[skchow]

Hi all,
I'm looking for some sort of sound card solution for my computer; the onboard sound just doesn't cut it.  I have the Asus Nforce2 deluxe and even though the onboard sound processors are supposed to be top notch, there's just too much static coming out of it.  Instead, I've been looking at some of the m-audio offerings, namely the revolution and the audiophile pci cards.  Does anyone have any opinions on these products or maybe opinions on similar products?  I think I'll be confined to two speakers and a sub, so I don't need the multichannel dolby digital surround sound stuff.  Thanks!

Sunny.

[Hantra]

Sunny:

Are you just using it for PC sound?  If so, the Creative Audigy, and Audigy 2 are great cards.  They are even decent for headphone listening with very low noise.  If you think you may hook it up to the system for some critical listening, think about a nicer card like the M-Audio's or my favorite of course, the Lynx L22.

B

[skchow]

Thanks for the reply.  I think in the end, I would like to connect my computer with the rest of my system, and that's why I've been trying to avoid the creative products.  Now, I don't do any sort of music composition, nor recording so the really high end (expensive) pro cards would be a waste in my hands...    

Hantra:  How are you liking your computer based playback?  I think I will eventually head down that route since for me (as a cs guy), it makes the most sense....

Sunny.

[Phat Phreddy]

RME's new hammerfall card is allegedly the dogs danglies... The RME PAD is pretty wel respected and seemed to beat out the lynxTwo in a listening test done on AVS..

The Ego Sys cards dont have much of a following but have great looking specs and can be found only a little more expensively than the M-Audio products...

Of course M-Audio are the only soundcard maker I know that has put bass management and speaker delay etc into drivers so if those needs appeal a revo or 410 may be your best bet... That said the RME sounds better so I am told.

[Rob Babcock]

I've batted around the notice of a PC setup to play music, too.  But first off I'll probably have to break down and buy a good soundcard for my present computer.  My plan is to build a new PC for gaming, websurfing, etc. and use my current PC as a burner (DVD & CD), unplugging it from the internet.

I've already ordered an Antec 3700 BQE and some other quiet parts to get the case as silent as I can.  But my computer has whatever crap soundcard it shipped with, which ain't gonna cut it for a dedicated burner.

How much does the M-Audio card cost?  And who makes it?  Is that the name of the card or the mfg'r?