SB: Audigy vs SB: Live --What additional benefits?

[Akaz1976]

I am considering upgrading from my current SB Live Value to Audigy so i was wondering what additional benefits do i get from this upgrade? my live value card already has 5.1 sound and digital out.

Also whats the difference between various versions of audigy floating about? i bought a live value card cause its essentially the same card as platinum, gamer and MP3 with only accessories and software package differing. Is it the same case with Audigy?

Akaz

 

[murphy55d]

Honestly unless youre an audiophile, there isn't a whole lot of difference, at least that I can tell. Sound-wise, anyway. I have an SB Live 5.1, IMO doesn't sound a whole lot different than the Audigy.

The audigy does have a firewire port, if that's at all important to you.

 

[Akaz1976]

what does a firwire port do? and no benefit other than un preceivable (atleast by me ) sound quality change?

Akaz

 

[Viper GTS]

Firewire is used for connecting high-bandwidth external devices (digital video cameras, scanners, hard drives, cdrw's, etc.).

Much like USB, only a hell of a lot faster.

Viper GTS

 

[DN]

Firewire port can be used to hook up 2 PC's for fast transfers or to hook up firewire devices such as camcorders and the like.. I upgraded from a SB 5.1 to Audigy and I'm quite happy about it.. Once games take advantage of advanced EAX, there'll be a large benefit over the SB 5.1, if you need firewire, it's there..

 

[Mem]

I`ve both a SB Live and Audigy and can hear the difference,the main benefits are better sound quality ,lower CPU usage in gaming and advanced EAX & fireport which was already mentioned by murphy55d.Gaming wise for me it`s enjoyable with clearer more detailed sound ( gaming in CS is a good example),now if your going to ask is it worth the upgrade then only you can decide that with your own ears.


The Fireport can be used for connection of Fireport hardware like scanners with fireport connection etc.

 

[Akaz1976]

Thanx guys for the info. I am pretty much sold on upgrading now. Next question is what are the differences between various versions of Audigy?

Akaz

 

[Oyeve]

<< Next question is what are the differences between various versions of Audigy? >>


The only dif between the gamer, mp3 and platinum are the SW packages and with the platinum you get the live drive thingy. All 3 of the cards are the same.

 

[Akaz1976]

<< All 3 of the cards are the same.
>>



This holds true for the OEM card being sold as well? (around US$50)

Akaz

 

[cleverhandle]

<<

<< All 3 of the cards are the same.
>>



This holds true for the OEM card being sold as well? (around US$50)

Akaz >>



Yes, it's the same as the others, but includes no bonus software.

 

[Mavrick007]

<<

<<

<< All 3 of the cards are the same.
>>



This holds true for the OEM card being sold as well? (around US$50)

Akaz >>



Yes, it's the same as the others, but includes no bonus software. >>



The connectors on the Audigy OEM are plastic while the platinum and MP3 or Gamer are gold plated conectors. It's basically the same hardware though and shouldn't offer any difference in sound except for the quality of the connectors, which doesn't make a diff to alot of people.