Auzentech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 review

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Verdict:

Review Date: 12 Nov 2007

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Reviewed By: Kat Orphanides

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

On-board sound processors are so good these days that most people don't bother adding a separate sound card to their PC. However, certain tasks - such as gaming, music production and home entertainment - can benefit from one.

This sound card uses Creative's X-Fi audio processor. Auzentech aims to improve on Creative's own cards by creating a unique circuit board to house the X-Fi chipset. Some users will certainly appreciate the upgradable operational amplifier chip, but most users should be satisfied with the card's default configuration.

The Prelude is equipped to output sound to 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1 speaker configurations. You can also use a normal pair of stereo headphones or speakers, and the driver's gaming mode does a fantastic job of creating the impression of realistic 3D sound through a pair of headphones.

As well as analogue line and microphone inputs, there are S/PDIF in and out ports. These enable you to connect high-quality digital recording equipment and DVD players with either optical or coaxial cables. With Smart Volume Management and Dolby surround-sound compatibility, the card is well suited to PC-based home cinema systems.

We were impressed by the card's clean, accurate audio recording quality. The interpretation of General MIDI left a little to be desired and there's no MIDI input, although MIDI output can be positioned in 3D space. However, the card put in a great performance when it came to sampling analogue audio input.

The Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 costs less than the top model in Creative's own Sound Blaster X-Fi range. Auzentech has created a quality product that can make a great performance of just about anything that is put through it.

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