Budget sound card/DAC for music...no gaming

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titana

titana

Forerunner
Hi,
I am currently using my onboard ALC 888 audio for music.
I don't play games much.

i am looking to upgrade( but on a budget)

what is the best for music that can get for around 3k used/new ?
 
The ASUS Xonar DX (Rs 4,000 - 3 months ago, from KMD) is a rock solid card for music / movies and HTPC setups - has DDL so its perfect for most HTS-s with external decoders - and has Dolby Headphone, so its perfect for listening to music (and surround material) via headphones.

The only this that's wrong with it is the emulated EAX5.0 (GX 2.5) which doesn't work in most games. So if EAX 4,5 isn't important (and it shouldn't be), get the DX.

Here is the review on techenclave.

And here is the official product page.

Google for more reviews.

I've owned it for 3 months and it is absolutely perfect. Great for gaming, as long as the stupid GX mode is turned off.
 
U mean the emu 0404 pci

since I don't need the monitoring features, so won't emu 0202 would be a better option for me.

@stalker - can I trust the chinese ebay shop

As for Xonar DX, how good is it for music ?

I am not interested in gaming.
 
titana said:
As for Xonar DX, how good is it for music ?
I am not interested in gaming.
Click to expand...

Going by Sangram's review, it seems to be fairing good overall.

Btw what spkrs're u intending to use with this card?
 
5.1? All DACs that come in your price budget are stereo ones. you're better off with a soundcard if you want all 5 speakers to work together.
 
^^buying the DAC for headphones only on my secondary rig ;)

I do not need a 5.1 sound card because my creative external decoder is awesome :cool2:

@sunnyboi, am still exploring other options and since u still got some time to come back, I think I can take some time to think over your offer.
 
^^ wow... If only I was at singapore.......

but anyway, been reading the reviews of hotusb1, and now inclined to buy that.

Esp. at the price of $60 shipped they seem a good choice.
 
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