Klipsch 5.1 Ultras and Headphones - I need a new sound card?

[miks23]

I currently have an EPoX 9nda3+ and Klipsch 5.1 Pro Media Ultras, these speakers are plugged directly into the analog outs on my motherboard. The EPoX 9nda3+ uses a RealTEK ALC850 chip which, to me, has provided appalling sound quality compared to my beloved soundstorm I gave up for it. Another major gripe about the ALC850 was that it couldn't provide adequate amperage to my headphones and the sound would be completely hollow and tinny, if I plug them into the headphone jack on my Klipsch control pod it sounds MUCH better but still not perfect.

I have toyed with the idea of purchasing a receiver but at this time I simply do not have the funds or real estate in my bedroom to do this. So, for now I will be remaining analog.

I would appreciate any advice that you guys can offer to me about what my best option will be for a new sound card. I have researched the M-Audio Revo 7.1 and the Creative Audigy 2 ZS. These cards both seem to have their own advantages. I want something that will serve me best for music then movies but also provide me with 3d gaming audio. I don't know if a product like this exists but the HDA X-Mystique seems from the forum reviews and nvnews review like it might just be the card that fits the bill.

Sorry for such a long post. Thank you all in advance for reading and replying.

All The Best,

Mike

 

[PurdueRy]

I could be wrong but with your headphone problem that is a problem that you need to amplify the signal. Replacing the sound card won't help in that case. You need a headphone amp which you can buy from many sites around the net

 

[Taejin]

emu 0404 or emu1212.

might wanna get an amplifier as well..dunno.

 

[beatle]

Yup, get a headphone amp if you're not happy with your headphone performance. If you buy a soundcard, get an A2ZS since you plan on playing games. You'll also be able to enjoy DVD-A.

 

[The J]

The biggest feature, it seems, of the HDA X-Mystique is that it is the only card besides SoundStorm to have Dolby Digital Live! realtime encoding. If you miss that feature of SoundStorm (if you're planning on getting a receiver), then that would be the card for you. Other than that, I really can't help since I have not heard the X-Mystique or the M-Audio. I have an Auidgy 2 ZS with Cambridge MegaWorks 550 THX and I'm quite happy with it since I do play games. Music and movies sound good to me also.