Is this sound card at all worth the money?

[SpaceDrake]

http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=...t=521&scat=523

'Cause right now it's all I can possibly afford (as Turtle Beach Santa Cruzes aren't exactly springing out of rocks in this area. I might be able to find one, but it's not a sure thing. At all.)

Here's the deal: today I picked up a set of Creative Labs Inspire 5200 speakers (5.1 surround) for $70. They work great. Only problem is my pissing onboard sound is only designed for 2.1 at the most. So I need a card that can do 5.1. Any reccomendations, and is the above card any good at all?

[Sentrosi]

Well, checking pricewatch.com, I see that you can get the Santa Cruz card for $58 (Adamant Computers) including shipping. Not sure if $4.00 is the difference you're looking for (if you buy it at best buy, you'll pay sales tax, thus the $4 difference).

[Trebor95]

hi there, the Sonic Fury/Santa Cruz are obsolete now, they have been replaced with a better card.

The VideoLogic Sonic Xplosion is the new replacement of the Santa Cruz and is amazing, from reviews it is better than it's former card

$75 from Buy PCDirect.com (Click Here)

or even better and almost sound industry quality, a card called M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is probably the best cheapish card out there, it will wipe the floor with the Creative Audigy etc. and performs even better than the xplosion.

Revolution 7.1 is the ultimate audio upgrade for your PCI-based computer. Play DVDs and all your music in surround sound, make games more realistic, and record or mix your own music. 7.1 surround sound output and high-definition 24-bit/192kHz fidelity insure that you�ll experience it all the way that it was meant to sound. Designed by M-Audio � one of the biggest names in the pro music industry � Revolution 7.1 packs all this advanced technology into a small PCI card that�s a breeze to install and use.

- PCI solution for high-quality surround sound up to 7.1
- Supports DTS output and Dolby Digital 5.1/EX (6.1 DVD) decoding
- High-resolution audio output up to 24-bit/192kHz
- True professional 24-bit/96kHz recording
- Incredible 107dB signal-to-noise ration
- Real-time stereo-to-surround conversion
- SRS CircleSurround II technology delivers virtual surround for stereo sources
- Simple control panel for Bass Management and other features
- Supports all popular media players including Windows Media 9
- Includes comprehensive software bundle

[SpaceDrake]

Mmm. Here's the dealio: I've only got $90 left in the bank for the month. I need a card that won't act like crap, but that I can still buy and have some cash left in the account for other things. A $75 card I could TECHNICALLY do, but it's more money than I'm looking to spend.

Also, could I get some links to reviews for those cards you mentioned, Trebor?

[Sentrosi]

I've always been of the opinion that the next best thing isn't what you really need sometimes. Need verses Wants. You need a sound card that can handle 5.1, but you want a sound card that kicks ass.

Who really needs 7.1 Surround sound? EXTREME OVERKILL (IMO). Unless you're using your PC as a home theater as well, 7.1 surround sound is not needed. Even with my Santa Cruz card, I don't use 5.1 Surround sound, only 2.1 and it suits me fine for what I use it for, mainly gaming. The Santa Cruz will do you fine, as well as having at least $30 in your account.

[BurningSpear]

spacedrake doesn't have a7n8x? i thought he did. if he did, he'd have 5.1 onboard, which, I hear, is actually a kickass 5.1.