Audigy 2 ZS vs. Integrated Audigy Advanced HD on a Dell XPS 400

[Mavtech]

I currently own an Audigy 2 ZS PCI card. I have a Dell XPS 400 on the way which has the integrated Audigy Advanced HD Audio on the Mobo. I would like to go with the integrated audio if the quality is the same or better. Anyone know the difference? Thanks.

 

[tjpark1111]

audigy 2 zs is better. YOU GOT A DELL! *GASP* jk.

 

[Mavtech]

Originally posted by: tjpark1111
audigy 2 zs is better. YOU GOT A DELL! *GASP* jk.

Yeah, it was about time to go to Dual Core and PCI Express. Dell obviously is the best deal for the money. Got the XPS from Outlet for $469. They never have deals on the XPS desktops. So, I went to the Outlet.

More info on the comparison: I don't care about the Firewire port on the ZS. I have never used it and the XPS has one on the front of the case if I ever need one.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Mavtech

Originally posted by: tjpark1111
audigy 2 zs is better. YOU GOT A DELL! *GASP* jk.

Yeah, it was about time to go to Dual Core and PCI Express. Dell obviously is the best deal for the money. Got the XPS from Outlet for $469. They never have deals on the XPS desktops. So, I went to the Outlet.

More info on the comparison: I don't care about the Firewire port on the ZS. I have never used it and the XPS has one on the front of the case if I ever need one.

:thumbsup: For buying a Dell refurb. Best performance for your buck, ever.

 

[Mavtech]

So, does anyone have any details on the Audigy Advanced on the XPS 400 Mobo? I have one person here who says to go with the Audigy 2 ZS PCI and one person on another forum who says they are about the same. Comments?

 

[tjpark1111]

well have a listen to your integrated stuff right now. are you satisfied? if not, I bet most certainly the audigy 2 zs will fulfill your needs.

 

[Chris2wire]

Trust me, itll sound better, a whole world of difference. Onboard audio tends to be far below par compared to audigys... I discovered that when I got my audigy 2 to replace my onboard audio on my nforce2. wow what a difference.

Another thing is it helps with performance by having a soundcard do the processing instead of onboard

 

[gunblade]

The Audigy advance HD is essentially a cost-optimized version of EMU10k1 chip, which is also used in the audigy value line.

As a result, Audigy ZS2 should be better in both CPU utilization and noise level.

 

[Mavtech]

Thanks! I went with the Audigy 2 ZS card. I disabled the onboard sound.

Man, this XPS 400 is faaaaast.