Which sound card is "better"

thehappyman · 18 Sep 2010

Can anybody tell me - Which sound card is better ??????

The Creative Labs Extreme Gamer or the Creative labs Xfi Titanium ???????

PCI based

stormy13 · 18 Sep 2010

The Titanium has a slightly upgraded chip on it (EMU20k2 vs the EMU20k1 on the Xtreme gamer); better opamps, etc. As to whether you would here a difference, depends on what you are connecting to it.

Tepid · 18 Sep 2010

If you are talking strictly for games and listening to music? Almost any top quality sound card will do.
If you want to do more than just play games and listen to music. Then it all depends on the features the card provides.

But for general use, any top quality, it does not have to be the best on the shelf, sound card is more than adequate.

Speakers are a completely different story. Those do affect the quality of sound in games and music. I would personally buy the cheaper card and get the best speakers I could find.

Honestly, I have an Intel board and use the on board audio with 7.1 speakers (not all the speakers are in use, but, the sound quality is just fine.

Unless you are complete purest, or someone who is going to be DJ'ing or something. Even some of them take it too far for simple gaming/music machines.

Techymike · 18 Sep 2010

I ran my PC to a stereo system and mostly for Blue Ray movies, that is why I decided on the Titanium. The white light on it is pretty cool also. I am not sure about the Signal to noise ration on the extreme but the Titanium is a nice 109 db. There are a number of good sound cards to pick from. You should think what you expect from the sound card then get the one that meets your needs. That is about the best advice I can offer. I can tell you that the Titanium is a great card and I am extremely happy with mine. Sure beats the audio on my MB hands down!

thehappyman · 18 Sep 2010

Thanks all for the pointers you guys - I will mostly be listening to Music and Blu Ray DVD's on my Bose Companion III speakers but sometimes on Noise Cancelling Headphones. The Mobo sound circuitry didnt look all that hot.

Just wanted to know the diff between the Extreme Gamer and the Titanium cards. Guess I'll be very happy with the Titanium card. :):):)

Techymike · 19 Sep 2010

I know it is $20 to $30 more but I think you will get your moneys worth! Make sure you check out newegg.com and frys.com before you buy to save some money!