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Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 (Source: Auzentech)
The first third-party X-Fi based sound card will have Dolby Digital Live and DTS:Interactive

Auzentech has posted detailed specifications of the upcoming X-Fi Prelude 7.1 sound card. The Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 is the first third party sound card based on the Creative Labs X-Fi sound processor.

Auzentech pairs the Creative Labs X-Fi CA20K audio processor with AKM digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital convertors. Auzentech employs four AKM AK4396VF DACs on X-Fi Prelude 7.1. The DACs boast 24-bit resolutions and 192 KHz sampling rates with a 120dB stereo signal-to-noise ratio. An AKM AK5394AVS ADC takes care of audio input duties. The ADC features 24-bit resolution and 192 KHz sampling rates.

The X-Fi Prelude 7.1 features a single user-replaceable front-channel OPAMP. Auzentech installs a National LM4562NA OPAMP with a rated 0.00003% total harmonic distortion levels on the X-Fi Prelude 7.1. The other six channels feature TI OPA2134 SoundPlus OPAMPs. The TI OPAMPs are not replaceable.

The new X-Fi Prelude 7.1 takes advantage of all X-Fi sound processor features including EAX Advanced HD 5.0, CMSS-3D, X-Fi Crystalizer and SoundFonts. Auzentech also installs 64MB of X-RAM on the X-Fi Prelude 7.1.

Eventually the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 will feature multi-channel audio encoding technologies. Auzentech plans to add Dolby Digital Live support in Q4’2007 for Windows Vista and XP. DTS Interactive and DTS NEO:PC support is planned for Q1’2008 for Windows Vista and XP operating systems.

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RE: whats the point
By Clienthes on 6/13/2007 2:35:36 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
if you have crappy analogue speakers system...

Sound is analogue.
All speakers are analogue.
All digit sources are converted to analogue.

The only choice is where the conversion takes place. If you have a really high end pre-pro, you might only want digital output from your card. If that's what you want, then yeah, the absence of DDL/DTS hurts this card.

If you are going to use the card to do the conversion and sent the analogue signal to your amp, then this card is the right choice. This card most likely has better DAC than most pre-pros out there, so why add another link in your audio chain?

Anyway, the point of cards like this is that they are better at processing the digital information and converting it to analogue than lesser cards and most "audiophile" stand-alone components. Hook this to a dedicated amp via the analogue outs and you'll be very pleased.


RE: whats the point
By omnicronx on 6/13/2007 2:54:53 PM , Rating: 1
yawn.. yes all speakers are analogue.. all digi sources are converted to analogue.. and yes the whole point is to make less 'links' in the chain..

First off.. a digital connection is the best way to have the least amount of 'links'.. digital link to receiver -> receiver decodes to analogue and your done..

second as you said.. it all comes down to when/where the signal is converted .. almost ANY surround receiver will have better DACS then just about any sound card aside from studio quality cards.. which are not what we are talking about here.. so if anyones intention was to find the best way to process digital information, it would not be via sound card but digital connection..

I am not trying to argue with anyone.. i just think this is a stupid card for auzentech after release 3 of in my opinion.. best sound cards on the market.. then after all their success, stoop to the same lows as creative has.

id also like to point out.. when inputting analogue multichannel through your receiver.. you can not use the equalizer or anything for that matter to process your sound..


RE: whats the point
By Duraz0rz on 6/13/2007 4:18:56 PM , Rating: 2
I think the point of this card is to reach out to a wider market. I wasn't interested in any cards other than Creative's offerings because the rest simply don't play games as well nor has the gaming features.

Now with this card, gamers can get the best audio quality without having to sacrifice EAX 5.0 and FPS.

I'm buying one. Just hopefully the drivers are much better than Creative's.

And I know I don't have the best setup for audio quality (Klipsch Promedia Ultra 2.1s and Sennheiser eh-150 headphones bleh), but for analogue audio, this card would seem to be the best out of the box.


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