Sound Cards and Speakers

Review: ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2014-04-24 15:55:04 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Joe Kershner @ PureOC

There’s a new audio product on the market from someone you just might be familiar with. ROCCAT has released the Kave XTD 5.1 headset. The XTD 5.1 model features 40mm rear and front drivers, thick padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband. The 40mm drivers are complimented by a detachable flexible microphone and the headset is compatible with PCs.

ROCCAT didn’t stop there though; they went beyond gamers expectations by integrating the ability of pairing your headset with your mobile device via Bluetooth Technology as well as the ability to transfer sound to a normal speaker system for media meant to be heard by everybody. Continue reading to find out if this headset is packed with all the features gamers have been waiting for.

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Review: Corsair Raptor HS30 and HS40 Gaming Headsets

Posted by Donster on: 2014-01-04 13:20:42 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By David Yee @ Legit Reviews

We look at the first ever Corsair Raptor headsets to be released, a pair called the HS30 and HS40 which join the rest of the 2013 Vengeance headsets for a refreshed lineup of Corsair gaming headsets. The HS30 and HS40 enter the market priced as mainstream offerings and can be found respectively for $49.99 and $59.99 with free shipping on Amazon. In a way not unlike the relationship between the Vengeance 1400 and Vengeance 1500, the Raptor HS30 and Raptor HS40 are virtually identical headsets differing by the interface they use to connect to computers. The HS30 uses dual 3.5 mm analog plugs whereas the HS40 connects using USB. These headsets both come with 2-year warranties like other Corsair audio products. The rest of the product specifications for the new Corsair Raptor headsets are the same. Despite the HS40 being labeled as a surround sound headset, the headphone component is stereo.

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Review: Razer Blackshark Headset Battlefield 3 Edition

Posted by Donster on: 2012-07-04 16:23:50 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Stuart Davidson @ Hardware Heaven

Over the past while Razer have been branching out into gaming branded peripherals. For the most part they have been of a high standard, even down to the packaging which on the Star Wars branded items was perfect for the brand involved. Back in November we looked at the Battlefield 3 gear which featured branded versions of the Onza, Blackwidow, Scarab and Imperator. One thing which was missing from the set though was a headset.

Rather than go with a rebranded version of an existing headset for their Battlefield 3 set Razer decided to design a new model and that is the Blackshark. Today we have the Blackshark on our test bench to see how it performs.

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Review: Cooler Master CM Storm Sirus 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2011-07-19 16:21:03 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: SKYMTL @ Hardware Canucks

At this year’s CeBIT the Cooler Master booth had many surprises in store for the competition, one of which was the latest edition to the “Storm” line: a 5.1 headset dubbed the Sirus. The Storm line is geared towards the professional gaming market and has been defined by its bold, innovative and above all else great designs. This mantra carries over into this new Sirus since it isn’t your typical “5.1” headset that creates a virtual 5.1 audio space using stereo speakers and some audio trickery. Rather, it has multiple speakers in each ear cup which are positioned to create a true directional experience. The Sirius also bucks the trend set by its competitors by including both Analog and Digital connectivity options as standard while its USB DAC has some pretty nifty advanced features built right into it.

Does the Storm Sirus have what it takes to be one of the few exceptions in the 5.1 headset market? With an MSPR of $129.99 this is certainly not an inexpensive gaming peripheral so it really needs to hit the mark in order to overcome some of the more entrenched competition.

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Review: Roccat Kulo Stereo Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2011-03-25 15:57:49 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Stuart Davidson @ HardwareHeaven

Today we have their recently announced Kulo gaming headset connected to our test system. Can this product with a compact, lightweight on-ear design continue the trend of high quality devices from Roccat? Let's find out.

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Review: soundscience rockus 3D 2.1 Speakers

Posted by Donster on: 2011-02-11 15:08:43 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Earl Keim @ HardOCP

Antec diversifies into audio with a new brand named "soundscience designed by Antec." Its first and currently only product is the rockus™ 3D | 2.1 speaker system. While the guys at soundscience aren't much on capitalization, let's see if they took the time to build a solid set of speakers for your PC.

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Review: Corsair SP2500 2.1 Speaker System

Posted by Donster on: 2011-01-07 14:12:35 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Stuart Davidson @ HardwareHeaven

Since the release of the HS1 we have seen Corsair return to their roots with the release of a new DDR3 brand, Vengeance, while working away in the background on a selection of audio products. The first of those new audio products launches today in the form of the SP2500, a 2.1 desktop speaker system. Read on to find out if Corsair has managed to translate their success in the headset market to a desktop speaker set.

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Review: Corsair HS1 and Sharkoon Xtatic SP Headsets

Posted by Donster on: 2010-12-22 14:11:10 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By: Brann Mitchell @ GURU3D

Almost a necessity these days, a good headset can mean the difference between a win and a lose. Today we test a pair of headsets from Corsair and Sharkoon, the HS1 and the Xtatic SP. The Sharkoon are aimed at console players, nicely plush and padded, they kick out some serious bass. The HS1, however, are the best headset we've tested, plush and comfortable, they did everything a headset is supposed to do, and they did it very well.

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Review: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD Sound Card

Posted by Donster on: 2010-12-22 14:02:35 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Stuart Davidson @ HardwareHeaven

Today on our test bench we have the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD, the latest high end sound card from Creative which sets out to be the best audio card available for consumers. Aimed at audiophiles and featuring top of the range components with specifications such as the best signal to noise ratio Creative has ever achieved we will find out if this is the must have sound card of the moment.

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Review: Mad Catz CoD: Black Ops 5.1 ProGaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2010-12-09 14:24:13 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Written by Joey Peng @ Benchmark Reviews

Mad Catz, famous for their console peripherals, has been making the spotlight in the PC gaming market with their innovative designs. Mad Catz's recent acquisition of audio manufacturer Tritton shows their intentions to establish a firm foothold in the PC peripheral business. This time they bring us the Mad Catz Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Digital 5.1 Gaming Headset. Benchmark Reviews will test how well this headset delivers surround sound, and decide whether it's worth the $149.99 price tag.

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Review: Sound Blaster X-FI Titanium HD Sound Card

Posted by Donster on: 2010-10-26 16:21:35 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Earl Keim @ HardOCP

Creative and Sound Blaster have been synonymous with high end sound products for years, but have recently fell on rough times. Today the company is back with its high end product offering for the audio enthusiast. Creative even states right on the box that it is "the audiophile's choice." Let's see that statement backed up.

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Review: Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2010-10-12 16:02:45 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Stuart Davidson @ HardwareHeaven

There is one significant headset which we haven't yet tested... and should have long before now. That product is Razer's Carcharias which is still their high end gaming product and today we have one plugged into our test system to see how it performs in an ever evolving marketplace.

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Review: ASUS CineVibe Rumble Feedback Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2010-10-01 16:57:35 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Brann Mitchell @ GURU3D

The ASUS CineVibe Rumble Feedback USB Gaming Headset are a mid-price headset that are actually pretty good and well worth the money. You can buy better headphones for more money, but that costs, well, more money. And these certainly have a lot of bass, so if you're into a lot of thump, the ASUS CineVibe will satisfy.

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Review: ASUS Xonar Xense and Sennheiser PC350 Xense Edition Pack

Posted by Donster on: 2010-08-31 15:20:30 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Bryan Waters @ Overclock3D

With more and more gamers using headphones as the PC has moved from the bedroom to the lounge, ASUS have paired their Xonar technology with a headset from the daddies of headphones, Sennheiser, to bring us the Xonar Xense with PC350 headset in a single package. That's what we'll be looking at today.

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Review: Astro A40 Gaming Headset and MixAmp

Posted by Donster on: 2010-08-18 16:02:49 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Earl Keim @ HardOCP

We spent three weeks with Astro's A40 Gaming Headset and MixAmp products and had a very good overall experience. We like that a gamer can buy Astro Gaming's complete A40 system and use it on the PS3, XBox 360, and PC.

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Review: ASUS Cine5 Five Channel Surround Sound Speaker

Posted by Donster on: 2010-07-22 15:44:07 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: James Vozar @ TweakTown

Not everyone has the space, time, cash, nor want for a dedicated theatre in their home. And yet, the purists claim it to be the only way to audio bliss. So, what do ASUS have to offer to this scenario? - What they have just built is the worlds most compact surround system of its kind, housed inside a single enclosure.

This is the Cine5; we break it down today on the test bench.

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Review: Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2010-05-12 16:04:53 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Earl Keim @ HardOCP

Quite possibly the coolest headset we have ever seen. This corded headset boasts some very unique technology in the 5.1 Surround Sound space and ever comes with its own amplifier. Not only does it look crazy, but the inventor makes some big claims as well as to what these will do for the computer gamer. Are these cans a "quantum leap in headphone technology" that are worth your cash?

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Review: Auzen X-Fi Bravura 7.1 Soundcard

Posted by Donster on: 2010-03-04 15:21:04 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By: Steven Wall @ GURU3D

Auzentech has released the brand new X-Fi Bravura 7.1 to be reviewed by the Guru3D audio lab. Giving us a chance to run it through our testing regimen and have a listen with our reference audio gear. Without further delay let’s get to the good stuff and see what the courier guy brought over shall we?

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Review: SteelSeries Siberia V2 Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2009-10-20 17:30:59 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Henry Butt @ DriverHeaven

Today we are going to look at the SteelSeries latest full-size gaming headset, the Siberia V2. This is essentially a refresh of the popular "Siberia" headset which has proved to be one of the best gaming headsets around for a very decent price.

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Review: Eagle Arion ET-AR504LR-BK 2.1 Soundstage Speakers

Posted by Donster on: 2009-07-23 15:12:21 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: James Vozar @ TweakTown

Eagle Tech has been a trusted supplier of OEM based external memory solutions as well as other PC based component solutions for some time now. With many years experience in OEM manufacturing Eagle Tech were able to start thinking outside the box and have expanded their product range through the use of several subsidiary companies such as 'Arion', who's name adorns the box I have just received.

Although I cannot seem to find any company ethos’ relating to audio, I'm going to go ahead and assume they know what they are doing; for arguments sake, at least until I discover otherwise.

Right then troops, let’s move out and look a little deeper.

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Review: Razer Megalodon USB Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2009-07-23 15:00:13 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Frederik S @ techPowerUp!

The newest addition to the Razer headset lineup is the USB powered Megalodon headset. Featuring an all new USB sound card developed by Razer called the Maelstrom sound engine. Depending on user preference you can run in either 2.0 or 7.1 mode.

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Review: ASUS Xonar Essence STX

Posted by Donster on: 2009-03-13 15:07:39 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Steven ROBSCIX Wall @ GURU3D

The recent addition of the HDAV 1.3 and Essence STX have targeted two new markets for the ever moving Xonar sound machine landing impressive contributions to the high end HTPC audio and high end stereo/headphone markets. This review will encompass the new Xonar Essence STX and we will examine what this card has to offer new users who are interested in this product. This new card has been highlighted as the pinnacle of the Xonar soundcards at least as far as 2.0 and headphone audio are concerned.

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Preview: ASUS Xonar Essence ST

Posted by Donster on: 2009-03-13 14:58:09 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Steven ROBSCIX Wall @ GURU3D

You read it right, ST .. not to confuse with STX.

The PC audio market has been churning out some great new high fidelity soundcards lately. A good example here is the recent release of the new "Essence STX" headphone card, which stirred up the audio community and caught the attention of people who usually look for external headphone amplifiers. Some of you may know there were rumors of ASUS expanding the Essence Line-up with possibly a PCI model.

Guru3D has the prototype the engineering sample of the Essence ST in our audio lab today, and will bring you a sneak preview on it to show you what ASUS is working on inside that chocolate factory of theirs.

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Review: Auzentech X-Fi Forte 7.1 PCI Express Sound Card

Posted by Donster on: 2009-02-26 16:05:27 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Written by Hanners @ Elite Bastards

At first glance, the X-Fi Forte only has three outputs. On the far left we have a digital out, which will accept both full and mini TOSlink cables (the latter via a provided adapter). In the middle we have the card's dedicated headphone output, provided via a normal 3.5mm jack. On the right however, we find a proprietary 15-pin connector (not a VGA connector despite its looks), which is where the "magic" starts...

Provided with the X-Fi Forte is a breakout cable which attaches to this 15-pin connector, giving you the usual wealth of analogue inputs and outputs, complete with support for up to 7.1 audio as well as microphone and line-in inputs, all via 3.5mm jacks.

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Creative Releases Version 2.18.0008 Sound Blaster X-Fi Driver

Posted by Donster on: 2008-12-18 15:41:18 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Creative updated drivers for its Sound Blaster X-Fi series sound cards to version 2.18.0008. The driver covers all X-Fi series sound cards based on the CA-20K series audio processors, that includes the X-Fi Titanium Series, Xtreme Gamer Series, Xtreme Music, Platinum and Elite Pro. The new drivers add to the capabilities of the sound card in a Windows Vista environment, notably Dolby Digital and DTS decode for certain models, a feature that was lost in the transit between Windows XP and Vista. DVD-Audio playback for models which included the MediaSource DVD-Audio Player application has been re-established as a feature in 32-bit Windows Vista. 66 MB

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Review: Sennheiser PC350 Pro Gaming Headphones

Posted by Donster on: 2008-11-24 15:34:24 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Archer @ Xtreme Computing

With the Gaming industry getting bigger and bigger every year most gamers out there want to get the very best out of there equipment to even have the slightest advantage over there emery’s and that is where Sennheiser's new headset makes its appearance. The PC 350 brings a new dimension to the gaming headset technology, a never before experience of sound and quality available in the market, so let’s see what the global leader in electro-acoustics experts have put together in this headset.

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Review: ASUS Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe Sound Card

Posted by Donster on: 2008-09-15 15:42:42 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Written by Hanners @ Elite Bastards

The newest discrete soundcard from ASUS is the Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe, still based on the AV200 HD audio processor but with added support for formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This card goes far beyond what is required for an immersive gaming experience and heads deep into audiophile territory.

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Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Series Driver 2.18.0004 for Windows Vista Released

Posted by Donster on: 2008-07-31 15:44:00 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Thanks techPowerUp!

A long time has passed since Creative last released any new Vista drivers for its X-Fi audio cards. Usually new drivers are being published every single day, and they don't concern us much, but in Creative's case a new driver release can be considered a break-through. It goes even worse, because when we talk about new Creative drivers for Windows Vista drivers we expect something new to be added, but in reward we receive only features that are supposed to work by default with this concrete product. A perfect example for my words is the brand new Windows Vista 2.18.0004 driver for Creative X-Fi cards released today. It is now here to re-establish the hardware Dolby Digital, DTS decode and DVD-Audio playback functions, that were available in Windows XP for more than two years. If you own a Creative X-Fi card just like me and you use it under Windows Vista 32/64-bit, please follow this link to download Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi series Driver 2.18.0004. 58.6 MB

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Review: TekNmotion Pulsar SX Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2008-07-15 15:07:23 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Frederik S @ techPowerUp!

TekNmotion Pulsar SX is the name of a brand new headset aimed at gamers. The Pulsar SX features a USB sound card, vibration feature, and blue lights. This headset has a lot of unique features and costs a mere $59.99 which is cheap considering the integrated USB sound card.

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Review: Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty

Posted by Donster on: 2008-06-05 14:46:03 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Joel Durham Jr. @ ExtremeTech

The Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty "professional" series sound card is not Creative's first PC Express audio part. Of course, the half-hearted effort that was the 'Xtreme Audio' has mostly been overlooked. Now Creative can hold its proud head high, thanks to the new PCI Express-based Titanium; it's everything we've come to expect from a Sound Blaster product, with very little to complain about.

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Review: Razer/THX Mako 2.1-Channel Speaker System

Posted by Donster on: 2008-05-13 16:57:56 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Rory Buszka @ Techgage

Razer is well-known for producing high-quality peripherals, but audio can be an entirely different bag. Our concerns over their new found venture can be set aside though, as the tag team effort between them and THX helped build an amazing 2.1 system that's actually worth its $400 price tag.

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Review: Computer Speaker Roundup

Posted by Donster on: 2008-04-30 15:54:56 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

5 Computer Speaker Systems To Listen To

By Tim Gideon @ ExtremeTech

Crank up the volume to 11 on your games, videos, and music. We check out five new speaker systems, including surround sound and one set that doesn't even need a sound card. Which is right for you?

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Daniel_K Reaches Out to Supporters, Creative Responds To Backlash

Posted by Donster on: 2008-04-02 15:43:07 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Jason Mick @ DailyTech

In a show of flexibility, Creative did an about face this week, posting on its forums that it did, in fact, support third-party drivers. After previously having said that the implementation of unintended IP functionality through third party drivers was tantamount to "stealing," Creative faced a massive public outcry.

Many people came to the support of the drivers' programmer, Daniel_K, whom Creative's original post lashed out at. In response, Creative has reevaluated its opinion slightly.

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Creative Says Custom Drivers Are "Stealing" - Gets Rocked by Protests

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-31 15:22:52 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Jason Mick @ DailyTech

Many Creative soundcard users are enraged by the company's latest corporate tactics. In the past, many high-end PC components have been almost synonymous with custom drivers. Whether it be NVIDIA, ATI, or Creative; graphics and sound chip makers have large fan bases who write custom mods both out of a desire for performance and out of necessity.

However while most hardware manufacturers have cast a blind eye on the driver modding community or even encouraged it, Creative has taken a hard-line stance that has many users crying foul. Creative on Friday posted a notice on its message board, threatening driver maker "Daniel_K" with legal action.

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Preview: PC Sound - Creative Labs Evolves Beyond Hardware

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-28 15:36:20 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Loyd Case @ ExtremeTech

The leading supplier of PC sound cards goes beyond audio hardware. We take an early peek at Creative's X-Fi MB, a software version of Creative's venerable X-Fi.

Read on...

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Creative: ASUS Misleading Customers on EAX Drivers

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-26 16:06:02 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Aaron Linde @ ShackNews

PC sound card maker Creative Labs said today that rival hardware manufacturer ASUS is misleading its customers by claiming that new drivers for ASUS sound cards support EAX, a set of environmental enhancements for sound in games.

Responding to an announcement by ASUS that newly released drivers for its Xonar line of sound cards support EAX, Creative communications VP Phil O'Shaughnessy said that the drivers effectively trick games into outputting EAX-capable sound.

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Review: Logitech Z Cinema Surround Sound Speaker System

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-19 16:01:12 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Justin Wombwell @ Overclockers Club

Have you been looking for a new speaker setup for your computer? Do you play a lot of computer games? How about watch DVDs on your computer or listen to music while you surf the Internet? If you answered yes to any of those questions, Logitech may have an answer for you; its new speaker system, the Z Cinema Surround Sound speaker system. This speaker system has everything that you would love, from a massive subwoofer to a remote control. Let's take a closer look at these speakers.

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Review: Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-12 15:25:56 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Paul Lilly @ HardwareLogic

Conventional wisdom says you'd be crazy to put a piranha on your head, but Razer's never been one to walk the line. Today HardwareLogic dons Razer's new Piranha Gaming Communicator, and we'll tell you if these headphones pack enough bite for the competitive gamer.

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Review: Zalman ZM-RS6F USB 5.1 Surround SoundHeadphones

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-12 14:45:48 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Article by: Jackie Mueller @ TweakNews

Despite a couple minor shortcomings, the ZM-RS6F remains a decent contender for those in the market for a set of surround sound headphones. The USB connector and sound card allow for a convenient setup especially for laptop gaming. The surround sound quality is good and after gaming with these, it will be difficult to go back to a pair of standard headphones.

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Review: Saitek Cyborg 5.1 Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-07 14:23:08 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Frank Stroupe @ ThinkComputers

I have a great appreciation for high quality cover-the-ear headphones. I've used ones that cost under $20, and others that cost over $200. I prefer cover-the-ear, as I'm easily distracted by outside noise. And in gaming, distractions often mean the difference between getting a clean headshot and getting pwned. Saitek has been around for nearly 30 years, and has grown to be the world's second largest manufacturer of gaming peripherals. They design and build a huge array of PC peripherals and speakers, to enhance the overall PC experience. Will the Cyborg Headset prove to be as innovative and effective as Saitek's other products?

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Review: Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio PCIe

Posted by Donster on: 2008-03-04 15:43:41 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Brann Mitchell @ GURU3D

Bordering on false advertisement, Creative's latest X-Fi isn't an X-Fi at all, it's a new rev of the Audigy series using the X-Fi drivers and gliding on the PCI Express bus. The EAX gaming enhancements are gone, however, in favor of the more usable Crystallizer and CMSS3D functions. The X-Audio does provide a good value with decent performance, stability, and last but not least, is does sound good.

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Review: Sound Card Shootout - ASUS vs. Auzentech

Posted by Donster on: 2008-02-25 15:04:02 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

By Joel Durham Jr. @ ExtremeTech

Well, here is a pair of PCI audio adapters for your consideration. One comes from the familiar ASUS brand: the Xonar D2. The other comes from a lesser-known manufacturer called Auzentech: the X-Fi Prelude 7.1. The audio logic it licensed for this particular card will ring a bell: it's Creative Labs' EAX-happy X-Fi. But would you want to pay the high price for either of them?

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Auzentech Now Offers Swappable OPAMPs

Posted by Donster on: 2008-02-14 14:19:59 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Source: techPowerUp!

Operational Amplifier (OPAMP) influences analog sound quality, because OPAMPs amplify the analog signal in your soundcard. With a higher quality OPAMP, the signal is transferred with less loss and distortion. Now all Auzentech PCI soundcards support swappable OPAMPs to provide the highest-quality audio to Auzen customers. Buyers are now offered to order the desired sound devices directly from Auzentech with the custom OPAMPs installed, or choose the amplifiers they need and install them manually. Auzentech has even prepared special OPAMP sockets in order to improve the compatibility for each product.

OPAMP PRODUCT PAGE

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Review: SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2008-01-08 15:19:44 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Article by: Karl Van der Walt @ TweakNews

With sound quality almost as good as professional studio headsets you really can't go wrong with the Siberia Neckband Headset. If you have a big head like me and comfort is a concern for you however, I would suggest you look for a more conventional headset design.

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Saitek Releases New Gaming Headset

Posted by Donster on: 2007-12-10 16:28:26 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming, has announced the release of the Cyborg 5.1 Headset, a fully adjustable high-end headset with built-in surround sound to provide the ultimate gaming audio.

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Review: Asus Xonar D2 & U1 Sound Station

Posted by Donster on: 2007-11-28 14:29:54 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Gregg Gonsowski @ Bjorn3d

As a maker of quality technology Asus is determined to leave no stone unturned. With its Xonar D2 and Sound Station U1, Asus is poised to extend its reach of top notch products.

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ASUS Xonar Series Revolutionizes the PC Audio Soundscape

Posted by Donster on: 2007-11-27 15:37:15 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Adding to the success of the company's entry into PC audio, ASUS, worldwide leader in component and notebook design and manufacturing, today extended its product offerings by introducing the world's first PCI-Express (PCI-E) interface audio card Xonar D2X; and the stylish USB based audio station Xonar U1. The Xonar D2X is the first sound card in the industry to address the audio challenge for gaming under the Windows Vista environment by utilizing ASUS DirectSound 3D GX (DS3D GX) technology and the Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) technology for clarified voice. The external Xonar U1 is the smallest USB Digital-Analog Converter (DAC) to sport a slick industrial design, an intuitive, tactile user interface and Dolby Technology to deliver a home theater audio experience on any PC or notebook. The U1 is available immediately through ASUS authorized dealers in North America. The D2X will be available mid-December.

PRESS RELEASE

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Vantec NBA-100U 5.1 Channel USB Audio Adapter

Posted by Donster on: 2007-11-12 14:56:26 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Author: Jason Kohrs @ BigBruin

The key selling point of the Vantec NBA-100U is that you can add 5.1 channel surround sound to just about any computer with a USB connection. While it might not be a good solution for a desktop computer, especially since most have integrated 5.1 channel audio these days, it is a great investment for any laptop user looking for an upgrade.

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Creative Releases PCIe X-Fi Xtreme Audio

Posted by Donster on: 2007-11-06 14:34:18 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Creative Technology today announced the PCI Express (PCIe) Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio card that is designed to make music and movies sound way better. It features the award-winning X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity audio technologies which enhance audio playback and deliver virtual surround sound effects. The Creative PCIe Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio will be available in late November at a suggested retail price of US$69.99.

PRODUCT PAGE

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Review: Turtle Beach Earforce HPA2 Surround Sound Headphones

Posted by Donster on: 2007-10-26 14:22:32 in category: Sound Cards and Speakers [ Print ]

Written by Brann Mitchell @ GURU3D

Now these are interesting. I'm rather mystified by surround sound headphones due to the basic problem of my head having only two ears. Turtle Beach seemed to have taken this into account, and imbued the HPA2's with 4 speakers in each earcup, tuned to suit their roles best including a subwoofer. Besides the true 5.1 surround, you also get a dedicated amplifier, a detatchable microphone, a good amount of solid metal construction, and a rather larger amount of cable to hook it all together.

Come on along and let's check these 'phones out.

Read The Review Here

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