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Application:

7.1 Sound card

Provided by:

Auzentech

Available at:

NewEgg.com

MSRP:

$129.99

Availability:

Now

Review by:

Darren

Edited by:

Scott

Review date:

May 27th, 2006

 

Crucial System Scanner
 

 

Auzentech HDA X-Plosion 7.1 DTS Connect Sound Card Review

     This year the HTPC market has exploded.  Today we are looking at the latest from AuzenTech, the HDA X-Plosion.  The X-Plosion is the first sound card on the market to offer Certified Dolby DTS Connect and Dolby Digital Live.  Here at the Club we have taken a look at many of the accessory, case and video card options but haven't seen a sound card that made us leave behind the trusty AC97 onboard.  Read on to see if the X-Plosion can change my mind.

     HDA or HiTech Digital Audio is no newcomer to the sound card market.  Their X-Mystique card provided one of the only alternatives to a Creative Labs dominated market with its focus on pro grade sound and the HTPC market.  The X-Plosion is the spiritual successor to the X-Mystique card.

     As you can see form the abundant information on the cover, the X-Plosion isn't just another gaming card.  In fact, Auzentech may have found a way to replace your favorite receiver or pre-amp for good.  I hope you are comfortable, because the list of features is up next!

Features and Specifications:
 
  • C-Media CMI8770 PCI chipset (8CH audio single chip with DTS® Connect and Dolby® Digital Live Real-Time Content Encoder)
     
  • 8CH codec embedded PCI audio single chip
     
  • Full-duplex 8CH 24bit/96kHz DAC / 2CH 16bit/48kHz ADC
     
  • Integrated S/PDIF input/output supports 44.1kHz/48kHz/96kHz sample rate and 16/24bits resolution
     
  • The world's first DTS¨ Connect logo program certificated PCI audio board
     
  • DTS® Interactive : A real-time 5.1 encoder that takes any 2 or more channel and encodes it into DTS® bit stream. DTS® Interactive provides a single cable connection via S/PDIF digital audio output to a DTS® enabled surround sound system by encoding all audio into a DTS® compatible bit stream at 1.5Mbps
     
  • DTS® Neo:PC : An up mixing matrix technology that turns any 2 channel audio into 7.1 surround sound. DTS® Neo:PC, based upon DTS® Neo:6 matrix surround technology, transforms any stereo content such as MP3, WMA or CD audio, into a 7.1-channel surround sound experience
     
  • Dolby® Digital Live(DDL) Real-Time Content Encoder converts PC audio into a 5.1 channel Dolby® Digital bit stream
     
  • Swappable dual DIP type OPAMP controlled preamp circuit (4pcs output control OPAMP IC with DIY socket, 2pcs MIC input control OPAMP IC with DIY socket)
     
  • Max 2.8Vrms full swing analog output gain by unique preamp circuit / incredible powerful analog output, improve dynamic range / SNR
     
  • Proper OPAMP control circuit (+8V, -8V dual power supply circuit) for high quality audio quality, prevent audio distortion at high volume level
     
  • Package contents: HDA X-PLOSION 7.1 DTS Connect Audio Card / MPC to MPC(2pin-2pin) CD S/PDIF audio cable / TOSLINK fiber optic digital cable / installation CD / warranty card / owner's manual

    DTS Digital Surround® is the sound format found in movie theaters. The HDA X-Plosion turns your PC into a DTS-Connect enabled PC capable of playing full surround sound from DTS-enabled movies, music videos, music discs, and games, as well as providing surround sound from normal stereo sources.

    Dolby® Digital Live, a real-time encoding technology, converts any audio signal into a Dolby® Digital bit stream for transport and playback through a home theater system. With it, your PC or game console can be hooked up to your Dolby® Digital-equipped audio/video receiver or digital speaker system via a single digital connection, ensuring the integrity of the audio signal.

    DTS® Connect

    DTS Connect is the latest thing from DTS that turns your PC into an action-packed entertainment experience that surrounds you in sound. Make your movies, music and games come alive in exciting, dynamic, multi-channel DTS Digital Surround®, the same sound format found in movie theaters. DTS Connect is a whole new way to enjoy your PC. DTS Connect makes it easy to turn your computer into the ultimate PC sound entertainment experience.

    Click here for a DTS Connect demo!


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