PC Test System Setup
Hardware	Model
Operating System:	Windows XP
Motherboard:	ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
CPU:	Intel Core 2 Duo e6300
Video Card:	Connect3D X1900 XTX
CD/DVD Devices:	Plextor PX-755SA Lite-on SOHW-1693S
Memory:	2gb Crucial Tenth anniversary Special Edition PC2-5400 DDR2 3-3-3-12

Home Theater Setup
Hardware	Model
Reciever:	Kenwood VR-9070 THX Certified
Center Channel:	Paradigm CC-170
Surround Speakers:	6x Paradigm Titans
Subwoofer:	Velodyne DSP12B

     The decision to switch from onboard sound to a high end sound card is usually motivated by one of two factors, sound quality or resource impact.  First we tested using Audio Benchmark 99 to determine the CPU Utilization level used by the X-Meridian.  The more your sound device has to use the system, the more impact your performance will feel.

     As you can see here, the X-Meridian has a minimal impact on your PC resulting in more of your CPU cycles going where you need them, your software.  Lets see how the onboard audio fares.

     The ASUS P5W DH Deluxe is not using your standard motherboard audio.  The DH stands for Digital Home and shows ASUS' focus on the home theater market with the included Dolby Master Studio Certified Realtek ALC882M High Definition Audio 8-channel CODEC.  The ASUS gives the X-Meridian a run for its money in some categories but just doesn't have the range given by the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788 Audio Processor.  As the ASUS audio solution represents the current pinnacle of onboard audio, its safe to assume the X-Meridian will school your standard on board solution.  Of course this is only using the Analog side of the X-Meridian, switching over to pure digital would give the X-Meridian an unfair advantage!

     For real world testing I first hooked the X-Meridan up to my home theater system using the included TOSLINK cables.  After some easy sound stage tuning I fired up two of my favorite test DVDs; Blue Man Group's Audio in 5.1 and Lucas Films THX Wow! demo DVD.  The resulting sound was astonishing, at times making my Kenwood unit sound like an expensive paper weight.

     I also ran the X-Meridian for a couple of days in some of the latest games using my favorite LAN party setup consisting of a set of Zalman 5.1 headphones and the ButtKicker for Bass.  The crisp sound and clear separation were especially distinct in Battlefield: 2142 with the sound set to hardware and the setting all maxed out.  With no X-Fi in my system to compare the improved clarity of the X-Meridian was definitely noticeable over the ASUS' more than adequate sound.  I am certain that the lack of the latest EAX support in no way diminished my gaming satisfaction.

Conclusion:

     The ASUS audio sure does sound good, but the X-Meridian sounds much better.  With out the aid of some spendy audio testing equipment, I just can't measure how good.  Back to back with the Blue Man Audio disk playing through my home system, the Meridian just sounds clearer and seems to provide a clearer sound stage.  Placing in the THX WOW! DVD is just awesome.  Perhaps its due to the ease of tuning the system to match my specific home audio setup, or even the extended range of the X-Meridian, but it is noticeable.  Even with my Zalman 5.1s on and the ButtKicker Gamer rumbling through a session of Battlefield 2142 I can't help but smile at the small noises I just don't hear with the onboard audio.  Most audiophiles will tell you its hard to put your finger on why a good system sounds better, it just does.  The X-Meridian just sounds better!