Audigy 1 to X-FI

[Z33]

Main purpose of my computer is for playing games... I currently have some Creative 2.1 speakers, but I might eventually get some headphones.... (nothing to fancy though, I would never spend more than $100 on headphones). Would I notice any difference going from a Audigy 1 to a X-FI?

Thanks 🙂

 

[SonicIce]

when the soundcard costs twice as much as your speakers, something wrong. maybe put your whole budget towards speakers or headphones?

 

[T9D]

That's the upgrade I did. And there is a HUGE difference. However not sure if you'll be able to tell with those speakers. You very well may though. Just have to try it I guess. With headphones it should though.

 

[PurdueRy]

I bet $10 that half the people here that claim they heard a huge difference when they switched to the X-fi and use crappy speakers actually couldn't tell the difference in a blind A/B test

Originally posted by: Z33
Main purpose of my computer is for playing games... I currently have some Creative 2.1 speakers, but I might eventually get some headphones.... (nothing to fancy though, I would never spend more than $100 on headphones). Would I notice any difference going from a Audigy 1 to a X-FI?

Thanks 🙂

So you would spend $100 on a sound card but never $100 on what will actually be playing the music?

 

[HiME]

I switched from a creative pci128 to X-fi and i can't tell the difference on my Hi-fi. You'll defenately notice the difference on headphones because of the CMSS 3D but you do need good headphones to support it. The 24bit crystalizer it doesn't seem to do anything on my songs nomatter how high i adjust it.

For music playback, the CPU usage is the lowest compared with the other soundcards (around 5% lower). The EAX supportis great on games even on normal speakers but don't expect any extra fps from X-fi.

 

[Z33]

I said i would never spend more than $100 on headphones.... If i ever found the space, or wanted, I would buy a nice speaker system.... I can get the X-FI for $80 shipped

 

[Bluestealth]

Jump from Audigy 2 ZS to X-Fi wasn't a HUGE jump but SQ in games has improved, music on the other hand ehh.... its better but harder to notice. My current speakers are ok, planning to replace them in a few years. They are pretty good value, but I know there are better speakers out there. It is sad how people will often spend more on a sound card then speakers/headphones.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Z33
I said i would never spend more than $100 on headphones.... If i ever found the space, or wanted, I would buy a nice speaker system.... I can get the X-FI for $80 shipped

$100 headphones = at least $300 spent on speakers

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Z33
I said i would never spend more than $100 on headphones.... If i ever found the space, or wanted, I would buy a nice speaker system.... I can get the X-FI for $80 shipped

$100 headphones = at least $300 spent on speakers

:thumbsup:

 

[Z33]

and they take less space. Reason im looking to get headphones, but I prefer speakers, they are just WAY more expensive.

 

[Z33]

anyways, so if i buy $100~ headphones, would a X-FI be worth it over my AUDIGY 1. im assuming NO? (havent done any research on headphones, so i dont know what to get for $100~, so i will have to look into that)

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Z33
anyways, so if i buy $100~ headphones, would a X-FI be worth it over my AUDIGY 1. im assuming NO? (havent done any research on headphones, so i dont know what to get for $100~, so i will have to look into that)

depends which pair of $100 headphones you get. Although I would still say that an Audigy 2 ZS would be fine for most anyone. Get the ZS for $40 and then get $140 headphones

 

[Z33]

well do u have any recommendations on some good headphones for $100~ 🙂..............................

 

[PurdueRy]

do you need sealed or can they be open?

 

[Z33]

doesnt matter to me 🙂

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Z33
doesnt matter to me 🙂

Overbudget pick - Sennheiser HD555's
Underbudger - Sennheiser HD280's

I am not as familiar with other brands (Grado's, AKG...etc.) so I'll leave it to others to suggest more.

 

[DavidoFoo]

onboard to X-Fi for me and I could very much tell a difference

 

[Dethfrumbelo]

Headphones are definitely the way to go.