Hercules Game Theater XP vs Sound Blaster Audigy 2

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I have the GTXP and I have had no problems at all with it. The box that sits on your desk is EXTREMELY convenient if you don't have a USB hub, and it's also a much better place to plug your microphone in than the back of your computer. It has a LOT of connections, and most of them I don't use, but someone must! lol...

I would definately recommend the GTXP because it's an excellent card and I have had no problems with the drivers (which have been updated recently on the Hercules site) like other people have reported, and I'm using WindowsXP. It also has a price advantage, at least from the places I buy things. That being said, I've heard nothing but good things about the Audigy2. I'd still recommend GTXP over that, though, because it has the breakout box and is cheaper.

 

[Johnbear007]

Hey, I was just wondering, is there any reason to get a card with cool enviromental audio effects if you are only using headphones or 2.1 speakers?

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Johnbear007
Hey, I was just wondering, is there any reason to get a card with cool enviromental audio effects if you are only using headphones or 2.1 speakers?

Yes, the A2 has CMSS2 which is a newer 3D sound spatialization (is that even a word?) algorithm that specifically mentions improved headphone 3D effects in its specs. Its also great for 5.1 output (emulated DD-EX) from analog sources, which is a feature that does a decent job of competing with nForce2's real-time DD encoding. I've never used a Phillips card, but those who have used both have noted it is much closer to the Phillips implementation of Sensaura3D for headphones.

Chiz

 

[Spicedaddy]

Originally posted by: chizow

Originally posted by: Johnbear007
Hey, I was just wondering, is there any reason to get a card with cool enviromental audio effects if you are only using headphones or 2.1 speakers?

Yes, the A2 has CMSS2 which is a newer 3D sound spatialization (is that even a word?) algorithm that specifically mentions improved headphone 3D effects in its specs. Its also great for 5.1 output (emulated DD-EX) from analog sources, which is a feature that does a decent job of competing with nForce2's real-time DD encoding. I've never used a Phillips card, but those who have used both have noted it is much closer to the Phillips implementation of Sensaura3D for headphones.

Chiz

Sensaura is on Crystal cards (GTXP, SantaCruz, etc.). Philips calls it QMSS I think...

 

[Johnbear007]

hmm I guess ill just go for it then from newegg

 

[Johnbear007]

Ok..


I just recieved my Audigy 2. I am glad I decided on the Audgy 2. The sound quality is fantastic, and DVD Audio demo is really cool.

 

[jagr10]

the hercules drivers that came on cd didn't work for me so i had to download them off of their site and it worked nicely, My GXP is still great and i've had my version since July 2001

 

[paralazarguer]

Audigy 2 dude. All the way.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Johnbear007
Ok..


I just recieved my Audigy 2. I am glad I decided on the Audgy 2. The sound quality is fantastic, and DVD Audio demo is really cool.

Another hater turned believer. Glad you are enjoying it

Chiz