Auzen X-Fi Prelude Comment thread

[Robscix]

This is the comment thread for the Auzen X-fi Prelude review.

[arbb5]

Great review, looking forward to the follow up.
Right now what are the main advantages of having this card (other then DDL/DTS) over the Creative offering? Or a price vs performance standpoint?

[Robscix]

Well Auzens cards are a bit more money then Creative Labs and other cards. I also own the Auzen X-Meridian 7.1 and don't regret buying that card at all and it was a similar price. The old saying is true "you get what you pay for" The Prelude is using all quality parts and is a quality built board. Everyone I have talked to that owns a Prelude does NOT regret buying it and quite a few upgraded from existing Creative models. The DDL and DTS outputs are great features but there will also be HDMI 1.3 for users down the road. This means your card will be capable of outputting these standards:
1. Dolby Digital-HD
2. Dolby TrueHD
3. DTS-HD
4. DTS-MasterHD.

New high resolution Digital standards.
You need to look over the cards you interested in and decide from there.
Hope that helps.

[jdrom17]

At this point in time, isn't it just an expensive X-Fi? Until they have DDL, DTS etc, I don't really see the difference.

My XtremeMusic (discontinued) does everything I need basically. It doesn't have the 64MB RAM though, only 8MB I think or whatever size the chip is. Although I think I'd rather DTS/DDL over CMSS-3D, but for $200 I don't think it's really worth it.

Also Auzentech didn't seem to include THX if that does/mean anything. Allows me to setup my speaker positioning, but I have no idea what effect it really does.

Anyways great review

[Robscix]

I prefer sound quality over everything else. That is why I just moved from a X-Meridian. There is a very noticeable difference between the sound of a Prelude 7.1 and a X-Music. I have talked with quite a few people who have upgraded from Creative cards and they are very happy. It is up to you of course if the card offers what you want.

[aboutblank]

I found the meridian on sale, it's only a $20 difference between the Prelude and that; not to mention production of Meridian has ceased as well. So is Prelude the better investment and sound experience? I'm 90% music/media on my PC.

[sswilson]

Great review!!!

You've got me thinking that maybe my audigy2 used for coax digital output to a reciever needs an upgrade... :)

I noticed that you listed the digital output as 24/96 in 7.1 and 24/192 in stereo.....

Since I only power stereo speakers when I'm listening to music, would I see a benefit from the 192 this card outputs compared to the 96 I'm able to get from the audigy 2?

[Robscix]

You would notice the better sound quality from the card for sure in analog mode. When running digital, the card has little to do with the overall sound. The device your connecting it to does. If your just changing your cards and keeping the same digital speaker system then your sound will be exactly the same.

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by Robscix

You would notice the better sound quality from the card for sure in analog mode. When running digital, the card has little to do with the overall sound. The device your connecting it to does. If your just changing your cards and keeping the same digital speaker system then your sound will be exactly the same.

Ok, thanks I'll stick with what I've got then since I'm happy with my digital signal..... :)

[Gav]

I have a weird question.

Can this card do analogue and digital at the same time?

I have a setup at home were I want to run analogue to my computer speakers in my office, and then digital coax to my receiver in the living room.

I've heard the X-Meridian can do it but I was never able to confirm.