Culverin
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2007
- Posts
- 271
- Likes
- 10
Hey guys,
I have just recently built myself a new computer.
For the past few years, I have been using an Auzentech Prelude.
However, my new motherboard (Asus X58 Sabertooth) has the PCI slot covered by the #1 PCI-E slot.
The on-board sound which is actually isn't bad still isn't amazing. This means I need to find myself a replacement for my Prelude.
I have been considering the Asus Xonar STX, and I'm hoping you guys might be able to help me flush out my build path a bit more.
My computer does and will continue to serve as the hub of my entertainment unit.
Currently:
This is how my audio time is spent:
60% TV shows and movies.
40% Gaming
More than half my gaming time is spent playing FPS where headphones are a must.
I'm mostly using Beyerdynamic DT-990, sometimes AKG-702
Soon:
I will adding a new (undetermined) receiver in the next few months to drive my 4 vintage Technics studio monitors.
I will be adding a center channel and subwoofer as well.
Objective:
To have 3 modes:
Questions:
Anyways, as usual your help is most appreciated.
thanks!!!
I have just recently built myself a new computer.
For the past few years, I have been using an Auzentech Prelude.
However, my new motherboard (Asus X58 Sabertooth) has the PCI slot covered by the #1 PCI-E slot.
The on-board sound which is actually isn't bad still isn't amazing. This means I need to find myself a replacement for my Prelude.
I have been considering the Asus Xonar STX, and I'm hoping you guys might be able to help me flush out my build path a bit more.
My computer does and will continue to serve as the hub of my entertainment unit.
Currently:
This is how my audio time is spent:
60% TV shows and movies.
40% Gaming
More than half my gaming time is spent playing FPS where headphones are a must.
I'm mostly using Beyerdynamic DT-990, sometimes AKG-702
Soon:
I will adding a new (undetermined) receiver in the next few months to drive my 4 vintage Technics studio monitors.
I will be adding a center channel and subwoofer as well.
Objective:
To have 3 modes:
- 5.1 Surround for music, movies, tv and games.
- Headphones for music, FPS games and late night listening
- Headphones + Sub for movies and games
Questions:
- Is the Xonar what I should be looking at? Or some combination of DAC+amp + on board output direct to receiver?
- Will the Xonar STX outputs give me good theater sound? Or do things get muddled since it doesn't have 1:1 channel:connectors?
- Are there any OP Amp upgrades that are considered "essential" compared to the stock OP Amps?
- How should I be setting up my sound system so that I can quickly toggle between the 3 modes?
With my Prelude, everytime I wanted to switch between my Logitech 5.1 system and headphone output, I would have to:
- Go into the Prelude drivers, and switch from 5.1 to headphone output.
- Unplug the center channel, and plug in my headphones.
This was a total pain in the ass.
Ideally, flipping between these 3 modes would be as easy as toggling a physical 3-way switch on my desktop.
Anyways, as usual your help is most appreciated.
thanks!!!