Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX Pro 7.1 channel sound card: A decent 2026 upgrade for analog audio
If you own the Orpheus I, an upgrade to the II would be beneficial mainly if the AMD Interwave chip, giving the Orpheus II the extra capabilities of the Gravis UltraSound PnP soundcard, is something you must have.
Keropi and Marmes, the team behind several retro computing hardware projects including the Orpheus II, previously signaled that “the very last batch of Orpheus II sound cards” would be the special edition red PCB models that were produced in August 2024. So, retro enthusiasts will surely welcome this new batch.
Please decide quickly if you want to acquire one of these ISA cards . Pre-orders close sometime on Sunday, May 31, though some reports say the dev team is going to add an extra week to the pre-order deadline. Acquiring an Orpheus II is also rather pricey. Buying one card, including worldwide tracked airmail shipping, will set you back €340, which converts to a smidgen under US$400 (half payment up front). Sadly, U.S. residents will need to pay an extra €35 (~$41) for the UPS Express option. Shipments should begin in late July / early August.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/sound-cards/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/sound-cards/orpheus-ii-isa-soundcard-returns-due-to-popular-demand-aimed-at-dos-and-early-windows-users-this-card-includes-hardware-to-support-every-major-audio-standard#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com/subscription
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