Introduction

Hey guys and gals, we have the latest soundcard offering from Auzentech in the house. it is the all new X-fi Forte 7.1. First let's deal with some background about Auzentech.

Auzentech built the world's first card to offer Dolby Digital and DTS in an add-in soundcard. Auzentech's real claim to fame came in the form of the legendary limited edition X-Meridian 7.1 (XM) soundcard. The XM catapulted Auzen to the fore front of PC audio cards and gained the company much fame in the PC audio world. After the release of the X-Meridian 7.1, Auzentech only had two ways to proceed; either surpass the XM with features and/or sound quality or move back to more generic cards. Auzentech further surprised the masses when they announced they would be releasing a new card built around the 20K1 DSP chip, commonly known as the X-fi processor.

This also noted the first time Creative Labs released their proprietary DSP technology to another soundcards house.

Auzentech once again cemented their hold on the audio world and offered products to another market segment; the very large PC gaming market. The highly successful X-fi Prelude 7.1 seemed to command a large audience and it seemed everybody and their brother purchased a Prelude 7.1, which was considered by many to be the best gaming card in existence.

Today in our audio lab we have the new Auzentech X-fi Forte 7.1 soundcard ready to be put through our considerable, majestic yet always fair tests. Let's see what Auzentech sent over shall we? Next page please.