The Best 5.1 Sound Card for the Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers?

[Sunny_12]

What is the best 5.1 Sound Card for the Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System? I don't need a 7.1 sound card for a 5.1 speaker system, as I am trying not to pay extra for something that is not even used, like buying a 7.1 sound card, when I only need a 5.1 sound card, because the Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System is a 5.1 speaker system. Correct me if I am wrong, but does a 7.1 sound card make a 5.1 speaker system sound better or it doesn't matter, since it is only a 5.1 speaker system?

 

[astrallite]

You don't need anything that fancy, any 5.1 sound card should work.

No, a 7.1 sound card does not make a 5.1 speaker system sound better.

 

[Sunny_12]

What is the best 5.1 Sound Card for the Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker System?

 

[MEgamer]

depends on what kind of connection u will use, analog or digital?

 

[Sunny_12]

I want to use the best connection for audio quality.

 

[MEgamer]

well again that depends. a sound card outputting an anolog to the z-5500 can be better then another card outputting digital to the external DAC in the z-5500

my recommendation is the asus range of soundcards.

 

[oliwek]

depends on your budget (and uses, but I suppose you don't need a professional music-riented soundcard) ; the X-Fi analog outputs is also a good combination (I would personnaly favor Azentech, more than Creative, for their better customer support) ; I myself use an Asus Xonar and an "old" X-Fi Elite pro connected to the Z-5500... Now pay attention if you use Linux, some cards have poor support outside of windows...

 

[gamerk316]

It comes down to output quality, and most of the time, Analog > Digital [Analog offers better dynamic range, but digital gives a clearer signal]. Regardless, digital output on all cards should be the same [prior to any extra encoding that may be going on]

For soundcards:
Auzentech <> ASUS > HT Omega > Creative

For under $100, the best options are:
ASUS Xonar Essence ST ~$50
ASUS Xonar D1/DX ~$89
HT Omega Striker ~$89

Above that, the Auzentech Forte, ASUS D2/DX, Auzentech Prelude, and ASUS Xonar Essence STX are the next batch of cards to recommend.

The Prelude is probably the best all around bet, although the Striker and D1/DX are very attractive options for a lower price.