Should I upgrade my audio rig?

[darXoul]

As stated in thread title, I need some advice regarding the possible upgrade of my audio rig. I want to make a pure performance upgrade soon (GF6800 or RX800 video card, A64 CPU, etc.) but since I'm still waiting for new video cards and motherboards, I'm currently in the process of upgrading my peripheral devices (printer, mouse, and so on).

As for my audio rig, I need it for gaming, some MP3s (although I do have dedicated hardware for listening to my favorite music) and an occasional DVD movie.

I currently have:
- Creative SB Audigy Gamer sound card,
- Altec Lansing ACS54 (4.1) speakers.

Now, I thought about getting:
- Creative SB Audigy 2 card (Gamer or even ZS - if I should get A2, which one?),
- Logitech Z-640 speakers.

What I want is:
- good sound quality,
- full functionality in games (latest EAX, etc.),
- moderate price (that's why I didn't even mention Z-680 speakers which are IMO insanely expensive in Europe).

The question is simple and I think that many of you can answer it on the basis of own experience with the aforementioned hardware: would it make sense to get those new speakers and sound card? Would I really notice the difference or is it a waste of money? Please help me decide.

Thanks in advance, any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Jeff7]

Fair warning about the z-640s - the bass is pretty darn strong even at the lowest setting. At the highest setting, you'll probably suffer hearing damage.
Just so you know. If you (and anyone you may live with) like bass, then fine. If you want to turn the bass off, you'll need a software equalizer.

 

[Alkaline5]

I'm using a set of ACS54s and have a friend with the Z-640s. There's no question that you would hear a great improvement if you upgraded your speakers.

As for the Audigies, I can't say I've compared the two, but that upgrade would probably be hardly noticeable compared to the difference in the speakers.

 

[mrbios]

You probably won't notice that much of a difference going from an Audigy to an Audigy2. However, you will notice a BIG difference in upgrading your speakers. I used to own the ACS54s, and they we pretty good in their time, but even compared to the Z640s, they're horrible. I've got a set of Z640s at work, and I agree, that they are pretty bassy. However, I like bass.

 

[darXoul]

Thanks for your opinions. I like bass too so I guess the Logitech speakers are a good upgrade in my case BTW, I didn't realize that the difference between ACS54 and Z-640 was that significant. I mean, it's pretty obvious that Z-640 are superior in terms of technical specs but to call ACS54 horrible in comparison to them is perhaps a little exaggerated, isn't it? Anyway, I think I'll get both then - the A2 card and the speakers.

 

[Accord99]

Speakers have a far great impact on sound quality than electronics, I would spend the total sum of money you've allocated for the A2/Z640 for speakers only.