HTPC What is currently the best sound card?

I am rebuilding a HTPC PC and I want to get a new sound card, now the last time I bought a sound card Creative labs X-Fi cards were the ones to get is this still the case?

I should mention that the HTPC is being built into an ATX case so size of the card isn't a problem I just want the best quality card possible.

Thanks

 

Integrated these days is usually pretty good, unless your processor sucks.

 

Most X-Fi cards are optimized for gaming. If the main use is truly Home Theatre you need a card that handles the most common movie sound methods like Dolby, DTS, and THX. If you're going HDTV/Blue Ray then you'll need Dolby True-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio

AUZEN AZT-XPCINE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface X-Plosion 7.1 Cinema Audio Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=sound_cards_pci-_-29-156-006-_-Product

for HD:
AuzenTech AZT-XFHTHD 24-bit 192KHz PCI Express X-Fi HOMETHEATER HD Audio Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=sound_cards_pci-_-29-156-014-_-Product

 

On board isn't really an option as its quite an old board so i don't have much faith in the on board sound.

I like the HDMI in and out on the AuzenTech AZT-XFHTHD 24-bit 192KHz PCI Express X-Fi HOMETHEATER HD Audio Card

I also noticed looking around here on bit-tech that the Asus sound cards seem to be quite good does any one have any experience with these cards in a HTPC set up?

 

What will it be connected to? If you use the digital output then the card doesn't really make any difference, and if the rest of the kit isn't quite up to the task then I don't see much point paying premium for super quality card either.

Maybe not too helpful comment, soz Just some things to keep in mind, IMO.

 

I've got the asus xonar hdav 1.3 in my htpc (the new firmware that supports 24hz).
To be fair it's let down by poor drivers. For example when switching between 1080p 24hz and 1080p 50hz the screen will always go blank and only come back on at the correct frequency once the pc is restarted, obviously not very useful.

I have found a work around is to send the audio to the amp and use a seperate cable from the graphics card to the tv, however for the xonar to send sound it has to have a video signal (for some reason) so I had to set up the card to run dual displays. This is with an ati card so could be different with nvidia.

So basically in my opinion if you want the asus you'll probably end up doing that.

 

I have the Asus Xonar Essence ST and it is just great. Would recommend it!

 

not too impressed, really.