[Clusterfunk]

I recently decided I need a new soundcard. I currently have a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, but I realized it kind of sucks. I get some static even when listening to YouTube videos and it's really annoying.
 
I have the Schiit Valhalla tube headphone amplifier that I run from the soundcard, but this card is holding it back.
 
Somebody recommended this to me: http://www.esi-audio.com/products/julia/
which seems nice enough.
 
I do watch movies and play games, but I really only care about music when it comes to audio, so I don't need special game features (if those exist). I also record to Audacity from time to time using the input on my current card, so the ability to record from a mic is a must. I don't want to pay more than $150.
 
Any thoughts?

 

[mrnoodle]

http://www.esi-audio.com/products/julia/ That card is for profession audio recording, with what I can guess is VIA envy24 controller chip. You'll have problem with game compatibilty and such. I believe ESI's consumer division has been sold to Gyrocom of Korea and they make consumer grade sounds card with Envy chips under Audiotrack brand.
 
Today's consumer grade cards use either Creative's chip or Cmedia's chip. Both have their own issues with buggy drivers and so on.

 

[Clusterfunk]

Well, I've heard Creative stuff is really bad compared to other stuff. I've never had anything else so I wouldn't know. If there is a decent consumer soundcard that would be compatible with games, I would get that. I'm just looking for something that doesn't produce static when I'm watching a YouTube video or increase the computer volume over 1/10 the max.

 

[mrnoodle]

Xonar series cards with Cmedia chip from Asus is quite well known as competitor to Creative's chips. Asus claims that they can do EAX 5.0 (which is creative proprietary) by presenting itself as EAX 5.0 capable, and apply these effects according to what they think they supposedly sound like. But, xonar lines also has its own problems with buggy drivers and game compatibility (delay/latency from line-in, mic-in, for exmaple).
It's hard to make recommendation to certain brand, since it's not known what problem you'll run into.
I suggest you read reviews and user forums, find what appeals to you and narrow down your choice. And bite the bullet and take a chance.

 

[Clusterfunk]

I like the looks of this card:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496.html
 
M-Audio is known for good quality stuff, I just don't know if I'd have compatibility problems with it.
 
I'm not averse to an external DAC either. I'm looking at some of Creative's and it seems like it has gotten better. I'm looking at this particularly: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102033&Tpk=Sound%20Blaster%20X-Fi%20Titanium%20HD

 

[mrnoodle]

Quote:

I like the looks of this card:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496.html
 
M-Audio is known for good quality stuff, I just don't know if I'd have compatibility problems with it.

Oh, that card is also like ESI. called audio interface. For recording, audio production, connection to midi synthesizer.

 

[mrnoodle]

Quote:

I'm looking at some of Creative's and it seems like it has gotten better. I'm looking at this particularly: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102033&Tpk=Sound%20Blaster%20X-Fi%20Titanium%20HD

That's a new card from CL. Uses very quality components. But chip is same as your xtreme gamer (although PCIE version of the chip). Same creative drivers.
Auzentech also makes card with creative chips and high quality components.

 

[Clusterfunk]

Does the same chip mean same audio processing and same crappy quality?

 

[mrnoodle]

Quote:

Does the same chip mean same audio processing and same crappy quality?

I'm not sure. Some ppl claimed PCIE version fixed some issues, like crackle/snap/pop. Some people hate them anyway since they hate creative drivers.

 

[Clusterfunk]

The drivers aren't what bother me. From the reviews of that Creative card I have read, people say it is a big improvement over their previous cards. I'll probably end up buying that unless I can find something better.

 

[Seaside]

Juli@ is nice card. Very natural sounding, clear and crisp. But if you're into gaming or multimedia, forget about it. I like the sound Envy24 chipset gives, but I hate the driver. The chipset is outdated and picky as hell.
 
Take a look at HT-omega brand cards. It's all around, simple, just amazing card. Read reviews and see if you can like it.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271004
 
 

 

[Clusterfunk]

I looked at one HT-Omega card, but most are more than I want to spend I realize it's only like $30 more than the Creative one, but it has to stop somewhere.
 
By the way, I have an external headphone amplifier. Would getting a soundcard with a built-in headphone amp like the HT-Omega above screw with the one I already have, or would it be beneficial?

 

[mrnoodle]

Quote:

I looked at one HT-Omega card, but most are more than I want to spend I realize it's only like $30 more than the Creative one, but it has to stop somewhere.
 
By the way, I have an external headphone amplifier. Would getting a soundcard with a built-in headphone amp like the HT-Omega above screw with the one I already have, or would it be beneficial?

It's redundant? I would guess that, adding another amplification device after digital to analogue conversion has taken place in DAC chip of the sound card will only add chance to pick up electric noise and amplify such noise in the external analogue device.

 

[Seaside]

Quote:

I looked at one HT-Omega card, but most are more than I want to spend I realize it's only like $30 more than the Creative one, but it has to stop somewhere.
 
By the way, I have an external headphone amplifier. Would getting a soundcard with a built-in headphone amp like the HT-Omega above screw with the one I already have, or would it be beneficial?

Price certainly is a factor, I can see that. Then check HT omega claro plus.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271003
 
$25 cheaper than Halo, more traditonal pannel layout, different PCB design, no TPA6120A2 chip that Halo had in it, can't swap opamps. Otherwise, it can do everything Halo can do. The same clear sound. Built-in head amp in Halo is for the people who want to drive their high ohm headphones directly off the soundcard. We don't need built-in headphone amp since we already have one or more headphone amps.

 

[Clusterfunk]

So you would recommend the HT-Omega CLARO Plus+ over the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD?