Sound Card on Dell XPS 1640

HI, when I go to the customizable options it gives you a few for the sound. I'm a major audiophile. Whats best. I know the High Definition 2.0 is IDT which I wanna stay away from due to crackling and hissing on a HDX 16t. What about the Creative Sound Blaster software, is that still using IDT but with just the software and if so what about the IDT control panel?

I'm looking for sound effects very similar to what the Realtek HD Manager had, like Karaoke, echoes? Thanks

 

any ideas?

 

no. none. keep thinking.

 

ugh........

 

For the best sound are the sound cards that plug into the Express Card Slot my best choice? Thanks

 

I think so...i had one and was quite happy.

 

I've been wondering this I dont even know which option was selected my SXPS is just ordered to replace a faulty Asus. I wonder just how much difference this would actually make.

 

I'm leaning towards the Creative Soundblaster software anyone have that. My next option would just be the actual Sound Card that plugs in the Express Sound Card. Anyone try this out.

 

Think someone in the 1640 + 4670 thread mentioned that the Creative software is just extra software on top.

Have a peek in there. If you're a legit audiophile, I wouldn't go with onboard sound, especially on a laptop.

 

Im no audiophile but I do like good sound, I don't even know if it was ordered or not but if not (it wasn't an option on the system build screen) but if its good/worth it id buy it separately if i'm able to.

 

The Creative's software provided there is X-Fi MB (more info here: http://www.creative.com/oem/products/software/x-fimb.asp ).
It is an software enhancement for the onboard sound. It has all the Creative's entry-level sound card has (effects like Crystalizer, CMSS 3D, EAX, EQ, bass management and so on, even Caraoke).
It is installing even a new driver supliment, wich changes the way that sound is processed, making it much better than with the stock IDT's drivers.
I am using the Creative Audigy MB in my XPS M1730 (it's about the same as X-Fi MB, only it has not Crystalizer and that fancy interface). Sound output is so much better with it (with my external speakers, I have an Logitech X540 surround system). With the integrated speakers or low-end headphones you won't notice big difference.

 

So your saying the $25 software is good? Do you get all those effects with the actual SoudnCard that plugs into the Express Card slot? I really want the EAX effects and Karaoke?

 

Ok well it sounds like something I defiantly would want then I use sennheiser headphones so I would expect to hear the difference. If my new laptop doesn't come with it does anyone know if its possible to buy this after the laptop has been delivered.

 

Same question as Drefsab: is this available post-ordering?

 

Well I've been contacting dell about trying to get the software it didn't come on my laptop or even as an option.

The very short and not very sweat reply was that they stopped offering it as an option with the SXPS 16 as of april and they will not allow me to buy it separately.

Could I ask if anyone else can confirm this or would be willing to share the driver just so I can see what impact this will have?

As well as this it turns on the web cam software and facial recognition software is also lost (I installed my own copy of windows 7) and they say you can get it from "My DELL Downloads" but not if you live in the UK

 

If you are interested in good sound quality, you need an external sound card. There are loads of different quality cards out there, using either USB or FireWire. Most of them are made for pro audio use but you can off course use them just for listening to music/watching movies.

From my own experience I have to say that onboard sounds is not very good but it all depends on your personal preferences and what you will be doing music wise. I think that for most users onboard sound is just fine.

 

@drefsab...

Someone put up a link for Facial Recognition in the Windows 7 thread.

~Ibrahim~

 

No one can share their X-Fi Software as it requires a licence that it downloads each time you install it using your unique serial key. I haven't managed to get it working on Windows 7 yet though. It tells me it can't find any compatible hardware. The software you are missing can be ordered from Dell on DVD. Just call Dell Support or start an online chat.

 

Wondering if anyone has an answer for me. I have the x-fi mb disc for my xps 1640 with a license key. I have just installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64 (fresh). The disc allows me to install all the creative software, but states that there is no supported device when I try to run the creative audio control panel. Anyone?

 

I Have the soundblaster XF-I notebook pci express card its pretty decent and the software for it uses CMSS and Crystalizer which just makes things sound amazing also it uses EAX Plus Alchemy is just the greatest program alot better than the onboard sound however one draw back sound quality seems to only be for external speakers but you can play music through the laptop speakers through the software i couldnt tell if it changed their sound quality or not but My external speakers sound amazing loud and clear when using this card and they arent the greatest speakers

 

So, it is an actual card or just software? I was under the assumption it was just software, but maybe they've upgraded?!

~Ibrahim~