[shoenberg3]

Although I am not an intensive gamer, I am getting my computer rig ready for games such as Crysis, Alan Wake, and such. So I would probably like a X-Fi (which X-Fi do you recommend?). But I do not think X-fi is quite good enough for my music needs. Would getting a USB-DAC solve the problem? If I were to use a DAC, would my soundcard matter at all (at least for music)? I am asking this so that I am assured that I don't need something like Juli@ or EMU to get the most of the computer experience. How is the compatibility for some of these USB-DACs with Vista?

Thank you

 

[Spookykinkajou]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoenberg3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Although I am not an intensive gamer, I am getting my computer rig ready for games such as Crysis, Alan Wake, and such. So I would probably like a X-Fi (which X-Fi do you recommend?). But I do not think X-fi is quite good enough for my music needs. Would getting a USB-DAC solve the problem? If I were to use a DAC, would my soundcard matter at all (at least for music)? I am asking this so that I am assured that I don't need something like Juli@ or EMU to get the most of the computer experience. How is the compatibility for some of these USB-DACs with Vista? Thank you

I'm extremely happy with my dt990 being powered by a meier corda aria through USB. It sounds wonderful with anything you toss at it. Great surround sound with movies. I havent tried games but I'm sure it would be the same. Needless to say, music is very satisfying.

 

[Dragon Rider]

Start with the XfiXtremeMusic; then, get something else for music if not satisfied with the Xfi. I was unhappy with Xfi for music; but, very happy with the E-MU 0404 USB. The XMeridian may be a one card good choice if your'e not heavy into fps games. We seem to be gravitating to using multiple cards-- each having its own purpose. I still choose the Xfi > Z5500s for movies as well as games.

 

[Bones13]

Get the XFi, and when you are ready, get a dedicated external DAC, hook it to the digital out of the XFi, use an external headphone amp, and enjoy the best of both worlds. You can switch the XFi mode if you want and also hook it up to a surround desktop speaker system if you want the surround experience for gaming.

USB DAC/(AMP)s work well too, and are really great in a movable system. You won't get any of the game specific, or positional information from one though.

 

[Dihnekis]

It is going to be hard to have it both ways... I had to get a separate DAC for my headphones and an Audigy 2 ZS for games.

 

[uraflit]

x-fi xtrememusic for games, and if not enough, get an external DAC/AMP combo... eg. e-mu 0404 usb, etc.

 

[tuhnu]

Note that if you use programs like Ventrilo or Teamspeak, you can't use a mic while using the digital out from X-Fi XM. Mic (and line) in is in the same jack, named FlexiJack. Of course, an USB microphone would still be usable.

 

[rb67]

I built myself a USB DAC and whenever I want to listen to my headphones which are connected to a CKKIII, i just plug the usb dac in and the sound automatically comes out of the usb dac. When I pull it out, it immediately reverts back to my soundcard output to my speakers or headphones (gaming).

It is very convenient and should offer a much cheaper implementation for bit perfect. I noticed a significant improvement in sound when using the DAC when listening to music. I haven't tried it gaming yet.

 

[soloz2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuhnu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Note that if you use programs like Ventrilo or Teamspeak, you can't use a mic while using the digital out from X-Fi XM. Mic (and line) in is in the same jack, named FlexiJack. Of course, an USB microphone would still be usable.

this problem can be fairly easily overcome. I have an x-fi and use the digital output for better sound, but still needed a mic for gaming. I enabled my mobo's onboard sound and configured my computer to use the onboard mic input and to output everything through my x-fi

 

[003]

I'm a pretty heavy gamer. My setup isn't exactly what you'd call ideal for gaming, but it does just fine. I used to be big into soundstage for gaming, X-fi, EAX, etc... now all I really care is that I can hear the game. I also intend to use my PC for intensive games, I am DYING for UT3 to come out. Been playing since Unreal I.

I just use a logitech desktop USB mic.

 

[Pm@c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon Rider /img/forum/go_quote.gif Start with the XfiXtremeMusic; then, get something else for music if not satisfied with the Xfi. I was unhappy with Xfi for music; but, very happy with the E-MU 0404 USB. The XMeridian may be a one card good choice if your'e not heavy into fps games. We seem to be gravitating to using multiple cards-- each having its own purpose. I still choose the Xfi > Z5500s for movies as well as games.

Arent the Z5500s an amazing set of speakers. RAWRRR goes the bass unit!! PUMP PUMP. I love it. Although sadly havent heard from it in over 2 months since im living away from home and my landlord is a crappy old woman who complains about everything and doesnt want loud speakers, thus why I purchased my DT770's.

 

[Pm@c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm a pretty heavy gamer. My setup isn't exactly what you'd call ideal for gaming, but it does just fine. I used to be big into soundstage for gaming, X-fi, EAX, etc... now all I really care is that I can hear the game. I also intend to use my PC for intensive games, I am DYING for UT3 to come out. Been playing since Unreal I. I just use a logitech desktop USB mic.

UT3 is gonna rock, same with Crysis. I hope you have a REALLY good machine for Crysis. I know I have to upgrade my video card for it...

 

[shoenberg3]

Thanks for your replies.
This question remains: If I were to use a DAC, would difference in soundcard matter at all (at least for music)?
And with what cable/jack do you connect the DAC with the computer, just curious?

 

[Joshatdot]

try the X-Fi XtremeMusic for both and if you want better music get a USB DAC later

 

[shoenberg3]

The XtremeMusic doesn't seem to have RCA jack but the higher end X-fis do. Does this matter?