AuzenTech X-Meridian 7.1 - PCI interface

AuzenTech X-Meridian 7.1

Uit mijn oude Windows 10 pc. (Software driver beschikbaar).
Oud maar op een ouder MB zoekende naar hoge quality audio output in stereo voor b.v flac files is ‘audiophile-grade PC audio’ geen overdreven beschrijving.

Leuk bod, of ruil voor een degelijke pc (Gaming) muis.

Ietsje Tricky installation, geen beginner zijn helpt..


ChatGPT info hieronder. Google etc voor meer info.

De Meridian 7.1 PCI Audio Card is a lesser-known but once well-regarded sound card for audiophile-grade PC audio, especially among HTPC (Home Theater PC) enthusiasts during the mid-2000s to early 2010s. Here’s a breakdown of its specs, review highlights, and current-day viability:

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✅ Specs (Meridian 7.1 / AuzenTech X-Meridian 7.1)

Often confused with or based on the AuzenTech X-Meridian, which used the C-Media CMI8788 Oxygen HD chipset.
• Chipset: C-Media CMI8788 Oxygen HD
• DAC: Wolfson WM8776 (for some models) / others used CS4398
• SNR: ~115 dB
• Outputs:
• 7.1 analog outputs (RCA or 3.5mm TRS depending on version)
• Optical S/PDIF in/out (Toslink)
• Coaxial S/PDIF in/out
• Headphone Output: No dedicated headphone amp stage (not ideal for high-impedance headphones)
• Input: Line-in / mic-in
• Drivers: Originally for Windows XP/Vista/7 (some hacked support for Win10 exists via Uni Xonar drivers)
• Form Factor: PCI (not PCIe)

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📋 Review Outtakes (from forums and enthusiast users)

Pros:
• High fidelity analog output for music playback; often considered excellent for stereo and surround.
• Fully discrete 7.1 output with good channel separation.
• Replaceable op-amps on some versions (DIY-friendly).
• Great for HTPC and multichannel FLAC/DVD-Audio/SACD rips (when using analog out).
• Bit-perfect output via digital pass-through (S/PDIF).

Cons:
• PCI interface: Not usable in modern systems without legacy PCI slots (almost extinct since ~2015).
• No support for modern spatial formats (Atmos, DTS:X).
• Lacks proper ASIO support for low-latency pro audio.
• Driver support stopped years ago (only community workarounds now).
• No hardware acceleration for modern games’ positional audio.

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🧭 Current-Day Viability (2025)

✔️ Still viable for:
• Analog 2.0 or 5.1/7.1 output on older PCs with PCI slots.
• High-quality stereo playback on Windows 7–10 (with Uni Xonar or C-Media hacked drivers).
• Budget DIY audio builds or retro HTPCs.
• Great for playing back ripped SACD/DSD converted to PCM.

❌ Not viable for:
• New builds (no PCI slot).
• Use with modern OSes like Windows 11 (driver issues).
• Gaming or pro-audio workflows (high latency, no ASIO, no EAX/OpenAL).
• High-end headphone use (no amp, weak output stage).

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⚖️ Verdict

Still sounds excellent, but the PCI limitation and driver decay make it mostly obsolete for modern use. If you have a legacy system with a PCI slot and want high-quality 5.1/7.1 analog output, it’s a great retro pick. For anything modern, a USB DAC or PCIe sound card is far more practical.