How does the X-fi stack up agains Emu, M-Audio, Terratec?

[Ymer]

Currently, I own an EMU 0404 and a Terratec EWX 24/96.

I've been thinking about getting a gaming soundcard for a while now, so I've been wondering, how does the X-Fi stack up against the current favorite choices in soundcard?

And is 24-bit Crystalizer just chit-chat?

Thanks

 

[spacemanspliff]

It's the best gaming soundcard for sure. That's the bottom line. The Crystallizer is meh IMO but the 3d effect it has is interesting. My bitch is the opamps should have been of better quality. Still, the entry level X-fi is a decent music card and the best gaming card.

 

[Medikit]

From what I understant the flagship x-fi is on par with the 1212m

 

[InSides]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medikit From what I understant the flagship x-fi is on par with the 1212m

Albeit, at more than twice as much. IMO, someone has yet to test that claim. I know I would want a comparo at some point.

 

[NiceCans]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ymer Currently, I own an EMU 0404 and a Terratec EWX 24/96.

Sorry for going O/T, but can you give me any feedback regarding the EWX24/96 compared to the EMU0404?
Thanks.

 

[Revliskciuq]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medikit From what I understant the flagship x-fi is on par with the 1212m

Even if it was slightly better, at that price point there are better options to consider if music is your main concern.

Unless you are an avid gamer and require the best in gaming sound, I really don't see any reason to buy an X-Fi.

 

[Ymer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiceCans Sorry for going O/T, but can you give me any feedback regarding the EWX24/96 compared to the EMU0404? Thanks.

I like the EWX 24/96 much better. But then again, this is just my opinion.

 

[NiceCans]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ymer I like the EWX 24/96 much better. But then again, this is just my opinion.

thank you, I appreciate the input.
I have been happy with my EWX 24/96, but was wondering if I was missing something

 

[HypnoLobster]

I have the Etreeme Music X-Fi, and I really could'nt be happer. The crystalizer and 3D is total crap, as usual, but it overall it sounds great. I do a little bit of games every once in a while, and that is where it really shines. You can turn on volume management and play a game and talk to a friend with VoIP and everything is the correct volume and clear. The software is where it really shines, in my opinion, and is the only reason I didnt buy a EMU.

Just please, make sure you have the out's set to 2.1/2 speakers and not headphones, becuse the headphone setting is absolutely horrible. It is like they added some really messed up EQ and a seperate volume control.

 

[maarek99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HypnoLobster Just please, make sure you have the out's set to 2.1/2 speakers and not headphones, becuse the headphone setting is absolutely horrible.

Just turn down cmss. Or better yet, try it with a 5.1 game.

 

[pbirkett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiceCans thank you, I appreciate the input. I have been happy with my EWX 24/96, but was wondering if I was missing something

Just to confuse you further, i reckon the EMU is much better than the EWX (I've owned both). Its much more detailed and lively. So yes, if you like your music interesting, you are missing something. If you like a more boring sound, then the EWX will be better yes.

 

[NiceCans]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbirkett Just to confuse you further, i reckon the EMU is much better than the EWX (I've owned both). Its much more detailed and lively. So yes, if you like your music interesting, you are missing something. If you like a more boring sound, then the EWX will be better yes.

sucess

 

[HypnoLobster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maarek99 Just turn down cmss. Or better yet, try it with a 5.1 game.

I have it off.

I hate things like crystalizers and 3D and EQ and all that jazzyness.

 

[delphi]

this site has a good run down on 24-bit crystalizer and the xfi's