Maximizing Klipsch Potential

[explorer]

I am thinking of shelling out the money for a set of Klipsch 5.1's but I want to know if I will get the most out of my speakers with my onboard AC 97 sound. If not what relatively cheap sound cards would be a good match?

Thanks,
Explorer

[KaHNZa]

Get an SbLive!. They are pretty cheap nowadays. Oh, and the best thing to do is break those speakers in after you get them. Especially the sub.

[explorer]

By breaking them in do you mean playing them at high volumes or for long durations or . . .?

Explorer

[Penguin4x4]

I have read a lot of reviews stating that the AC'97 audio is on par with the SB Live! series. The best thing to break in the speakers is Windows Media player that comes with XP's speaker enhancement thingamabober program. If you don't have it don't worry. Use a player with a good EQ, then belt out Mettallica's One, Nelly's #1, Dirty Vegas's Days Go By, and AC/DC's Thunderstruck using either the Metal or Rap presets, and as loud as friggin possible.(You'd better be using a 2.1 or better set, as this will hurt something)
________
Laos Cooking (http://www.cooking-chef.com/laos/)

[stereo555]

Ive had "very" good results with the ECS 5.1 s/card in my other two systems (and used it for a while with my main system **see sig** and my 4.1's) . I purchased two ECS 5.1's thru E-BAY LINKY (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2032061033) and with the same XINT seller "mrlpgmr" . ** I purchased the ECS 5.1's by recommendations thru this site and AMDMB.COM . All in all , pretty darn happy with the price and quality sound of the ECS 5.1's . There are also XINT drivers for WinXP/Pro and the ECS 5.1 . I don't think you'll be disappointed . My .02 ;) :D

[JudgeDredd]

I've heard some things about Hercules Game Theater, but when I build my new rig I'm gonna have an Audigy Gamer and Klipsch 5.1s...