Need recomendation, Alternative to SoundBlaster Z, for use with Linux?

Jan 8, 2018 at 1:26 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 4

ugnius40

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Hi,

I'm switching to Linux form Windows. I was pretty happy with my setup on Windows, I have Sound Blaster Z PCIEx1 card, which works very well with my ATH-A900 (old one). But Creative are refusing to make any kind of driver for Linux. When it works - it works wonderfully, but on some reboots it stops working, and I have to boot to Windows, just to restore sound in Linux (on boot firmware flashing or something).
I have had Asus Xonar DG, which was passable, the difference between SB-Z and Xonar DG is quite big.
My On-Board audio is ALC1150 (MSI Z170A Gaming Pro) - OK, though, I have to use it on 60/70% volume, to get something similar to SB-Z 25%, and also has slight hiss.
I also have Sound Blaster X-Fi Pro laying around, but sound is not so clear, esp. on higher volume.

I want something that is well supported in Linux, Xonar DX looks ok, but I'm afraid it has no headphone amp. Xonar STX is way out of my price range. Sound Blaster Omni looks like an option for me.

I'm listening to various music, which I like uncoloured by any Crystallizers and other fluff.
I also game (not competitively), and I use HRTF reverb options like Dolby or THX (not sure about Linux support, but I can live without those).
Also using on-board audio with some kind of external AMP is an option.
Finally, I'm in UK. My budget is around £80 (little more If I can flog my Sound Blaster Z).


TL/DR: What are my options to get similar sound quality as Sound Blaster Z on Linux (I'm using ATH-A900 cans)? Preferably cheaper than £80 (I'm in UK).

Thanks
 
Jan 8, 2018 at 2:07 PM Post #2 of 4
I'm guessing a USB-DAC/amp would be something for you to use.
FiiO Q1 Mk 2 or Schiit Fulla 2.
Contact FiiO tech support or Schiit tech support, to see if there are Linux drivers that work with those models of their USB DAC/amp.

Another option is to find a good deal on a used Xonar DX sound card and pair it with a FiiO A3 headphone amplifier.

Even cheaper option is to get the FiiO A3 and plug it directly into the on-board audio (Realtek ALC1150).
You would set the on-board audio to 2-channel & speaker output (not headphone output) to feed the best possible signal to the external amp (FiiO A3).

But the USB-DACamp I think it the best option.
 
Mar 6, 2018 at 10:17 AM Post #4 of 4
OK, just got Fulla 2 delivered. What can I say - I've been missing a lot, I know this is entry set-up, but I'm very happy with it (till I hear something better :D).
Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for the suggestion, Fulla 2 is definitely worth it.
 
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