Help me choose sound card please

[Kiraaaa]

Hey I'm new to the forums and to audio devices, I've been reading about sound cards and I'm thinking of upgrading from my onboard to a real sound card. I've never used a real sound card before so I need suggestions please.
Between these cards, which should I get if I mostly game and listen to music?

1)ASUS Xonar D1 or DX for $106 CAD
2)Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer for $115 CAD/$80 US
3)Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic (Refurbished) for $45 US
4)Creative X-Fi Platinum (Refurbished) for $60 US
5)Auzentech X Meridian for $99 CAD
6)Auzentech X Plosion for $99 CAD

Sorry about all the choices, I'm new and this stuff really confuses me so I need suggestions and help. If anybody could help I would appreciate it. Thanks =)

[BobbyBubblehead]

You may speed things up a little by explaining what you need it for and want it to be capable of doing to give people more of an idea.
If you only need stereo a cheap DAC would be better than most sound cards. If you want soundcard features then a soundcards what you need.
In essense it`s the why that guides the what you want device wise.
(well the why and how much anyhow LOL)

If I can explain myself further... In digital the signal quality is much of the same wherever its being shifted too. However where and when it becomes an analogue signal is a much more defining factor in the outcome quality wise. (inside a computer is`nt a very friendly place for a delicate audio signal to exist, Ground noise, magnetic fields and eddy currents all do there best to mess up signal parameters and detract from what was originaly converted from the digital source material)
however there are many different solutions and budgets to resolve the signal.
soundcards, DAC`s, UPS or $5 ground loop isolators in some cases.
So the more you explain your desire`s for sound the more people can throw in suggestions.

[Kiraaaa]

lol whoa, thanks for the quick response. I just want a soundcard for better quality sound for music so it's more enjoyable and so that I get a better experience playing games. Nothing more other than that. Sorry, I'm noob at this stuff. =)

[Sir Barton]

What kind of speakers are you using?

[Kiraaaa]

My speakers aren't high quality and I don't use them much. They are Logitech Z4 2.1 speakers. I mostly use my headset which are Steelseries 5H v2.

[wingman99]

I would purchase the Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer if your main concern is better gaming sound effects.:beer:

[Kiraaaa]

Yeah, that's what I originally wanted. Then I started to look around on the internet and saw people saying that Creative has bad quality compared to Asus and also has a lot of problems with drivers. And from the list of prices, the Creative XtremeGamer costs the most. So would I be wasting my money on the XtremeGamer when I could buy something cheaper and better quality?

[Sir Barton]

With the speakers you have, the quality of sound wont be much higher than it is with onboard. The benefits of a good sound card are better measured with good speakers. Good speakers not being PC speakers...bookshelf speakers and a separate amp would suit you much better, especially for music purposes.

[Kiraaaa]

Oh okay, so I won't be able to tell the difference with low quality speakers/headphones?
So then should I get the Platinum instead of XtremeGamer because doesn't it have the same/more features and plus it's cheaper? Or the XtremeMusic since it has almost the same features as the XtremeGamer but also cheaper?

[johnboy1998]

I have never had any problems with my sound blaster audigy se cheap as chips as well, and been using 6.1 speakers, does me for music and games. But if I really had money to throw about would probs get a x-fi card!

[johnboy1998]

I would get a 5.1/6.1 speaker setup even your onboard sound should handle it! (that my opinion anyway).

[Kiraaaa]

I'm not thinking of getting new speakers any time soon, because I mainly just use my headset. Do you guys think it's worth upgrading from my onboard (IDT Audio) to a real sound card with my speakers/headset? Or would I not notice a difference with my low quality equipment?

[BobbyBubblehead]

My oppologies Kiraaaa was`nt trying to be A git and be-little you. I think the long winded reply was more for my own understanding LOL
I know nothing much of the current soundcard market.
And im only two Mc D`s badges old (hand em out like sweets LOL)

[Kiraaaa]

LOL it's kay, I appreciate you taking your time to read my problem and trying to help. And thanks to everyone else too =)

[wingman99]

Yeah, that's what I originally wanted. Then I started to look around on the internet and saw people saying that Creative has bad quality compared to Asus and also has a lot of problems with drivers. And from the list of prices, the Creative XtremeGamer costs the most. So would I be wasting my money on the XtremeGamer when I could buy something cheaper and better quality?Well i have XP and did not find any problem with XtremeGamer drivers.

[Kiraaaa]

So, Asus cards have better sound quality than Creative, but I can't tell the difference with my speakers. So I should get the X Fi since I want to use it for playing games? Correct?
Asus cards can do some game effects too, but not as good as Creative? So I guess my options now are only Creative X Fi cards, which one should I get from the list I made in my original post?

[wingman99]

Do you have XP or Vista, if you have XP i would purchase the X-fi

[Kiraaaa]

I use Windows XP, might be thinking of getting Windows 7 when it comes out. If that matters.