M-Audio Revolution 7.1/5.1 sound cards

[StoneNewt]

After sorting out my MSI RS480M2-IL I've discovered that the audio totally sucks (you can 'hear' HDD access & the graphics card through the line-out etc.), so what I want is a new sound card, what are peoples opinion of the M-Audio Revolution range? I know they're not the greatest for game performance but they should be givin' better audio reproduction than the Creatives range. For refrence the speaker system is geared to acoustic accuracy rather than all out thumping base, in this context for the money is the M-audio Revolution the card to get or what other cards would people recommend?

[BenW]

You pretty much answered your own question. M-Audio for pure music, creative for decent music with a few extra fps in games.

I'd personally go with the M-Audio for better audio quality

[Trippledence]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Creative-Sound...QQcmdZViewItem

I'd go with something like that.

[StoneNewt]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Creative-Sound...QQcmdZViewItem

I'd go with something like that.

I borrowed an 2 ZS and I can say I'm not happy with the Creatives Audigy performance with my speaker/amp setup, like every other Audigy & Exigy I've got my hands on, the acoustic sensation is of everything sounding hollow & bass rich with out any top-end punch. Besides the level of noise I'd go for the on-board soundcard over the Audigy.

You pretty much answered your own question. M-Audio for pure music, creative for decent music with a few extra fps in games.

I'd personally go with the M-Audio for better audio quality

I was more looking for alternatives, I don't believe that that is the only card on the market that is reproduction biased.

[oralpain]

I've been thinking of getting a BlueGears X-mystique, reviews on it look very promising and I've been looking for an alternative to creative and m-audio for a while.

[menthel]

Also, whats out there with a 5 1/2" breakout thats not creative? I can't be bothered to reach round the back to plug in my headphones! I just can't stand creatives drivers after my last experience.

[BenW]

erm, 3.5mm splitter and 3.5mm extension cable will do that just fine menthel!

[menthel]

However I am frivelous when it comes to technology and my onboard sound could be better!

[StoneNewt]

Also, whats out there with a 5 1/2" breakout thats not creative? I can't be bothered to reach round the back to plug in my headphones! I just can't stand creatives drivers after my last experience.

Aureon 7.1 Universe & Terratec DMX 6Fire both of which has a dedicated headphone socket somewhere. The latter looks much more like a professional card than the Aureon.

Another thought is that certainly the Revolution 5.1 has a headphone socket anyway, you just run a 'breakout lead' up to the desk or even permanently have your headphones connected.

[TooNice]

Wow, the price of Audigy 2 ZS dropped quite a bit.

Its just a shame that the Chaintech A710 can't be found in the UK. Its supposed to be a great card for music, at a bargain price.

[ifyouknowme]

emu 1820 as an alternative
they sound great
have dsp
dont like the software though