~pcwiz Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Hi, I have built in ALC889a audio on my Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P Rev 2.0 motherboard. Here are the specifications I pulled from the Gigabyte website: High-performance DAC (Digital-Analog Converter) with 106 dB Signal-to-Noise ratio playback quality, designed especially for Windows Vista Premium PCs. The ALC889A enables high quality Full Rate Lossless Audio for content protected media and support for both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats for an exhilarating home theater entertainment experience. The ALC889A provides support for 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo output (multiple streaming) through the front panel stereo outputs. I just want to know if installing this Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 24 bit 7.1 Channel card will improve the audio output. I have all the features like SPDIF and stuff that this card has built in to the motherboard but just wondering whether the audio quality will be better. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/83296-built-in-alc889a-vs-soundblaster-x-fi-xtreme-audio/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZdProjects Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 The sound card is a great I hear. I know it takes the load off the cpu and gives great quality. Thats what it says in the computer magazines i read. (Maximum PC and CPU Magazine). I don't think that the card is supported in Mac. Thats what i remember from the HCL. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/83296-built-in-alc889a-vs-soundblaster-x-fi-xtreme-audio/#findComment-592771 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azurael Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 The Extreme Audio isn't really an X-Fi card. It's just a rebadge of an old Audigy LE. You want either an X-Fi Xtreme Music (no longer produced) or Xtreme Gamer as the entry-level cards with the 'real' X-Fi chip and all the wizardry that entails. You can't get a decent sound card in PCIe format yet. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/83296-built-in-alc889a-vs-soundblaster-x-fi-xtreme-audio/#findComment-592977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
~pcwiz Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Well that kinda stinks. But about the PCIe thing, the same card comes in a PCI model too The cheapest card next to the Xtreme Audio is the Xtreme Gamer which is about $100. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/83296-built-in-alc889a-vs-soundblaster-x-fi-xtreme-audio/#findComment-593032 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azurael Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Try and find an Xtreme Music on eBay. I only paid the equivalent of about $40 for mine, although that was before they went out of production... If you want even better audio quality and have a steady hand, I can recommend an Op-Amp upgrade http://www.ocworkbench.com/2007/articles/C...X-Fi-mod/g1.htm Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/83296-built-in-alc889a-vs-soundblaster-x-fi-xtreme-audio/#findComment-593715 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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