I need a new soundcard (5.1 or higher) with a digital out/ in and speakers that has the same digital interface. However i cannot spend more than $450. My SBlive 24bit sucks and so do my speakers. Any suggestions?

you have LOTS of choices if your limit is $450!

Any suggestions?

Chaintech AV-710 for bit perfect digital out.

Do you have any specifics on what's the most important for your system? Game usage, music, movies?

I guess its would be music then movies then games.

i am very happy with
m-audio revolution 5.1 soundcard , 80 $
and M-Audio LX-4 2.1 System , 280 $

This depends on what you plan to use it for. If you are really going to do almost all music listening, the EMU 0404 (~$100) is the best sounding soundcard for the money on your budget. On the other hand, it's stereo only (unless you do digital out) so you couldn't watch movies/play games with surround sound. As far as speakers go, for the remaining $350, I would actually recommend (again, assuming you are mostly music listening) that you get a good pair of bookshelf speakers rather than a set of computer speakers. They will stand you in better stead in the long run as you can upgrade other aspects of your system (e.g. get a sub) and the speakers will be much better than anything that comes in a 5.1 or 2.1 computer set.

M-Audio Revolution 5.1 or Chaintech AV-710 I would go with either one.



One of the main problem with 5.1 setup's that I have with most folks is they never set up the speakers correctly. They stick them behind a plant or they fail to place them in the right environments were you can truely immerse yourself in the mix. Only twice have I enjoyed 5.1 mix in the correct room environment and only twice saw them setup correctly.