SB Audigy vs. Nvidia Soundstorm

[bullion416]

I am debating on which sound driver to use. I currently am using a Sound Blaster Audigy (the first one) and running it to my home theatre reciever via the digital output on the Audigy card (then running it into the digital coax on my reciever). This summer when I bought a new motherbaord (Abit NF7-s) it came with built in sound (Nvidia Soundstorm) which has an optical output. I am debating on whether to scrap my Audigy card and just use the onboard sound. Does anyone know which one is better (sound quality wise)?

 

[EeyoreX]

I bought a nForce2 board (MSI K7N2 Delta-ILSR) and immediately removed my Audigy and used the onboard sound. It sounds great to me. I personally think it's a little better than the Audigy. I suppose the easiesst thing would be to try both and decide for yourself.

\Dan

 

[dejacky]

soundstorm..yes i use it too

 

[petery83]

if you're using the digital outputs, then it's definitely the Soundstorm

 

[LouPoir]

nforce SoundStorm is excellent - IMHO

Lou

 

[Maddscientist]

I happen to have the sound storm audio crackling problem myself analoge but when I run my onboard via Digital Coax out its lovely. Plus I personaly prefer the NForce audio control panel over creatives bloated interface.


Audigy<SoundStorm

 

[Jeff7]

Soundstorm good.
Audigy = instant rebate (FS/T forum)

 

[bullion416]

So I decided to stop being lazy and finally give the Soundstorm a try. Wow, it sounded great running to my stereo (optical hookup of course). I am not too psyched about having to buy another optical cable but I guess I don't have to spend $60 on a high end Monster Cable this time. Now, if I could only find someone to buy my Audigy...

 

[bullion416]

What do you think a fair price is to ask for my Audigy? It has the built in firewire port and the game port adapter too.

 

[Ronstang]

I just tried the Soundstorm for the first time tonight after building my new system with a DFI LanParty mobo and I am quite impressed. I think my Audigy is going to sit on the shelf for a while. I have a Platinum Live Drive that was nice but the FrontX that came with the LanParty takes care of the headphones so that problem is solved.

 

[bullion416]

Is there any software I need to install for the SoundStorm card besides the nVidia nForce drivers?

 

[EeyoreX]

Nope, just the drivers and you'll be set. You can use either nVidias or the motherboard manufacturers.

\Dan

 

[bullion416]

Ok, so I took out my Audigy for good and sold it to a friend. Does anyone know why there aren't bass and trebble controls for the SoundStorm (I would expect that only if I was using the digital output, but I am using the analog output)?

 

[dejacky]

There are, they should be in the nvidia sound control panel. Enable EQ.