Audigy or Memory?

[Ram0]

Trying to make a decison on my next investment. I just built a 1800+, EpoX 8kha+, 256mb DDR, and Gainward GF3 ti450. Running windows xp pro. How does the Audigy compare to the SB Live Value that Im using now? I listen to music 24-7 on my computer, but I heard the difference between the 2 for mp3s isnt much. Would adding another 256mb for my XP system be a better investment?

 

[ojai00]

I think you'd be better off getting more memory. Since you already have a sound card and all you're going to do is to listen to music, your Live Value should be fine for now. I think the real difference would be better speakers not the sound card, for music, anyway. Hope this helps.

 

[Bilvader]

The sound difference between a little bit older Monster mx300 and Audigy was truly awesome.

I generally tend to spend more money (investments, as you call it) on stuff which one of my five senses will appreciate rather than just attempting to get a few more fps. So I have a top of the line monitor and SB Audigy with Altec lansing 5.1 speakers. This is definite eye and ear candy and I believe this impacts the overall quality of a gaming experience more.

Most games these days are so graphic intensive and less reliant upon CPU and memory (as long as you have a minimum requisite level) that as long as you have a GF2/3 you will be okay.

Just my opinions, though.

 

[MasterHoss]

I'd say get speakers too.

The card will only help if you have good speakers. RAM would be the second choice.

 

[Strawberrymom]

get the audigy, and wait for memory to come down

 

[Ram0]

I have pretty good yamaha speakers, only 2 satellites and a big subwoofer, but thats all I really need. I spent over 100 dollars for them so I dont feel like forkin over another few hundred bucks for some more speakers.

 

[bacillus]

the card upgrade will only be worth it if you have matching good speakers to appreciate the improved sound quality!

 

[Ram0]

I already got DECENT SPEAKERS! Yamaha YST50 (think thats the model)

 

[BADONE]

Get the Audigy. It's truly an awesome soundcard. I also had a Soundblaster Live before and the difference was immediately noticeable, which I had not really espected.
As for memory, you can never have enough memory. But with the upcoming DDR 333 perhaps it's better to wait and get one of these sticks when they're coming out.

 

[Ram0]

I guess Im getting an Audigy.

 

[Jfrag Teh Foul]

My opinion is for the memory. I have been using a SB Live! Value since it was released and the other day I got to hear the Audigy doing its thing... Bah! If you only have a 3 spkr setup I don't think you're going to hear much difference.

My teeth grind everytime a frame looks just a little bit choppy or outta place so I tend to put emphasis on mem/proc/vid card more than the sound anyway.

My 2 cp