sound card

[FuxyMuxy]

im not sure if im in the right forum (1st post) but would this soundcard really make a difference?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188

also, should i get speakers or a headset? which has better quality and which do u prefer..?

 

[stu1811]

That is a great sound card. Very good for headphones or speakers. I usually use headphones because my stereo is too powerful for my room, so I only use it when it wont bother ppl.

 

[Chaotic42]

What are you doing with the computer? For many newer games, there is a noticable difference (Especially with Battlefield 2). The X-Fi isn't without its problems though. Their drivers are... lacking and Creative seems unwilling to fix compatability issues.

I don't regret buying the card, but I'm not sure I'd buy it again.

 

[Operandi]

Of course it will make a difference, the question is will you be able to hear it? If you have a modern board with good HD-Audio I wouldn't waste my money/time.

Good headphones can be had for $70+. Speakers that approach good headphones will cost several times more; $300+.

 

[stu1811]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
What are you doing with the computer? For many newer games, there is a noticable difference (Especially with Battlefield 2). The X-Fi isn't without its problems though. Their drivers are... lacking and Creative seems unwilling to fix compatability issues.

I don't regret buying the card, but I'm not sure I'd buy it again.

They released an updated drivers this summer.

 

[FuxyMuxy]

is the Audigy2 ZS just as good for these headphones?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826106328

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: FuxyMuxy
is the Audigy2 ZS just as good for these headphones?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826106328

I would say so, the Audigy2 is a good card if you already have it.

 

[FuxyMuxy]

well im builing a new system and i think im gonna go with the Audigy2 cuz im fine with crappy on board on my machine right now..

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: FuxyMuxy
well im builing a new system and i think im gonna go with the Audigy2 cuz im fine with crappy on board on my machine right now..

If you are building a new machine it should have HD-Audio onboard; I wouldn't even bother with an Audigy2.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Whatever you do, don't spend $120 on the basic X-Fi. They've been under $80 AR before.

Headphones vs. Speakers is all personal preference.
If I could only have one, I'd choose speakers.

I have those Senn 280s you linked to, but I wouldn't want them to be my only option for sound production. I like them when I need to be isolated / not disturb anyone, but I wouldn't wear them for more than 4-5 hours.

Unless you can get a very good price on A2 (like less than $50), it might be worth it to just wait for the next X-Fi sale and get one at a decent price. Especially if you're doing headphone gaming, it seems like the best bet.

 

[ta8689]

if your an ebay person, try for x-fi's on ebay. I just ordered an X-fi platinum with all accessories for 114 shipped.

 

[FuxyMuxy]

so the DS3 mobo is good enough for my sound? so maybe i can get some speakers for that price..anyone have good speakers for like $100 or so...give or take what you need..

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: FuxyMuxy
so the DS3 mobo is good enough for my sound? so maybe i can get some speakers for that price..anyone have good speakers for like $100 or so...give or take what you need..

On board audio has progressed to the point where it is currently very good, you are definitely better off putting the money in the speakers.

ProMedia 2.1
Z-2300

 

[Painman]

OP, if you buy yourself a decent pair of Sennheiser cans like the ones you linked to, you should pair them up with an X-Fi, or even an entry level pro card if you heavily favor music over games. I'm upgrading my PC audio bit by bit ATM, started with a pair of Senn HD515 (they're getting traded up to some HD595) and I recently ditched my Audigy 2 for an X-Fi. HUGE improvement. Audio playback through the A2 is like listening to mud in comparison.

If you choose to stick with onboard audio and you're happy with it, that's fine, and it's free. But don't waste your $ on an A2. The Sennheisers will really shine if you hook them up to a good source.

 

[imported_RedStar]

i bought my x-fi music last week for 55$ cdn!!!

(40 dollar mail in rebate, 40 instant)

yeah me

of course now i am wondering whether it will be fine on a nvidia 590 intel board as creative has recently balmed nvidia for the crackling/pop issues.