Audigy 2 > Creative X-fi xtreme gamer/audio

[faye]

hi,

currently using the Creative Audigy 2.
Will i get any better if i switch to a Creative X-Fi xtreme gamer/audio?

what is the difference of those anyways, just the software bundle different?

I have a Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 speaker

i played games like COD4, Rainbow Six: Vegas, MP3s, compressed movies

xtreme audio $70
xtreme gamer $100

so is it a good idea to switch?

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: faye
hi,

currently using the Creative Audigy 2.
Will i get any better if i switch to a Creative X-Fi xtreme gamer/audio?

Yes, not only better sound quality, but better EAX in-game, software and OS support.

what is the difference of those anyways, just the software bundle different?

The DSP on the X-Fi is the updated 20k1 and is quite a bit more advanced than the Audigy 2's 10k1 as it supports EAX5 and 2x as many hardware voices. The various components like DACs/ADCs and OpAmps are also improved on the X-Fi, but similar in quality to the Audigy 4. The difference between the X-Fi Audio and Gamer are vast, do NOT get the Audio as it does not use the new 20k1 DSP.

I have a Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 speaker

i played games like COD4, Rainbow Six: Vegas, MP3s, compressed movies

xtreme audio $70
xtreme gamer $100

so is it a good idea to switch?

Again, do not get the Audio. The Gamer has been on sale at Newegg for as low as $45 no MIR. For games with a Z-5300e you should see a nice improvement. For MP3s and compressed movies, not so much depending on the quality/sampling rate of the source. Even DVD movies and CDs may not show much improvement if you used digital out to your speakers in the past.

 

[Ages120]

I have an Audigy 2zs in my older computer and the X-fi PCIex card in my current system. Overall they have both performed really well for me. The Audigy2 ZS can do 7.1 through coaxial, while the X-fi has optical in and out. They don't sound any better than just plugging in the analog 3.5mm jacks though.

For almost any game I haven't noticed any differences, and as far as sound from movies or music goes it really depends on the software and you settings. Can make either one sound better than the other if you calibrate and set them up right.

 

[postmortemIA]

I have X-Fi gamer and audigy 2, overall both are terrific sounding sound cards for both games and music. Although X-Fi does sound (subjectively!) little better, I'm not sure it is worth the $ unless you have spare $. In my case, I have 2 PCs so it was justified.

 

[tristanic]

Anyone know a good program to calibrate your speakers? There was a really good one in the original software but when I updated the drivers it doesn't work anymore. Thanks!

 

[postmortemIA]

then you can get updated one? have you tried auto update?

 

[faye]

i use winamp to play pop music (mp3)

which software do you suggest to get better sound quality.