Auzentech Inc. X-Meridian 7.1 Sound Card
- Output Mode: 7.1 Channel Surround
- Card Interface: PCI
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- Compatible Audio Standards: PCM DTS Dolby Digital EX DirectSound A3D EAX
- Form Factor: Plug-In Card
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Auzentech Meridian
Pros
Build quality, seemingly unlimited digital/analog adjustments and connections, Dolby surround, Drivers, unmatched musical performance
Cons
Expensive, higher resource utilization in gaming applications. X-Fi based Auzentech Prelude due out 5/07
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
For music applications it has no equal. Resources take a hit when gaming. Build quality is exceptional. To date I have found nothing that can even come close for music.
This is an expensive card, but worth every penny if you are looking to get away from Creative products.
Pros:
The build quality is what you would expect and more for this price range. It just oozes quality.
The adjustments that can be made can be overwhelming at first but once you get the hang of it the sound possibilities seem limitless.
Sound is absolutely fantastic. Blows Creative away when it comes to music applications.
Setup is simple and straightforward.
Drivers do not have the associated bloatware associated with them that other manufacturers have.
Gaming takes on a whole new level if you are making the leap from onboard.
Though I will probably never do it the OpAmps can be replaced to further customize sound.
Dolby Surround in gaming is really good.
Cons:
Expensive
Resource utilization when gaming.
Must be careful with the Toslinks.
Only supports up to EAX 2.
Other thoughts:
The Razer AC-1 was my only other option and I tried it. The Meridian blows it away in all areas. The Razer, though good, is no match for the Meridian.
Auzentech is coming out with an X-Fi based card, the Prelude, at the end of May '07. I would hold off on purchasing the Meridian for gaming until the Prelude has been reviewed. The thing about the Prelude that concerns me is that Creative will be supplying the drivers and the reason I switched to Auzentech to begin with was to get away from Creative and their associated driver issues. That being said....If you are looking at this card for strictly audiophile/music purposes....By all means get this card because it has no equal.
Pros:
The build quality is what you would expect and more for this price range. It just oozes quality.
The adjustments that can be made can be overwhelming at first but once you get the hang of it the sound possibilities seem limitless.
Sound is absolutely fantastic. Blows Creative away when it comes to music applications.
Setup is simple and straightforward.
Drivers do not have the associated bloatware associated with them that other manufacturers have.
Gaming takes on a whole new level if you are making the leap from onboard.
Though I will probably never do it the OpAmps can be replaced to further customize sound.
Dolby Surround in gaming is really good.
Cons:
Expensive
Resource utilization when gaming.
Must be careful with the Toslinks.
Only supports up to EAX 2.
Other thoughts:
The Razer AC-1 was my only other option and I tried it. The Meridian blows it away in all areas. The Razer, though good, is no match for the Meridian.
Auzentech is coming out with an X-Fi based card, the Prelude, at the end of May '07. I would hold off on purchasing the Meridian for gaming until the Prelude has been reviewed. The thing about the Prelude that concerns me is that Creative will be supplying the drivers and the reason I switched to Auzentech to begin with was to get away from Creative and their associated driver issues. That being said....If you are looking at this card for strictly audiophile/music purposes....By all means get this card because it has no equal.
