Getting the right PCI card

the_raven · 09-21-2007, 09:23 AM

Can anyone out there recommend a suitable PCI soundcard for me?

Currently I'm using a Creative SB Live! 24 on XP Pro, running on a P4 3.6Ghz processor with 3Gb RAM. I use the card for music playback (CDs and MP3s) and radio streaming, and currently play it back through an external Rotel amplifier and some Mordaunt Short speakers. It's good but not great, and I'd like to upgrade.

I can also boot to Vista Business but am finding (like many people, I gather) that the sound starts well but soon deteriorates in pops, crackles and stutters. However I want to be able at some point to migrate to Vista when it settles down.

Stores have variously recommended the Creative X-Fi (but which one?) and the E-Mu 0404 cards. What do you think? What would you recommend?

Any help will be very gratefully received.

09-21-2007, 09:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
the_raven Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1 OS: XP Pro	Getting the right PCI card Can anyone out there recommend a suitable PCI soundcard for me? Currently I'm using a Creative SB Live! 24 on XP Pro, running on a P4 3.6Ghz processor with 3Gb RAM. I use the card for music playback (CDs and MP3s) and radio streaming, and currently play it back through an external Rotel amplifier and some Mordaunt Short speakers. It's good but not great, and I'd like to upgrade. I can also boot to Vista Business but am finding (like many people, I gather) that the sound starts well but soon deteriorates in pops, crackles and stutters. However I want to be able at some point to migrate to Vista when it settles down. Stores have variously recommended the Creative X-Fi (but which one?) and the E-Mu 0404 cards. What do you think? What would you recommend? Any help will be very gratefully received.