In terms of launches, audio is generally the poor cousin of the CPU and GPU. While publications across the globe go ape for the latest and greatest in terms of piped lines, cor-inducing cores and giggly hurts – the audio processor tends to stay in the shade. Not today. This is affordable THX and you're gonna listen!
Originally dreamed up by the George Lucas creative team in 1983 for Return of the Jedi, THX was a complete system definition that would allow theatres across the world to recreate the films audio in the way that its maker had intended.
It's not specifically tied to one technology, like Dolby, but rather it allows you to create a situation where the film you're watching will match the audio experience that Hollywood execs enjoy.
These days, THX is 60% owned by Creative – so you tend to only see the term used when applied to the top end sound cards etc in the market.
To create an entire THX experience will require more than the sound card itself, you will also need:-
Floating floors
Dampened, asymetric walls
Perforated screen
Oh, and before we forget, a building environment that's passed NC30
Biostar will leave that list to your discretion, focusing instead on the ‘originator'.
New boards at £44 and £64 give you the basis for THX lubbin. nice.
On a more technical note, we like the way that Biostar explain the new innovation themselves:-
“…integrated right into the motherboard – with examples such as the Hi-Fi A85X and Hi-Fi A85S -, the newest AMD FM2 platform motherboards from Biostar provide low cost solutions that support all of the latest PC mainboard features – but also go above and beyond typical motherboards by integrating their own in-house audio technology called ‘Puro Hi-Fi Technology'.
Biostar has included a unique power delivery system, specifically for the audio subsystem. With our professional quality sound and video capabilities on this board, a user can set up a full PC based home theater system with full THX support and true 7.1 surround sound. .
Targeting audiophiles, HTPC enthusiasts and high-end gamers alike, Puro Hi-Fi features an integrated independent audio power design with a built-in amplifier, which significantly reduces electronic noise – producing superb sound quality. .
The unique noise-blocking multi-layer PCB layout is also conductive, for an exceptionally clean signal. That design feature, together with a sampling rate of 192 kHz/24-bit, delivers high quality audio through an analog connection to your home theatre system, multi-channel speakers or high-end headphones, allowing you to enjoy true high-definition 7.1-channel surround sound. .
Part of the Puro Hi-Fi design includes high-quality ‘Non-Polarized Electrolysis Electric audio capacitors' for each individual audio channel circuit delivering low noise, low distortion and wide bandwidth to achieve the highest sound resolution and expansion for the most realistic sound effects. Furthermore, the resistors used by the system are of the metal-oxide film type with metal oxides such as tin. The electrical characteristics are that of greater stability and reliability when compared to regular metal film resistors. These special components are typically used in applications with high endurance audio demands”. .
KitGuru says: From 1990 to 2000, the innovative nature of the PC industry drove us forward in mighty leaps and bounds. Since then, the pace of development has slowed – which means we need to take time, step back and smell the roses if we're to see the real benefits being delivered. Anyone who used a SiS integrated board in 1995 will know just how much of a leap these new boards represent. Put an AMD A10 6800k on the Biostar HiFi A85 for Easter and you will have something quite amazing for £200. .
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