Hardware Review: Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1

RedGTiVR6 · 12-07-2006, 04:54 PM

I'm going to style this after durwoods review of the Audiotrek. It just made things easier!

Hardware Review: Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1

What it is/does: High Performance 8 Channel Audiophile PCI soundcard

Reviewed by: RedGTiVR6
Manufacturer : Auzentech
Model: Auzen X-Meridian 7.1
Specs:

The C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 Audio Processor is the heart of the AUZEN X-MERIDIAN 7.1.
4 pcs 24-bit/192kHz AK4396VF (120dB-part spec.) DACs for 7.1channel output. (24-bit/192kHz in 7.1channel playback)
1 pc 24-bit/192kHz AK5385VF(114dB-part spec.) ADC input (24-bit/192kHz recording)
1 pc CMI9780 AC'97 2.3 CODEC for AUX input, CD input, MIC input (16bit/48kHz playback/recording)
Integrated up to 192k/24-bit S/PDIF transmitter for 44.1kHz,48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz SPDIF output.
Supports onboard high grade special COAX+OPTIC combo type transmitter module for up to 192kHz SPDIF out.
Integrated up to 192k/24-bit S/PDIF receiver for 44.1kHz,48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz SPDIF input.
Supports onboard high grade special COAX+OPTIC combo type receiver module for up to 192kHz SPDIF input.
Standard 10PIN Front Panel Audio supports connectivity for stereo audio output and a microphone input from most new chassis. (All 7.1channel analog output muted by jack connection sense of front panel headphone out / Dual MIC input available by back panel mic input and front panel mic input)
DTS® Interactive - A real-time 5.1 channel encoder.
DTS® Neo:PC - An upmix matrix technology.
Dolby® Digital Live (DDL) - A real-time 5.1 channel encoding.
Dolby® ProLogic IIx surround processor spreading stereo audio into 7.1 channel surround sound.
Dolby® Headphone technology, conveying 5.1 surround and 3D gaming audio over stereo headphones.
Dolby® Virtual Speaker solution, bringing amazing virtual surround sound fields via general two speakers.
C-Media FlexBass™ - LFE channel crossover frequency setable from range 50 to 250Hz in Small speaker mode and Small/Large speaker selectable.
C-Media Magic Voice™, popular feature for disguising your tone in online chatting.
C-Media Xear 3D™ 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter technology.
C-Media’s unique Karaoke functions: Microphone Echo, Key-shifting.
Individual 10-band EQ for each channel,.27 global reverberation environments.
Supports most industrial standards of 3D sound for PC gaming, including EAX™ 1.0 & 2.0, A3D™ 1.0, and DirectSound™.
Swappable DIP type OPAMP controlled preamp out circuit (4pcs output control OPAMP IC with DIY socket)
Surface mount type OPAMP controlled preamp input circuit (2pcs input control OPAMP for ADC and 1pc MIC input gain control)
5Vrms (Differential DAC output with gain adjustment / approximately full swing from +/- 8V dual power supply)
Proper OPAMP control circuit (large capacity 1A +8V, -8V, dual power supply circuit) for high quality audio quality, prevent audio distortion at high volume level.
Upgrade Extension available (Extra 6.35mm MIC / Extra Digital I/O sold separately)
Supported operating systems: Microsoft Windows® 98SE / ME / 2000 Service Pack 3(SP3) / XP Service Pack 1(SP1) / Server 2003 SP1/ XP Media Center Edition 2005 (MCE) / XP x64 Edition.

Price: $199

Rating: Untested, a 9/10.
I'd like to see the following:
RCA style jacks - but to get enough RCA jacks out on a card like this, it would have to have more than one normal sized back plate.

Manufacturer website: www.auzentech.com

Purchased at: http://www.newegg.com/

Pros:

High Quality Components
User replaceable opamps
Digital Optical IN and Out
5Vrms outputs (tested at both 60Hz and 1kHz to read 4.74v)

Cons:

As mentioned above, I would like to have seen female RCA jacks.
There's almost too much stuff you can do with this card. For some that might be a pro. For my application, I'm marking it as a con because I want to be sure that all processing is turned off on the card so that I can do it all via the software that I choose.
I would like to see more analog outputs, but again, I'm sure that for most people this card will have plenty of outputs.
I don't believe there is any 'directwire' program like other cards have. However, this should be controllable via some outboard software programs.

durwood · 12-07-2006, 05:11 PM

I am a little confused. It does have something similar to "directwire" or is that ASIO part of the card? Also, does it really have ASIO drivers? I was told no, but their website says yes. I guess I'll wait until you give a full test run.

RedGTiVR6 · 12-08-2006, 08:56 AM

I have no idea, right now I've got a lot going on...lol

where did you see the info about direct wire?

durwood · 12-08-2006, 09:36 AM

Oh ok. I think if you just cut and pasted from my review it must have accidently carried over from the Prodigy Review. Look at your "pros" list.

I know the feeling. With Christmas, trying to buy a house in the next few months, catching up on 3 seasons worth of 24, trying to get together with friends, craziness at work and then when I have free time, test software and hardware for my new carputer setup.

RedGTiVR6 · 12-08-2006, 09:43 AM

thanks - updated....

new job is making things pretty hectic around here...lol

RedGTiVR6 · 12-15-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by durwood

I am a little confused. It does have something similar to "directwire" or is that ASIO part of the card? Also, does it really have ASIO drivers? I was told no, but their website says yes. I guess I'll wait until you give a full test run.

Once I loaded Allocator, I found that the card shows up under ASIO, see attached:

RedGTiVR6 · 12-15-2006, 05:38 PM

Also, just thought I would update this thread with some info for those interested in hacking...

RedGTiVR6 · 12-15-2006, 05:39 PM

And a few more:

noxlord · 12-15-2006, 07:58 PM

This is nice hack .... can you provide more details about the (I believe it is) rca jack you are about to install ??

RedGTiVR6 · 12-15-2006, 08:42 PM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=92334

that should help you out some.

noxlord · 12-15-2006, 09:26 PM

Merci.

I am eager to see how you will fit those rca connectors on the board...

RedGTiVR6 · 12-16-2006, 07:10 AM

I won't be fitting them directly to the board. I'll be soldering on extensions. I wish I could fit them directly on the board.

durwood · 12-16-2006, 07:54 AM

Not even a few weeks old and hacking away.

I love it.

Did you listen to it with the original 4580 opamps before you swapped them with the burr brown ones? I am sticking with the 4580's in my prodigy until I do a little more research on the opamps.

How did you decide on the opa2134?

RedGTiVR6 · 12-16-2006, 08:20 AM

I spoke with a few of my friends who have been into audio (home and car) for ages. The Burr Brown is considered the best of the best.

You can go here for a more indepth work log: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=92334

noxlord · 12-16-2006, 08:53 AM

You can order up to 5 "samples" of those opamp on the Ti website here

Be shure to select the Dip8 form factor ...