New SoundBlasters!!!

[SolTek]

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/platinum5.1/

 

[Viper GTS]

Sweet...

How much you wanna bet it will cost $250, though?

My $54 SB Live! Value works just fine, thank you.

Viper GTS

 

[Sugadaddy]

They also got new versions (5.1) of the x-gamer and mp3+...

I want a Live! Value 5.1

 

[Alphacowboy]

all that is different is the 5.1 the hardware looks the same all it is, is software and I think they got the Dolby certification... they better have the software updates for us current SB LIVE! holders! If not I just might have to "borrow" the software from a new one! hehehe

 

[dl]

[Cough!]search![/Cough!]

 

[dl]

 

[NFS4]

LOL dl

 

[dl]

couldn't help it

 

[Zucchini]

This is getting old, but as ussual creative had to come out with 5.1 to catch up with other cards Its not exactly something new hehe Santa cruz has 5.1 AND a3d.

 

[Auric]

As said in other thread they look to be priced the same. At first I thought it was just a software thing and they only changed the marketing (like last time) but it must have a Dolby Digital decoder on board along with the six analog outputs to be used with a "digital ready" receiver, as opposed to just passing the digital signal out to an external digital decoder like any Live! card does. Which means if you want a good setup you are paying for two decoders. As I said before these came out, it just doesn't make any sense to output 6+ channels of analog from the soundcard. I suppose you can get more simulated surround modes but that should be left up to the content creator to include real standardized DD, DTS, SDDS, DPL, or whatever. So, for now I still think it's kinda nutty. I'm sure it fits in well with their plan to sell more of their gear, but it's not a great solution.

 

[Mday]

i think it's because that DVD audio is coming out (after the delay).

i had already figured that it was about time for mainstream ac3 to get into the pc, as in actual ac3.

 

[Piano Man]

16 bit DAC!!! Only 16 bit!!! No thanks. I still say Turtle Beach makes the best consumer/low-end professional sound cards.

 

[Techno]

I hope Creative Labs new DTT3500 speakers will work perfectly w/ a santa cruz card

 

[Zucchini]

Yes, i dunno the stats for the dtt3500, but i doubt they will match a klipsch promedia

 

[Madcowz]

Both new lines, the cambridge speakers and the live 5.1 cards are just a gimmick! Are you kidding me? The DTT3500 has the same exact specs as the DTT2500, and the pictures show that they use the same speakers, subwoofer and decoder box except for a different design on the decoder box plus a dinky remote. As for the Live! 5.1 line, they are the SAME exact cards except the only difference is full 5.1 sound ouput capabilities. That is such a gimmick b/c all current Live cards (except some value's) can do the same w/ the digital miniplug, Digital DIN, a daughterboard, or even the Live Drive via SPDIF. So basically you'll be buying a Live card with "5.1" slapped on the box. I suppose you have the advantage of a remote if you're going to buy the Platinum 5.1, but if you already have a Live I say stick with it.

 

[Zucchini]

Ouch thats pathetic. I was a soundworks microworks owner before i got my klipsch. Creative needs a higher quality more powerful speaker set.. the dtt2500's don't cut it. I had the original soundworks also, can't stand the sound from those satts after a while.

 

[Dug]

People need to stop trying to make their computers play movies.

A cheap all-in-one home theater such as the Kenwood HTB-503 will blow away anything that creative makes. And will be cheaper. Never mind that you can actually sit on a couch, you don't have to listen to the noise of your computer running, you'll have complete control of video and audio without getting up, you'll get real bass, and if you really want to upgrade you don't have to rely on powered speakers as your only choice.

My point is- there's no reason to buy a new creative sound card with 5.1.
If it adds A3D 1&2, then it might be worth looking at.

 

[andylawcc]

Dealer: let me guess.

you have a voodoo5 5500, with a PIII700@952 on a i815 mobo with 128mb of PC133@136, and a Kenwood True 72X, and a 30 gig harddrive and 22 floppies???

 

[NOS]

New Soundblasters=More problems! I love soundblaster quality but man they gotta do somthin with those drivers!!!!!!

 

[andylawcc]

meanwhile,

check this

I guess these could be the same.

 

[Lore]

Where'd you guys find the links to the DTT3500s? I have a DTT2500.

 

[Doctorweir]

Turn to quality, turn to Terratec

Errrm, the EWS64XL is in my second computer (honestly...)

 

[Dug]

andylawcc-

Your the first person to guess my sig.

The 22 is for 22" Mitsubishi DP2020u monitor. Nice and flat BTW.

I don't think I even own 22 floppies.

The rest of what you guessed is true.

 

[Souka]

SB Live, Monster MX300.....all sound the same on my $140 headphones when listening to my LP-converted to CD collection.

Oh well....

 

[Lore]

Ah, answered my own question.

CSW DTT3500s:

Cambridge Soundworks DTT3500