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Audigy 2 ZS vs Audigy XFi Extreme

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dman918

Senior member
The audigy 2 zs is $40 after rebate, and the xfi is $75 after rebate. I do play some mp3s and games, but am not hardcore. I just figure it is time for an upgrade. I have Boston Acoustic BA7900s found at http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1126462,00.asp.
Which is a better sound card to go with? Will there be an appreciable difference between the audigy I have and these two cards?
Thanks for the input!
Mike
 
Originally posted by: Brian48
I have both. Get the X-FI.
Click to expand...

please elaborate why its worth the upgrade? I have the 2ZS and was thinking about the X-FI, but there hasnt been any real data on why its better sonically.
 
Originally posted by: Tiamat
Originally posted by: Brian48
I have both. Get the X-FI.
Click to expand...

please elaborate why its worth the upgrade? I have the 2ZS and was thinking about the X-FI, but there hasnt been any real data on why its better sonically.
Click to expand...

I have both (actually, I think I have every SB generation of sound cards 🙂 ) and yes, the X-FI sounds better, no hiss, dont have to mute everything to eliminate hiss, the 3DCMSS thing works as stated. but I am one who actually uses the SW that comes with the SB series of cards and I have to say, the X-FI has the worse SW. The EAX control panel where you can add echo, flanger and what not when listening to music or whatever just sucks on the X-FI. IMO.
 
This is one of those cases where if you have to ask, you're probably not a candidate for the more expensive model.

Save some money and get the Audigy, it's more than enough for casual users, especially if you don't primarily use headphones.
 
Yes just go with the audigy 2, its a good card, will suit your needs well. Listening to aha-take on me, right now with an audigy 2 in my comp.
 
Originally posted by: Oyeve
Originally posted by: Tiamat
Originally posted by: Brian48
I have both. Get the X-FI.
Click to expand...

please elaborate why its worth the upgrade? I have the 2ZS and was thinking about the X-FI, but there hasnt been any real data on why its better sonically.
Click to expand...

I have both (actually, I think I have every SB generation of sound cards 🙂 ) and yes, the X-FI sounds better, no hiss, dont have to mute everything to eliminate hiss, the 3DCMSS thing works as stated. but I am one who actually uses the SW that comes with the SB series of cards and I have to say, the X-FI has the worse SW. The EAX control panel where you can add echo, flanger and what not when listening to music or whatever just sucks on the X-FI. IMO.
Click to expand...

What's an SW?
I have an X-fi, but I upgraded from onboard, so of course the Xfi sounds great for me, but I think you'd be better off with an Audigy 2 like others said.
 
I do not use headphones nor do I plan to. Like I said earlier, I am just thinking of getting one of the two cards since the audigy I have is getting a little old, and there is some hiss that I would like to lower. Also, with more games supporting EAX, it seems like it would be beneficial to have a card that supports the latest technology. One thing that I have noticed with the audigy I have now is that the surround sound seems kind of uneven. There is not any really smooth transition in a lot of games when it comes to where sounds come from.
 
I had the X-Fi and swapped it out for an Audigy 2 ZA Platinum.

I can't tell the difference.

So yeah go with the audigy 2.
 
One thing that I have noticed with the audigy I have now is that the surround sound seems kind of uneven. There is not any really smooth transition in a lot of games when it comes to where sounds come from.
Click to expand...

Personally with my Audigy 4 seems ok to me,I think you are better off waiting for PCI Express Soundcard(you can bet Creative will release one sooner or later) then a move to X-FI PCI soundcard,more of a sideways move IMHO.
 
Originally posted by: PrayForDeath
Originally posted by: Oyeve
Originally posted by: Tiamat
Originally posted by: Brian48
I have both. Get the X-FI.
Click to expand...

please elaborate why its worth the upgrade? I have the 2ZS and was thinking about the X-FI, but there hasnt been any real data on why its better sonically.
Click to expand...

I have both (actually, I think I have every SB generation of sound cards 🙂 ) and yes, the X-FI sounds better, no hiss, dont have to mute everything to eliminate hiss, the 3DCMSS thing works as stated. but I am one who actually uses the SW that comes with the SB series of cards and I have to say, the X-FI has the worse SW. The EAX control panel where you can add echo, flanger and what not when listening to music or whatever just sucks on the X-FI. IMO.
Click to expand...

What's an SW?
I have an X-fi, but I upgraded from onboard, so of course the Xfi sounds great for me, but I think you'd be better off with an Audigy 2 like others said.
Click to expand...

SW=software.
 
According to this article here http://www.guru3d.com/newsitem.php?id=300

It seems PCIe is not so suitable for Audio cards afterall. Would a PCIe X-Fi have any noticeable difference or advantage in terms of performance? I am quite happy with my PCI version right now. Dang, maybe the mobos of the future will have all PCI e and made PCI go down the path of ISA soon.
 
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