VI Impact SupremeFX quality lackluster?

[Dajinn]

I just got my rig setup with the VI Impact, but to be honest I don't really feel like the SupremeFX audio is a step up from typical AC97 at all. I installed the drivers from the ASUS site, under "Audio", Realtek Audio Driver V6.0.1.7023 for Windows 7/8/8.1 32bit & 64bit.(WHQL), because I'm using a m-ITX case with a fan controller instead of an optical drive, so I couldn't get the drivers from the disc. But anyway, does anyone have similar experience? The equalizer is okay but the clarity just isn't there like it was with my X-Fi Titanium. I feel like it can barely drive my ATH-M50s and the maximum sound volume is lower than what I'm used to.

Should I be using the front panel HD audio or another set of drivers?

[dsp]

same for me
was hoping to trash my phoebus and using the onboard sound for a better experience of sound
but...even the soundblaster live card my kids use in their pc sounds better
tried all the drivers out there and even gave some modded drivers a shot (even i got them installed i get no sound at all)

seems like audio on a pc in 2013 is still one of the tuffest things to get working