Ok, after playing with the setup for a day or so, here is what I'm leaning towards
onboard -> sound card -> nice headphones
sound card should be upgraded first.
if you plan to use the onboard audio and are wondering if a great pair of headphones are worth it, I would say no, as long as you currently have a
decent set of headphones or desk top speakers. (i.e. no dollar market items, decent as in 40$-ish, good amplified desk top speakers)
with the new headphones, I did test them using the onboard sound first. there was a difference, but it was modest when comparing it to my older headset. (panasonic Rp-ht355, which is quite old and junky as of current) I would say the 120$ cost of the new headphones would not have been justifiable, at least to me. I chickened out and didnt also order the koss headset, but if they are decent I can understand why they were recommended with a sound card.
now, with the new sound card. yes, even grandma will be able to tell the difference. she may not like it though.
its not really advertised but the HT omega striker uses EAX2. now, I dont have a game that makes good use of sound, but I could tell a difference, and it was making my ears bleed (game programmers fault, not the card.) with the desktop speakers you can hear a distinct improvement while playing all media. It was a pleasant surprise, I was not expecting it.
after the sound card was installed, did the headphone test again. this time the old headphones still sound acceptable, but the new ones really start to shine. messing with the equalizer and presets you can hear a huge difference in sound. (to be honest, I never really messed around much with the realtek equalizer) is the whole package worth 200$+? hmm, can't say, I was hoping not to spend that much, but I am satisfied, thats for sure.
what I would recommend for people who are unsure about buying a sound card is maybe to play with the realtek equalizer some, or a free program similar to Audio Sandbox, first.
Cons: somethings I don't like about the setup. there is no in line volume switch on the headphones. good thing my keyboard also has audio controls on the right next to the mouse. you also need to keep the sound options open to get the most out of the card. since I switch media alot, u have to constanly change settings to what you are watching at the time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hobbes
The Xonar DX is a PCIE x1card, so if you don't have that port forget it.
|
Don't forget, any decent PC is going to have a graphics card there also.
something you might also want to consider, is the striker is 2 years old now? not sure if a new model is in the works, but I'm sure something new will come out at the end of the year/next year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hobbes
I've never seen a prologic rig with only two speaker outs
|
my fault, I meant it only has RCA/composite inputs, the standard red and white L/R. it does have 5 speakers coming out of the reciever/amplifier. the reason is because it's an old shelf system, not an actual stereo receiver. at least I think so, i'll have to dig it out of the closet. (I'm banned from playing loud music in the house, i.e. need for headphones
)
so now If i want to hook up my nintendo wii to the sound card, I use the stereo output and then get a 3.5mm converter into the sound card? I don't think they make a digital out for the wii.