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Soundblaster 5.1 or CMI 8738 - which is better?

G

giocopiano

Member
I'm only looking for game and DVD sound on a soundcard. I have had neither of these chips before, I'm used to integrated audio. I see I can get the C-Media 5.1 card for less than half of a Soundblaster Live! 5.1 which has got cheaper now the Audigy is here. Do either of these chips have any quality or driver issues? I've seen CMI8738 chips in integrated boards but not the Soundblaster Live...
 
The soundblaster is a better card. I don't think the C-Media chip has as many 3D audio codecs as the sound blaster. If you want a good cheap 3D sound card, then you may want to check out the Hercules Muse XL.
 
doesn't have as many codecs - huh?

the c-media chip supports A3D, EAX, etc. - the reason why it's so cheap is because it lacks a hardware DSP/acceleration...it chews up a few CPU cycles to pump out hardware streams...but I mean, it's not really a concern w/ modern processing power.

if you're not an audiophile or into prosumer recording, the c-media chip is perfect - for the price anyway...no driver issues that i'm aware of, though the features contained in them are minimal - would u expect more?

u can get some boards sporting digital i/o brackets, etc. if u wanted to use AC3 pass-thru for DVD..check out the zoltrix nightingale pro 6....others companies like Pine make c-media audio cards as well.

it's an average 5.1 low-cost audio chipset...get it if u're not hardcore about features or don't have enough to shell out the extra dough
 
If you want a good cheap 3D sound card, then you may want to check out the Hercules Muse XL.

Incidentally, the Muse XL uses the C-media 8738 chipset🙂
Personally, I would pay just a little more and get the Hercules Fortissimo II (Crystal chipset).
 
Either one would do you fine. I personally have an SBLive Value (the original non 5.1) and I love it. 😀 I see no reason FOR ME to upgrade to the Audigy unless I plan on building a new system.
 
I'm still using Aureal 4-channel surround cards which are especially nice for gaming. Driver support ends with W98 though.

Super6
 
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