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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: Ummm...
By MGSsancho on 6/14/2007 4:11:02 AM , Rating: 2
I agree with you totally. since my comp is in a different room, i ran an optical cable under my house. but im pretty sure this sound card has matter DACs then my Onkyo 804 receiver. I paid more than double $400 for mt A/V receiver. im lucky i have analog inputs into the back. but in my limitations, i have to use digital >.< however if i ever decided to make HTPC in my tv room, I am going analogue all the way.

Again I agree with you, analog all the way. but i am glad they are putting in great parts in there. so matter what you use, it will be good sound coming out. I wish there can be a new optical spec. hmmm maybe use real fiber and nit fishing string. oh well I can dream


RE: Ummm...
By DragonMaster0 on 6/14/2007 10:48:39 AM , Rating: 2
When you go with $1000 receivers I don't know if there's much difference, but you do skip the compression, which is the nice part of it. Yes, at very long distances, analog doesn't work(well), but we have to think that a coaxial connection wouldn't do much better. (There, fiber is a pretty good solution)

There are different optical specs, but they are quite uncommon. ADAT Lightpipe can carry 24/48kHz 8-channel audio, and MADI can do 32 24/96 channels over fiber or coax cable.

HDMI is supposed to get uncomporessed multichannel sound one day AFAIK, but it would probably not work for you because of the distance... Isn't there a future standard comparable to HDMI which is going with optical lines?

You might be able to get what you need in a few years, but you will need component upgrades, unless someone comes with an affordable standalone multichannel DAC that could use the multichannel inputs.

Talking about standalone DACs, using an Auzentech card with the X-Tension DIN card would work for you, but your setup would be quite complex:
-The Auzentech cards compatible with the X-Tension DIN have four stereo 24/96 SPDIF channels, making 7.1 on four signals. If you get or build 4x TTL to Optical adapters, use four optical cables and get four stereo DACs connected on your receiver's multichannel analog IN, you could get uncompressed 24/96, but at some price...


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