Sound card upgrade worth it?

[Bovinicus]

I have never had the pleasure of listening to a system using a Phillips Acoustic Edge or Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. I currently have an SBLive! Value in combination with Cambridge FPS1800 speakers. The speakers are a 4.1 setup. I wanted to know if I would notice a big increase in sound quality and positional audio (I hear EAX sucks) if I was to get an Acoustic Edge or Santa Cruz? Not just big, but big enough to justify the $65-75 for the new soundcard. Also, does the AE still have the performance problems it did with drivers? I know this was ages ago, but I have no idea. I have heard the SC is better for everything but a 5.1 setup, but only from one source. Give me feedback. If it is worth it, should I go with the AE or SC?

 

[holdencommodore]

Having tried a TBSC and a Philips Acoustic Edge, I say that I prefer QSound's QMSS for positioning and music and has the best DVD implementation. But Sensaura is nice for games (although QSound is good also) and headphones (I don't think this is QSounds strong point). As for drivers, the latest ones are really good (I use VXD drivers). Check out 3D Sound Surge for more info on these cards - it's a really useful site.

Cheers.

 

[Bovinicus]

Let me hear some more of your thoughts.

 

[ShawnTech]

my Sound Blaster Live 5.1 with Altec speakers puts out similar quality sound to the Alpine stereo and speakers in my car
the difference is so small you wouldn't even notice unless i told you

 

[C0nr4d]

Why not just hook ur pc up to ur hifi with the output - thats what i do 😱

 

[Beau]

Go with an Audigy 🙂 Better CPU unloading, better DD 5.1 surround. Plus you get EAX HD, multiple output formats (analog, AC-3 [dolby digital coaxial], and Creative's digital DIN for use with cambridge soundworks speakers), a IEEE-1394 (firewire) controller and more. A nice Gamer version can be had for around $80 too.

Edit: improved list of features

 

[Pariah]

The Santa Cruz sounds slightly better than the Live through analog devices. Unless you are an audio fanatic or are having problems with the Live, I would save the $65. If you are dead set on spending $65-70 on a new sound card, an Audigy OEM would yield you the largest performance improvement, but even then, difference isn't exactly night and day. I would recommend buying better speakers/headphones before shelling out for a new sound card. Better speakers would improve your audio far more than a better sound card.

 

[ShawnTech]

<< Why not just hook ur pc up to ur hifi with the output - thats what i do 😱 >>


but you still nead a new sound card for that. this topic is asking if he should get a new sound car or what type or whatever.
i would do the same with my puter but this is a corner desk and the sound would have to be shooting at my back. start brainwashing me or something lol

 

[FluxCapacitor]

I don't think it's worth it. Unless you're going to buy a 5.1 speaker setup, why bother?

 

[Bovinicus]

Alright, sounds to me like the sound quality is pretty similar. I think I have just heard to many anti-Creative fanatics spouting out about how horrible the Live! cards are. Thanks for your input.

 

[Thor86]

I've upgraded from a Live Value to a Live 5.1 and it is definately an improvement in overall sound in both analog and digital, for music, and games. Sorry, I don't use DVD on PC's.