Prepare for audio ecstasy
Written: Aug 17 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound from DVDs, MP3s, CDs, and games; every audio connector imaginable; no conflicts
Cons: External cable can be awkward
The Bottom Line: This card is everything the audiophile could want, without VIA conflicts, and it costs quite a bit less its primary competitor.
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| live4dreams's Full Review: Guillemot Maxi Sound Game Theater XP |
When looking for a high-end gaming sound card, my decision came down to the Game Theater XP (GTXP) versus the SoundBlaster Live! Platinum 5.1. The external rack and Hercules brand name swayed me to the GTXP, which features the same processor as the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. Another advantage of the GTXP is that it does not have the conflicts that Live! cards experience in combination with VIA southbridge.
Installation was a snap, and once I got the massive DB44 cable routed to the external rack, the symphony could begin. The GTXP came with a multitude of different audio players, including my personal favorite, MusicMatch Jukebox, as well as the superb software DVD decoder, PowerDVD. The GTXP also supports various sound standards, such as Dolby Digital, EAX, and THX. In addition, Sensaura's Virtual Ear software lets you customize the 3D sound output to seem more realistic to a variety of differently proportioned users.
There is little than can be said about the sound quality of this card, other than phrases like: superb, engrossing, tantalizing, or just damn good. I have exhaustively used this card for almost every PC sound application, playing on computer speaker, headphones, and a 300W shelf system, and for no time was I unpleased.
The external rack, a masterful inclusion in its own right, allows the user to attach just about any type of audio input or output equipment, including MIDI hardware, and an adjustable microphone input. It also serves as a 4-port USB hub (very handy), as well as serving up an additional game port.
It's great to see Hercules getting into the sound card business, and this offering lives up to their reputation of producing the best gaming hardware around. Anyone who wants excellent sound, great connectivity, and an alternative to the SoundBlaster Live! monopoly should check out this card.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 130
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Epinions.com ID:
live4dreams
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
College student, sports fanatic, heavy metal addict, and computer wizard.
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