate it! I just bought a set of HD555's and would love a card that would increase the positional audio in games and also make my music sound better of course. I have my eye on the Auzentech Forte. Does anyone have any experience with this card or have any other recommendations??? Thanks in advance!!!

The Forte is a great card for gaming and has a built in headphone amplifier also. As far as analog sound quality goes, this is one of the best hardware gaming cards avilable.

 

[43st]

I'd recommend the Forte as well. I don't see any benefit to the Creative card listed above, aside the lower price perhaps.

Also be aware you can use a PCI-E 1x card in larger slots and it will work fine.

 

[Neuronaut]

Thanks for the replies. This just confirms what I was already thinking, Forte is the way to go. Just making sure that I wasn't missing anything.