Audigy 2... What do you think of it? Is it a good card? NEED HELP!!!

[WaverunnerZ3]

Well, I hear mixed reviews. Of course, on it's website, it sounds AMAZING! but, what is this piracy protection thing? Also, some say it has driver conflicts and sucks up system resources, is this true? Again, I just don't want to get a card that will cause me problems. If you have any information on this, please respond. Also, if you have it, PLEASE include that so I know it's first hand knowledge. Thanks so much guys!

I am going to buy a card tonight so I need info, quick! Thanks for all the responses in advance

P.S. - Price is not an issue I want to factor into this. I just want to know if it is indeed the BEST sound card out there!

 

[Adul]

P.S. - Price is not an issue I want to factor into this. I just want to know if it is indeed the BEST sound card out there!

Dunno if it is the best, but it is pretty good. BUt i have since the sblive sworn away from creative labs products for the most part. some people have come across issues, and some haven't. Also the DRM thing can prevent you from playing pirated or even legit music. But that pertains to a certain music format and not mp3.

 

[WaverunnerZ3]

As long as it has nothing to do with MP3's THAT's AWESOME!!! Thanks. Where did you get that information?

 

[Accord99]

This is what DRM in Creative soundcards is about:

"Digital Rights Management is a copy protection technology that will enable
publishers to distribute copyrighted content a bit more safely online with fewer
concerns about mass unauthorized duplication (piracy) and secondary
redistribution. To prevent an exact digital duplicate from being mastered, the
S/PDIF outputs are disabled during playback. DVD-Audio discs will also disable
the S/PDIF output for the same reason. The inclusion of DRM support will enable
you to play back files that utilize this form of copy protection, it does not
affect other materials (e.g. MP3s) that you already have or may acquire in the
future." quoted from Harvey Fong, Creative representative for the Creative newsgroups.

So in reality, it will do nothing against the media that you currently have, it will only allow you play DRM media (if you happen for some reason to acquire some). This is unlike most other soundcards, which will not play any DRM media to begin with. And note, DRM software is not new as it was introduced with the Audigy and considering how few people seem to know that, it seems that DRM is not a big deal.

 

[Ilmater]

I know that many have had issues with Creative drivers, and I myself have stayed away from Creative entirely because of the things I've heard from people I know. There is definitely an issue that I keep running across (I have been looking to replace my Turtle Beach Santa Cruz for some time now) concerning the Audigy and 3Com network cards. Since the problem with the Audigy never got fixed, if you have a 3Com network card, I would definitely look elsewhere, such as the Acoustic Edge from Philips. Many in these forums suggest them for their clarity, features and price (I know you don't care, but really, we all do).

 

[WaverunnerZ3]

Thanks SOOOO much Accord! I am definetly getting it now! Oh, and I do not have a 3Com network card so I am okay. But, if you really want a Creative card... buy a new network card! They are as low as $10 at computer shows! Thanks you guys.

 

[fyleow]

The best sound card with gaming support is probably the Terratec DMX Fire 6, though I heard they are coming out with a new version soon.

 

[andrey]

I have Creative Audigy 2 (regular, not Platinum) in my system right now and to tell you the truth, it does sound amazing. I was having doubts if I should upgrade my regular Audigy to Audigy 2, but after hearing Audigy 2 sound there is no way I'm giving it back. I've tried several other sounds cards, including TurtleBeach and so far Audigy 2 is number one in my list as far as sound quality concerned.