Surround Sound and Sound Cards

[MrWally]

So I'm slowly looking to set up a surround sound system through my computer in my room. I've already chosen the speakers I think I'll buy:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121118

 

But I'm now looking for a nice sound card. I don't need anything super expensive, but I've never really dealt with anything like this in the past. I've been told I don't need to bother with anything expensive if all I want is nice, crisp 3D Audio, but do any of you have suggestions and/or advice?

 

=]

[RoxStar]

I'd go with a nice Creative Soundblaster card

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102010

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102182

 

I have those speakers, they are really nice

[MrWally]

From what I've learned I think I should go with the 24bit, but the 24bit sound card you linked to doesn't fit in standard ATX cases, so I'd have to hack off a little bit off the end

 

But it could work.

[RoxStar]

You don't have to hack it off, it's not tall enough for standard ATX cases, you would actually just need to either take off the silver part or to just snip around the top portion that would normally screw into the case.

[MrWally]

Well yeah, that's what I meant.

 

Hack of a little sliver.

 

It wouldn't be that difficult at all though.

 

But is that the card I should get? Any other suggestions?

[Nerd_Annhilator]

If the systems going to be only for music I'd suggest just stereo. Just make sure the sound card matches the quality of the speakers or you're going to end up with distorted or murky sound.

[MrWally]

It wouldn't be just for music, I'd watch dvds and play games there as well.

 

My brother did the same when he was my age (he's 9 years older than me) but he composed music and had an amazing set up going, costing probably a couple hundred dollars, but I didn't think I'd have to go to that extent just for movies, music, and games.

[BongoBob]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102002

 

I'd go for that one personally

[MrWally]

I've still been looking around, and I was about to order one of the two previously mentioned, but I saw this:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829120103

 

It's a bit cheaper, but has better reviews. Again, however, I don't know much about sound cards. It's not a creative labs card, but what do you guys think?

[BongoBob]

I say go for it, it looks pretty solid.

 

*bookmarks for later*

[MrWally]

Hmm I was looking further into it and the Chaintech card doesn't support 3d audio or EAX, nor does it have an EQ included with the drivers, which is kind of a hassle.

 

I think I'll still go the first one Bongo posted.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102002

[BongoBob]

Ah, didn't realize that. Yeah, the one I posted looks pretty solid, at least price-features wise.

 

Let us know how it is, because I might get it soon, should compliment my HD-595's quite nicely.

[MrWally]

Just ordered it ^_^

 

Thanks for the help.

[MTV2]

you should've gotten some M-Audio Speakers and a X-Fi sound card.

[MrWally]

Well thank you for responding so quickly

 

 

But really, I saw the X-fi cards but I didn't have 100+ dollars to shell out just on the sound card, and I ended up buying the Logitech X-540 speakers, which I love.

 

And in all truth, for someone that's used onboard sound basically all their life, I am utterly amazed and can't imagine it getting any better than this. I personally think my set up is better than the surround sound we have connected to out TV in the living room.

 

So for those who gave their input and help, thanks!