[scoobydoo]

OK, I built a budget HTPC for the master bedroom and I have 99% of the parts and now all I need is a sound card.


Here is the system:


Black Desktop case w/300watt PS $75

Epox 8K7A+ w/RAID $59

1GHz T-Bird $70

Thermalright AX-7 HSF w/quiet 2K RPM fan $30

Seagate 80GB HD $95

ATI AIW 128 $45

256MB Micron DDR $40

8X Region Free DVDROM $20


As you can see from the prices I have paid I don't want to add a $200 sound card since it will be a waste for this rig.


I want a card with either a coax or Toslink digital output and I want the card to be cheap in price, but not sound quality.


This computer will be used for Video Capture, MP3's, MAME and DVD movies. I am planning on using Power DVD XP, Winamp and ZoomPlayer for various media.


I am considering the Zoltrix Nightengale Pro 6 and have a few questions!


Is it a good card for about $50? Are there better options in this price range that offer digital outputs?


Will it be compatable with the other components I have and the software I will use?


The Epox mobo has an AMD 761 Northbridge and a Via VT82C686B Southbridge. Any compatibility issues with the VIA chipset and the Zoltrix card?


Thanks for any help

 

[scoobydoo]

Anyone?


I know the thread title is a bit off, sorry about that, all I want to know is:


1. Is this a decent card for the money? Your experiences?


2. Will it have any compatibility issues with the hardware and software I plan to use?


3. Is there a better card for around the $50 range that offers digital outputs?


I just want a cheap reliable card for a secondary HT!


Thanks

 

[Namlemez]

Many people here are quite happy with that card. I was going to suggest it myself until I saw you had already settled on it...

 

[scoobydoo]

Thanks


I was hoping more people had this card so I could get some opinions and make sure I am not going to have compatibility issues.


I guess I will give it a shot unless someone tells me how crappy the card is

 

[Huey]

If you don't mind using Win98 (not WinXP or Win2K compatible), the Aureal Vortex SQ1500 is dirt cheap at $10 or less with SPDIF (coaxial) output.

 

[Gary Lightfoot]

I can second Hueys' reccomendation for the SQ1500, and confirm that it works fine with Win ME as well.


Gary.

 

[scoobydoo]

That sounds like a good option! I can use Win 98SE instead if needed. Does it not work well with XP?


I may give it a try first since it is only $10!


Any idea where I can find one in stock?


Thanks

 

[bergie33]

I have the Zoltrix and love it. Great for the price.

 

[artur]

Also Fortissimo II $50 and optical SPDIF in and out,

Artur

 

[scoobydoo]

Thanks for the help


I ordered the SQ1500 for $8 yesterday!


I figured for $8 if it doesn't work good, I could sell it cheap and get a Zoltrix instead.