Sound Blaster Live Platinum 5.1 or Philips Acoustic Edge 5.1?

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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I just got my new Midiland S4 8200's and I only have a Sound Blaster Live Value. I want to upgrade to a sound card that has more digital features because the value does not have enough digital outputs for me. So I was going to opt for the Sound Blaster Live Platinum, but I hear that this new Philips Acoustic Edge might even be a better choice. What do you guys think, let me know all opinions.
 

TheNemesis

Golden Member
Aug 26, 2000
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If you REALLY want the live drive, I'd go with Platinum, But if you KINDA want it, or don't then definetly Acoustic Edge.
 

Vinny N

Platinum Member
Feb 13, 2000
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I think a lot of raving has been done for the Acoustic Edge,

Personally...unless the Acoustic Edge has an unbelievable waveset for MIDI playback...I would never want it. I do way too much soundfont and MIDI work to abandon the SB Live.

Otherwise I would love to try out the Acoustic Edge and see what everyone is clamoring about :)
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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Yea I think my only doubts on the Philips are that it does not have enough outputs like the Live. I mean I dunno if I really need all the outputs on the Live drive, but I think if I had it, I would definately find use for it.
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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Also I have never used any digital sound set up before, is there really that big of a difference between digital and analog audio? Will I be able to notice the difference right away or is it one of those things I need to listen to closesly?
 

SaturnX

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
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If you're a heavy gamer, and like 3D sound, then definately go with the Live!, the AE requires more CPU cycles, and actually downgrade performance of most games in comparison with the Live! using 3D sound settings.

--Mark
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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I am reading a review on the SB Live Platinum 5.1 right now, and it looks exactly like my damn Live Value, but only thing it has a Live Drive. Is the sound card itself better than the value or is the platinum just a value with a live drive?
 

divinemartyr

Platinum Member
Oct 18, 2000
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I believe the card has dolby digital decoding built onto the card, and I don't believe that was a feature of the Live! Without doing anymore research, as I prefer some other cards over the creative series, I believe this and the live drive are the only differences.

divinemartyr
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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Ok I think I am going to have to go with the Sound Blaster Live Platinum, because I plan on having alot of external hook-ups to these new speakers cause I am replacing my old stereo system with this, and I had everything hooked up to that before. My PC, TV, Cable, VCR, and DVD will all have to connect to this computer through that Live Drive, so the Platinum is definately my best bet.

I also understand that I can use coaxial cable, and optical cable for AC-3 support. I am guessing optical is better, but can someone explain the difference to me, as I don't know?
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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I think all I need to do is buy a Live Drive and hook it up to my Value. I don't need the 5.1 support on the sound card because the Midiland S4 8200's come with an ADS that has a built in Dolby Digital decoder. So I only need the Live Drive for its outputs, thats about it.
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
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I was just doing some research to find out that Creative Labs has a Digital I/O card that does everything I need it too, and it hooks up to my existing Sound Blaster Live Value. Digital I/O. Anyone know any online retailers than I can pick up this card from?! Thanks alot.
 

Stealth1024

Platinum Member
Aug 9, 2000
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I have the SB Live Platinum, 5.1 Card. If you are into gaming or watching DVD movies, the SB card is the one for you (if you have a good 5.1 speaker system to go along with it of course).
 

Dynamix3D

Senior member
Oct 31, 2000
810
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Yea but where do they sell the Live Drive or the Digital I/O card seperately? Anyone know of any places?