In Windows XP, I use my X-Fi Platinum along with Windows Media Player. I have the most recent X-Fi drivers installed and I use the Creative Console Launcher software. I like the bells and whistles that come with that software, like the Crystallizer. The Creative Software also has an equalizer that affects all the OS sound. What it all amounts to is a full, deep sounding bass with clear highs.
In Windows 7 (as well as XP when I've toyed around with it), I have tried to use the onboard Realtek HD sound card. I have the most recent drivers installed but I do not see any of the bells and whistles that I see with the Creative software. I see an equalizer but there is no option for a custom equalizer as far as I can tell. The result is a very flat sound coming out of Windows Media Player. Everyone says the onboard sound is great and that I shouldn't notice a difference, but I do. It makes me think I'm doing something wrong. What is everyone's opinion about the onboard Realtek sound?
In Windows 7 (as well as XP when I've toyed around with it), I have tried to use the onboard Realtek HD sound card. I have the most recent drivers installed but I do not see any of the bells and whistles that I see with the Creative software. I see an equalizer but there is no option for a custom equalizer as far as I can tell. The result is a very flat sound coming out of Windows Media Player. Everyone says the onboard sound is great and that I shouldn't notice a difference, but I do. It makes me think I'm doing something wrong. What is everyone's opinion about the onboard Realtek sound?