How much of a difference does the soundcard make?

[dpk777]

I have the SoundBlaster Live Value hooked up with the Z560's.

If I had, for example, the Audigy...would it make a significant difference? could I really tell?

 

[Daovonnaex]

<< I have the SoundBlaster Live Value hooked up with the Z560's.

If I had, for example, the Audigy...would it make a significant difference? could I really tell? >>

You would definitely tell. The Audigy has far superior sound quality. Personally, I would never, ever use sound on an SB Live! The difference in changing to an Audigy, CS 4630 based card, or Philips Edge series is easily recognizable. You would even notice a change by getting a Vortex 1...

 

[dpk777]

SB Live is that bad?

 

[TheYetiMan]

I have a SB Live value card, and a few weeks ago picked up an Audigy Platinum because i wanted to make use of the front panel inputs.

I have Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's, so i'm not even using the surround capabilities much, though i did have a set of Boston A 945's on the cards also for testing (4.2).

I can definately tell that the Audigy is a better sounding card, both in music playback, and especially in games.

The BEST thing i like about the Audigy is just how quiet it really is.

(it also led to me moving into a larger case as my old one only had 2 5.25" bays...)