Recommendations for a PCI Sound Card?

Hello,



The Onboard Audio (ADI AD1985 6-channel) of my motherboard failed, so I'm looking into buying a PCI Sound Card to handle my audio. This is the first time I've done this, so is there anything you would recommend I look for, in my purchase decision? I need high quality audio, mic recording... Any help would be appreciated.



Thank you

Price range determines that as well as the version of Windows being run. Pine used to make some excellent cards while Creative Lab's Sound Blasters are the most popular for gaming builds as well as multimedia and audio in general. For XP the Sound Blaster Audigy 4 Pro was a good one now seen for less with Vista out.

For Vista and seeing problems with Vista drivers installed on XP when going for updates the Xtreme Music and Xtreme Gamer are a pair of the latest Creative models out with a Fatality series seeing a much higher price.

what's your budget? and can you buy from newegg ( usa only)?

I'm not sure of my budget, but yes, I can buy from newegg. Would the typical extremely-cheaply-priced Creative Labs Sound Blasters from eBay sound terrible? Such as this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/CREATIVE-LABS-SO...QQcmdZViewItem

I'd be happy if the quality is the same as it was with my on-board audio. I only use two speakers, nothing fancy. I just don't want it sounding like it's coming from behind a wall or something.
Thanks

The question now would be for XP or Vista? Creative did release Vista drivers for the Audigy models while originally deciding against it. Ebay doesn't offer much of a return policy if you end up with a bad card for some reason.

That one for bid looks like a budget 2channel card rather buying a new even OEM lower priced 7.1 model like SB SE model seen at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102003

At some point you go for a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound type of speaker set you would have to buy a second card rather having the capability already installed on your system.

It's for XP. Ah, okay, so channels is one thing to look at then. My onboard audio was a 6-channel, so I should get at least that much. I'm confident that I'll just be sticking with my 2 old speakers, though =)

The thought is for a possible new set at some time when the current ones quit or just don't sound so good anymore. I run a 5.1 set of Logitech speakers here with a cramped pc desk! But I wouldn't be satisfied with just two when losing out on a rear pair, woofer, and center mix.

The sound mixer part of the software for the Xreme Audio in temp used at the moment on a new build also feauture simulated surround sound for stereo headphones. There's a thought for late night use! But I am going for the Xreme Gamer shortly since that offers more for multimedia as well as simply gaming. The Xtreme Audio lacks a line in jack while still seeing the mic in. That's one reason for it being a temporary card.

If you want something about the same as your onboard or alittle better
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102002

If you listen to alot of music or videos and lite game
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102007

If you want to spend 80 bucks and game alot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102006