Looking for a soundcard

Audio Hardware & Software Sound Cards & DACs & Other Hardware
1

My companion of many years, my workarround of very shitty onboard audio, has left me. RIP little Soundblaster Z, you will be missed.

As documented here, my soundcard was the cause of my problems.

Thing is, I needed what I/O it had.

Requirements for new soundcard:

  • Win10 support (actuall problem it seems)
  • intern (= PCIe)
  • Optical input
  • At least 1 stereo out

So far, I found the ESI Maya44 eX to tick those boxes.

Edit: The HT Omega Fenix could also work.

More suggestions appreciated.

2

This is one of the few with optical in.
Sound Blaster Z

3

Why not an external DAC instead of a soundcard? Guys from Schiit bring decent US made external DACs which should give you a more superior audio experience?

4

That is the soundcard that died on me. Given it lasted more than 5 years, but the driver is not the greatest.

Schiit makes some good HiFi gear indeed, and if I was looking for that, I would seriously consider them. For my application, they do not have the right product.

5

I ordered the ESi Maya44 eX.
Case closed.

1 Like
6

I have had a ESI Maya 44 pci for over a decade
Dual Wolfson DACS sound really good even on analog
Windows driver has a good control mixer to tie all the audio streams together

if not that card only others i know of are from RME
but cost a lot more
and do not see point of extra expense for using optical connection

1 Like
7

RME is wet dream territory. Just too expensive for home gamer setups.

8

agree
even if i could afford it (lol) would be looking for better mic and speakers first

1 Like