best sound card out there?

[clicknext]

Yes, I am going for the big cheese this week and getting a the Z-560!

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: supertle
As for speakers,

This is what I think about speakers. They are something that hold their value. They're not like computers where your computer is outdated in about 2-3 years or even faster! I think the same way for monitors too. CRT Monitors held their value pretty good until LCD came out in huge numbers in the last year or so. So what I suggest is buy the best speaker system there is. This is an item you should not skimp out on. Don't be cheap and settle. Buy something that you can enjoy and keep for 10+ years. I went with the TB Santa Cruz and the Klipsch 5.1 6 speaker system. At buy.com u can get the Santa Cruz for $41.80 and at buyxtremegear.com you can get the Klipsch 5.1 for $338 shipping included. It may sound like a lot of money, believe me it's worth it.

Whoa!... $338 ... was going to go order it... but i just saw their resellerratings score and well i don't wanna take the chance... might come with no problems... might not... sigh...

 

[supertle]

Reseller rating? What do you mean? Where did u find that... send me link if u can ... i am interested

 

[millsy]

personally i would buy yourself an amp, anything under $100 should do. preferrably well known make.
and get yourself some good stand mount speakers around $100 should be okay

i am running Kef Cresta 2 speakers with a Cambridge Audio A1 V2 which totalled £150 which in dollars is about $90 i think???

they sound absolutally superb, very FULL and mp3's are amazing.

 

[yeknomboy]

an amp? what is the difference between that and a sound card? or get that in addition to a sound card?
sorry....i'm not too familiar with this

 

[sumrtym]

For sound card, I'd recommend the Santa Cruz. Clean, clear, and IMHO, much better than Creative and their drives/software.

For speakers, check these out...with one warning: NOT FOR SURROUND SOUND IN GAMES UNLESS USING THE NFORCE MOBO!!!!! There's no analog inputs for the rear channels, so forget about full surround in games. However, as Carmack (DOOM III) said, it will support Dolby Digital 5.1, and he thinks ALL games will end up going that route over EAX. Then, these WOULD get surround. Anyway....nice little remote, SPDIF and OPTICAL connection, good for music and great for DVD, can attach to xbox/playstaion, DVD, or computer; and have a nice balance to all the speakers. The bass certainly can't compete with the Klipsch, but is very nicely balanced in the system. Will shake the walls, not blow them down. Some may view that as a negative. Was so impressed with mine, ordered a third set (third because a friend bought mine from me the first night he heard them on some movies) for my parents as a gift.

Here's a link.... I posted it as a hot deal back then. See they're still discounted, so think I'll repost it again as it's been MANY months. Believe they should be $334 with shipping if ordered in States.

http://www.icuii.com/hardware/

 

[DWM]

I like my TB sana cruz with THX(a Lansings)5=1 stero 2X2 w/blaster. Except headset hard to set-up.And the remotes a waist so far unless the controls are out of reach.

 

[gujuguy007]

I would say Creative Sound Blaster because its generally compatabile and widely used. I prefer the Sound Blaster Live! 5.1. I've used it for a year now and love it. Plus its real cheap at Newegg . Like other people have said, if price is not an issue go for the Audigy. If you want good speakers since essentially they make the difference...i would go with Altec Lansing Ultimate 621 for music...also good for gaming since the bass is real good. However, those speakers are pricey. You can look for the older Altecs and possibly go for the AVS500B which gives you a 4.1 surround sound for a total gaming experience.