Live! drivers + XP = Crap, Question about Santa Cruz and Klipsch 5.1

[SonicFlux]

I'm tired of my sblive drivers not working in XP. So I'm thinking about buying a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz, but I have one question:

If I buy the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 system, will I be able to play DVDs in Dolby Digital 5.1 with a Santa Cruz?

I'm a little confused since the Klipsch 5.1 only accepts analog input (3 mini jacks).
Any other limitations with a Santa Cruz/Klipsch5.1 setup I should be worried about?






(details on sblive/XP problem:
- Install XP from scratch
- XP auto-detects/installs native sblive support
- download/install sblive's XP driver update which installs AudiHQ and something else
- run AudioHQ and select "Speaker" to configure speaker setup
- After rebooting a few times, the "Speaker" option stops working and causes an error report)

 

[NTguru]

Good choice in the Klipsch 5.1 pick me up a set too
I suggest the Philips Accoustic Edge if you want pure sounds, the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz uses the same processor and stuff, just different driver support. As for your question, the Klipsch support Dolby Digital 5.1 so you should be fine.

 

[Icy]

I have the exact setup that your wanting. I have no problems what so ever with Santa Cruz in Win9x\NT\2000prof\XPprof. Yes I do alot of cross platform and the drivers are fine.

While I have been impressed with the Santa Cruz, I keep seeing those darn Audigy cards and they keep calling my name. But I have tried to swear off Creative products. Partly because I can't stand a company that gets to big for it's own good. Lousy drivers, lack of updates, etc... etc... The last Creative tech I talked to was one of the rudest people I have dealt with in a long time. I better stop there..LOL

Any more questions on the setup let me know and I will try to help.

Icy

 

[MasterHoss]

I agree with NTguru. If you want full-time 5.1 surround sound, the Philips AcousticEdge is the way to go. Its QMSS does a good job of producing the 5th channel for all inputs...even line-in (IE: if you have a TV tuner).

Otherwise, I'd definately tell you to get the Creative SoundBlaster Audigy (any flavor you want). Note that all other consumer cards (Audigy, Live! 5.1, Santa Cruz, Game Theater XP, etc) are able to produce a 5th channel ... but none will do what the AcousticEdge can do.

 

[SonicFlux]

Well I just picked up a Santa Cruz at the local CompUSA for $80 (needed it tonight). I wasn't willing to spend over $100 for another sound card, so I didn't even consider the Audigy. Besides, this is my way of "thanking" Creative for their lovely win2k/XP support...

 

[SonicFlux]

What do ya know! The Santa Cruz works great! The software/drivers are much lighter than the Creative "bloatware," and the system didn't even need to reboot after installation. I love being able to change the VersaJack on the fly... And as far as sound quality, CD audio plays in perfect digital bliss. And I honestly can't hear the difference between the two cards.

The Santa Cruz rocks for winXP

 

[crt1530]

Now you just need your Promedia 5.1 system .

 

[Maggotry]

I'll never own another Creative sound card since I bought the Santa Cruz. I love it!

 

[Icy]

Like I said, I have no regrets. If your that happy just with the SC your gonna fall over when you hear it matched with the 5.1's.
Congrats,

ICY