Sound card for gaming (

Hi I searching for a decent performing sound card for gaming/movies, and also doesn't shirk on the music side. Wondering what kind of sound card should I get, my budget is 100usd or less

HT OMEGA Striker. Around 70-80 bucks.

For the latter, something like CMSS-3D Headphone (X-Fi) or Dolby Headphone (everything else) is invaluable for gaming.NamelessPlayer

Why do you say so? I find both of those to be appaling in regards to sound quality and they don't do anything to help the surround effect, which stereo does naturally with headphones. I only use Dolby Headphone with my home theater receiver but only to mix the channels into a stereo sound. I don't have the surround effect enabled.

I have an X-Fi Forte btw.

thanks for the replies will be looking closely at the secondhand market these few days. Another question I would like to ask is that I currently have a Cambridge DacMagic to serve as a dedicated dac, but I'm strongly considering selling it and buy a used soundcard to replace it. I'm able to sell the DacMagic for a pretty decent price, more than what I had got it for used, which is why I'm tempted to do. However would a good soundcard, say the more expensive Auzentech or Creative soundcards do a good job in terms of music?

If you want the best card for music, then the ASUS Xonar Essence ST would be the best there is. Its about 200 bucks though.

Auzentech X-Fi Forte or X-Meredian 2G are the 2 top-tier cards from Auzen. Difference is the X-Meredian 2G has the better audio chips and opamp, but lacks X-Fi. Its not a big deal honestly. X-Fi is kind a waste, but its cheaper.

I don't recommend Creative because of their *****y drivers and customer support.

[QUOTE="NamelessPlayer"] For the latter, something like CMSS-3D Headphone (X-Fi) or Dolby Headphone (everything else) is invaluable for gaming.ChubbyGuy40

Why do you say so? I find both of those to be appaling in regards to sound quality and they don't do anything to help the surround effect, which stereo does naturally with headphones. I only use Dolby Headphone with my home theater receiver but only to mix the channels into a stereo sound. I don't have the surround effect enabled.

I have an X-Fi Forte btw.