Bang for the buck-wise...Santa Cruz, GTXP, or Acoustic Edge?

[eLiu]

I know this question has been asked...but I dont think there've been any threads where cost actually mattered...too many rich ppl jk

but seriously...right now, I have a Best Data Theatrix sound card...it was one of the first 5.1 cards (which is why we bought it...we also bought a set of 5.1 speakers early too lol). It came out ~6 months before the 5.1 SB Live! cards.

Anyway...it isnt very good for gaming (but better than nothing), but it has 0 Win2K driver support...so i'm stuck with onboard sound (AC97)...ouch.

Sooo...it's time for a new sound card...lol. I have a Via 686B southbridge...which means SB Live is a no-no, leaving me with Santa Cruz, GTXP, and Acoustic Edge.

Which one of those cards has the best bang for the buck value? Win2K support is VERY important--i have dual boot...but i prefer win2K over ME (like most ppl lol).

I'm hoping for something less than 60-70...tho if it is really THAT great...i might spend some more.

-eric

 

[Budman]

Bang for the Buck,Sblive Value.

 

[Wingznut]

The Santa Cruz can be had for around $70. The Herc is about $60 more, but it includes the breakout box. They are basically the same chipset, and the same Sensaura technology. It just depends on if the breakout box is worth the extra cash to you.

 

[Alienwho]

You should be able to pick up an acoustic edge or santa cruz in FS/FT for around $60.

Either one will do you justice.

 

[VBboy]

Hercules Gametheater XP does not provide 5.1 mode for playing games, the subwoofer and center speaker will be silent (it won't even do a virtual 5.1 like the Santa Cruz, Phillips and SB will).

I have to warn you that on the two Game theaters that I tested, the RCA and other connectors were kind of loose and didn't look very reliable.

 

[Tates]

I love my Acoustic Edge. I beleive there is a $20 rebate from Philips in effect.

 

[drewski]

i've had good success with my santa cruz

 

[jeffrey]

the philips cards are providing good bang for the buck, but continue to hear nothing but positives for the Santa Cruz.

 

[eLiu]

Ok...well, I look deeper into the topic...but it seems as if I can't go wrong with the Santa Cruz or the Acoustic Edge

5.1 isn't that important (yet)...I only have some old 2.1 speakers...(they're still pretty good...but no loner the best lol)

Time to start watching FS/FT forums for the right deal...lol

-eric

 

[ace31216]

I had the SB Live card but it gave too many problems with my system. My computer kept crashing. I replaced it with the Philips Acoustic Edge and it has worked like a dream. It's very nice and I definitely recommend it. Not too long ago, I was a rebate for it. You should be able to get it for 60-70 bucks.

 

[Maverick]

man I don't think this question has been asked enough.

 

[whitelight]

go for the acoustic edge. its qmss technology is too sweet to pass up.

 

[bozo1]

As much as I've enjoyed my GTXP, I really couldn't recommend it at this point. There are some driver problems in W2K and major ones in XP. Hercules has yet to release an XP driver and refuses to comment on when they will. Santa Cruz on the otherhand has been very responsive to driver problems and even has a beta XP driver out. Add on the fact that many major retailers (Best Buy, CompUSA) have stopped carrying them...