Audigy 2 ZS -> X-Fi Platinum

[GimpyFuzznut]

Well, the topic summary pretty much states it all. The X-Fi Platinum is available for a hundred bucks here in Canada and I was wondering if it make a worthwhile difference? I play a lot of MP3s and occasionally game on my PC although its starting to show its age (going to upgrade at the end of the year). I also use my PC for MC/HTPC in my room, connected to the Z5500 as stated.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Gaming is probably where you'd notice the biggest difference.

Some people think it's a big difference, some people don't notice it as much.

If you can sell the current card and make the upgrade even more affordable, it probably makes sense to do so.

I don't know if the Xtreme Music is any cheaper for you (or the XtremeGamer), but those would also be ones to look at. They lack the drivebay though, so if that's something you want then the Platinum would be the cheapest option.

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

Well for 85 bucks, it doesn't seem like a bad deal. Think I might do it and sell my Audigy 2.

 

[Schadenfroh]

I really doubt that it is worth the upgrade.

 

[keeleysam]

I upgraded from an Audigy 2 to an X-Fi Platinum, and can tell the difference greatly.

Make sure your Z-5500s are connected via analog, as the built in DSP isn't very good at all.

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

Ya definitely going to go for analog connection - XFI digital connection only gives 5.1 for movies and already existing 5.1 soundtracks, so its kinda useless. Going to use the digital connects on the 5500 for my 360 and STB.

 

[keeleysam]

You can use the SPDIF in on the X-Fi for those, and it'll most likely sound better.

 

[QueBert]

I went from Audigy 2 to an X-Fi, I noticed a difference but I wouldn't say it was drastic. Everyone hears different. Going from my X-Fi to my Razer I noticed a much bigger difference, but for you the opposite might be true.

IMHO you won't notice 100 dollars worth of difference. but then again I dropped 200 on my Razer so I should be the last one to say something isn't a smart buy

 

[alcoholbob]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
You can use the SPDIF in on the X-Fi for those, and it'll most likely sound better.

The SPDIF doesn't use the X-Fi DACs, it simply offloads the work to the Z-5500s processor. If you are going to use SPDIF, there should not be a difference between the cards.

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: Astrallite

Originally posted by: keeleysam
You can use the SPDIF in on the X-Fi for those, and it'll most likely sound better.

The SPDIF doesn't use the X-Fi DACs, it simply offloads the work to the Z-5500s processor. If you are going to use SPDIF, there should not be a difference between the cards.

Reread my post.

I'm suggesting using the digital in on the X-Fi for the Xbox, and analog to the Z-5500s.