Sound Blaster Live Value vs MP3+

[nauman]

I was wondering what difference does it make to have the Value version of the SB Live or the MP3+. The major diff I saw on the site was that the MP3+ has the SPDIF port available and the Value does not have it. What is the port used for and what is the value of the port to pay extra 40$ for. ( i know the software bundle is there as well)..
Should i spend that much money? I do RIP songs from my personal CD's (which are kept in the car) so i can listen to them while working on computer.

thanks

 

[Auric]

The original Value did not have the ready to use external connector but an RCA cable can be hooked up to the on-board pins. It is for digital coaxial output so is most useful for attaching to an external digital decoder for DVD. You can add a coaxial and electrical output for about $12. Search the forum for more info or check out listen.to/sblive

 

[xtreme2k]

which SPDIF port are you refering to? internal SPDIF or external SPDIF

the internal SPDIF is for digital connection to the CDROM instead of analog. It benefits if you play Audio CD (not mp3) from your CDROM, instead of the using CDROM's DAC you use SBLive!'s DAC which should be of higher quality.

edit: There are actually 2 version of SBLive!value. The 'old' version which does not have External SPDIF has Internal SPDIF.
the newer version (this is the version most people have i think) has external SPDIF but no internal SPDIF

 

[nauman]

so basically there is no need to fish out extra money fro the mp3+5.1 only if i want the software. I have the Latest one which has coloerd ports and a digital output port
5 total + joystick...

 

[Muerto]

I've got an SBLive value and it's a great card. I've got the same one you're talking about with the 5 ports in the back plus the joystick one. I didn't see any point in getting the MP3+ or the Gamer for that matter. You get the same sound quality and processing power for less money.