sound card for Vista 64 and/or Windows 7?

[Admin]

Hello,

I'm trying to find a compatible sound card for Vista 64 or Windows 7 (preferably 64-bit). I don't have either, ironically, but I want to have one of them (probalby Windows 7) when I build my new system.

I inquired into whether I can upgrade XP to Windows 7 and it sounds like I just need the license code (which is legitimate, btw) and then I use that in a Windows 7 clean install. Right?

I am asking that because I am guessing that drivers might be an issue for Windows 7 for a while early on but if there are drivers for Vista, does that make it certain or at least, more likely drivers will be provided for 7?

I am looking for alternatives to the Creative X-Fi series since I already know drivers exist for those sound cards. But, many are expensive and the drivers don't have a good rep.

I am interested in a good sound card, not an expensive audiophile's card since I'm on a budget. The card would be used for music, games and movies/videos. So, I want something better than onboard sound but on a budget (say, <$100).

I was disappointed to learn that the support in Vista isn't very good for Creative Audigy 2ZS sound cards. I have one in my current computer (use Windows XP and Linux) and it works fine. It may not be the best card out there but I got it used for a decent price. The sound card is way better than onboard sound, imho. I checked the Audigy 2ZS webpage (from Creative) and there were restrictions when using Vista. I wouldn't be able to use DVD-Audio? Why? That is huge?

Anyway, I hope to obtain some advice and recommendations.

I want to be well versed and proficient with Windows operating systems (looking at business ventures options). ;-)

Thanks in advance for any replies and help!

[Alan2273]

Try one of these, I am using one with W7 64 bit and it is really good, and no driver problems.

Asus Xonar DX 7.1 PCI Sound Card.

[-pops-]

One of the virtues of W7 is that there is claimed to be backwards compatibility with a large proportion of the hardware (and software) designed for XP and Vista - supposedly there will be little or none of the re-equipping all of your peripherals as has been so common in the past following the introduction of a new Windows version.

To back that up, all the XP designed things we've attached to the W7 RC test machine have functioned correctly.

[CurlyWhirly]

I was disappointed to learn that the support in Vista isn't very good for Creative Audigy 2ZS sound cards. I have one in my current computer (use Windows XP and Linux) and it works fine.

I used to use a Creative Audigy 2 ZS sound card when I tried out the Vista BETA version a few years ago and there was no problems.

Now I'm running the 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium with a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer and I've not had any problems with this either.

[Admin]

I was disappointed to learn that the support in Vista isn't very good for Creative Audigy 2ZS sound cards. I have one in my current computer (use Windows XP and Linux) and it works fine.

I used to use a Creative Audigy 2 ZS sound card when I tried out the Vista BETA version a few years ago and there was no problems.

Now I'm running the 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium with a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer and I've not had any problems with this either.

Okay.... but, what about this????:

Known issues:

* Applications from the original Sound Blaster Audigy CD will not work with this download.

* Users are advised to use Audio Console included in this download to change speaker configurations.

* This driver does not support the following:

o Decoding of Dolby® Digital and DTS™ signals

o DVD-Audio

o DirectSound®-based EAX games

o Gameports

o 6.1 speaker mode.

* SPDIF passthrough is supported on Vista 32-bit only.

Found here: at the Creative Worldwide Support web page

Creative Support

[Admin]

I found the HT Omega Striker online but shipping would be a bit more than usual. I also located the Auzentech Explosion Cinema sound card at a local store (or I can buy online) and shipping would be half that of the HT sound card.

The price of both cards is basically the same, about one hundred bucks. Is either worth it? Is that a good price?

I was wondering how the drivers are (in XP, Vista and 7).

I can buy an Audigy 2ZS used for under $50 so I am wondering if I should get another Audigy but the limitations as discovered above makes me hesitate. However, the price is right so maybe I'm not giving up much?

I use the sound card to improve sound over onboard and I watch movies/video on the computer. Games and better sound would be a bonus but games aren't the priority by any means.

Anyway, what do you think? ;-)

[-pops-]

It may be wise to wait until the definitive version of W7 is available in October before spending any money.

Yes, there is an RTM version but this does not mean that it is the same as the final product that will be available.