Good Sound card For Windows 7

[wrathloki]

So I'm pretty much building a whole new computer, just using the same case, video card, and sound card. But I'm thinking maybe I should change the sound card to something that's more stable with windows 7. Right now I'm using the X-Fi Titanium and it's rather hit or miss whether drivers will produce a clean sound rather than hearing the noises of the internal workings of the computer when the volume is turned up loud.

What would a good option be for a sound card that's completely compatible with Windows 7? Keep in mind that I'm an audiophile and sound quality is of the utmost importance.

 

[geeve420]

I personally use an EMU-0404 PCI, but I do home recording. What type of sound stuff are going to be doing? Is it just to listen to music, Gaming, Movies, or recording? We could give you a better idea if you could let us know what your intentions are with the sound card

Edit: Are you looking for internal or external?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

This is a solid middle of the road card. Not crazy expensive but has all the bells and whistles at a great price.
Asus Xonar DX PCIe 7.1 Sound Card XONAR-DX at TigerDirect

 

[geeve420]

This is a solid middle of the road card. Not crazy expensive but has all the bells and whistles at a great price.
Asus Xonar DX PCIe 7.1 Sound Card XONAR-DX at TigerDirect

I was just going to say that Here are some links with reviews:

Newegg.com - ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Channels PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card

More

Asus Xonar DS 7.1 review from TechRadar UK's expert reviews of Sound cards

Even more:

Amazon.com: ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Sound Card: Electronics

 

[Joshatdot]

EMU 0404 USB is recommended alot over at head-fi.org .. could be found for around $180. USB is nice cause it doesn't get any RFI from other components. Creative also has a fairly new Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB .. I haven't read up on that yet.

 

[geeve420]

EMU 0404 USB is recommended alot over at head-fi.org .. could be found for around $180. USB is nice cause it doesn't get any RFI from other components. Creative also has a fairly new Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB .. I haven't read up on that yet.

Agreed, but like I said, it all depends on the purpose of the card! If you are not recording I would think the EMU is bit of overkill. Just my thought though. I also agree on the external, my internal picks up some noise but not enough for me to want to replace it. I guess it comes down to what you need from the sound card

 

[fireberd]

I'm using an HT Omega Striker 7.1 PCI sound card. I had an Xfi Titanium Fatal1ty card installed but it was interferring with my Sonar recording studio software operation so I dumped it for the Striker 7.1 that does not interfere. It also has both S/PDIF optical input and output. HT Omega has some other model cards too.

The Striker 7.1 comes with configuration/applications software for effect enhancements and even a Karaoke mode with pitch changing.

 

[Spidey1976]

I've heard good things about the Striker & Xonar cards and both are the same price on NewEgg... I'm leaning at the Striker as soon as I can spare the extra change