I replaced my 200PCI with the 300PCIe, the main reason being my new mobo (ASUS Z87 PRO V) didn't come with any PCI slots. (aside: didn't think to check, I thought all ATX boards still came with a couple on the end, oh well...)
I've enjoyed the 200PCI for several years now. So it was interesting to read hardeejr's remarks.
"Originally Posted by hardeejr /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I am new to this forum, but definitely not new to good sound. I finally broke down and purchased an Onkyo Wavio SE-300PCIE. I immediately regret my decision, and here's why:
1. This thing runs hot - not the biggest deal, but see other points below.
(didn't think to check this, will look into it)
2. This thing SCREAMS Creative sound card. It is lacking all the warm and natural sound that made the SE-200PCI/SE-200PCI LTD such a great card. The sound is thin, lacking depth and very "digital" sounding, like the other Creative X-Fi based cards on the market. If you have discerning ears when it comes to sound and have had the chance to compare a Creative card to an SE-200PCI, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
(I think I know what you are talking about. There is a kind of "airbrushed" quality to it, like its passed three times through the DSP wringer. Certainly more dry, more restrained than the 200PCI. In its defence, more midrange detail and a more subtle sense of depth, too. The treble seems like its missing a lot of natural ambiance though. I'm going to give it a bit more time before coming to a final decision. Maybe switch back to the 200PCI [on my other machine] to double check against memory, or come to think of it put the 300PCIe in there with the 200PCI and go head to head, as long as the drivers don't have hissy fits coexisting)
3. ZERO, and I mean ZERO sound stage. The highs are extremely over-emphasized and the mids are harsh and irritating. The bass is a bit better than the mids and highs, though a bit muddy.
(That's a bit of an exaggeration, but again I do see where you are coming from.)
4. Creative drivers. 'nuff said!
(I have had *very* bad experiences with Soundblaster in the past, and was reluctant to try the Onkyo card for that reason, but on Windows 8.1 they seem to get out of the way and (finger crossed) have been flawless so far. Also note that the Via drivers are inconveninent on Windows Vists/7/8.1 and its unclear how much longer the card will be supported.)
5. Lacks line-level RCA outputs. The RCA analog outputs are controlled by the volume control in Windows and in the Creative control panel application. The SE-200PCI RCA outputs were not affected by the volume control in Windows. They remained at line-level as to avoid unnecessary amplification by the sound card, which causes distortion.
(Certainly true that the line outputs now route through the Windows audio control, but whether or not this is a big deal anymore when the HDaudio is working at 32/192 internally is a matter for debate. I mean its not like we are truncating 16 bit data anymore, like in the bad old days of AC'3.)
6. Takes 2 slots. This may or may not be a problem for you, but the old design on the SE-200PCI had a break-out style cable that plugged in and split out the other channels. This one has a separate mini-card that takes another slot in your PC chassis.
(err, that break out cable was a pain in the butt, and unreliable. The new separate panel for the surround connections is a definite improvement, and if all you need is stereo output you don't have to use it.)
I was REALLY hoping that Onkyo would find a way to at least somewhat eliminate the obligatory "Creative" sound. It just sounds so thin - completely lacks depth. I am kicking myself for paying the ridiculous price for this card that is only good for gaming.
I don't find it that bad. If I had to to a one-word assessment, my first impression was it lacked the natural "charm" of its predecessor, but has an impressively low noise floor and I may (may!) come around to preferring it. Check back in this space in a couple of weeks. I'm also looking into how changing the Windows audio settings from 16/48 to 24/96 and 32/192 change the sound, if at all.
(By the way, I got the 300pcie used off Yahoo.co.jp auctions for $200, so its within "give it a shot" territory. The current retail price is quite ridiculous considering the basic BOM is the same as the PCIe (LTD) or even less. Sadly the "r2" revision is no longer made in Japan even. I can only assume they have to pay $100 royalty to creative per card!