Whats the latest SBL! Value model#

[ComputerNewbie]

I heard the SBL! Value has couple of diffrent models. Assuming the latest is the best model what is the model# so i know what i'm buying when i buy one of these?

 

[Prodigy^]

the "Player 1024" is the latest AFAIK, the retail version has digital out and SPDIF plug (for digital cd music). the mp3+ and x-gamer is the same, but with a different software bundle. I think it lacks a digital out, but I'm not sure.

you should go for digital out if you've got good speakers, I think it makes a huge difference in sound quality

 

[John]

If you want the "value" model, all you need is an OEM SB Live! value with the mini-jack digital output for ~50.00

 

[ibbilbo]

AFAIK there are two models of SBLive Value. The one you see more often is the model 4830. I see these at computer shows often. I have the older model 4670. I think the main difference is that the 4670 has a digital input for your CDROM that has been ommitted in the newer Value model, but is present in the higher priced MP3 and Platinum models.
I think you can still find the 4670's but some places are calling them the SBLive Value 1024. Check out the M/F part number here:
http://www.allstarshop.com/shop/product.asp?dept%5Fid=&pid=1120&sid=1A7QM5VCWVSH2M1100A400XQJGCMAFEB
I am guessing that this is, in fact, the 4670.
If you don't care about the digital, as opposed to analog input from the CD, either will do nicely. However the digital input sounds WAY better.

 

[CyberTiger]

check www.soundblaster.com
the best one is SB live! platinum

 

[ComputerNewbie]

Ok so the 4830 is the best one right?

i'm talking about value models here not other SBL!

 

[John]

yes ComputerNewbie

 

[Prodigy^]

my 1024 Player:

http://hjem.get2net.dk/hl/misc/sblive.jpg

it says 4830 in the upper right corner alright btw, if you get an OEM version, ask if it has the SPDIF plug or not, I know mine doesn't have one......it's not that useful anyway, but you might ask just to be sure

 

[ibbilbo]

ComputerNewbie,
The 4830 is the model WITHOUT the digital CD input.
IMO that would make the 4670 the better choice.

 

[John]

Why would you need a digital cd input? You need the digital out of the CT4830 for AC-3 (Dolby Digital) !

 

[Quickfingerz]

The one that came out about a year ago.

 

[Prodigy^]

uhm, because a digital cd input gives better sound quality when playing cd's (duh). the digital OUT is for passing digital music onto your speakers. what are you saying John?

 

[megatexel]

Prodigy: So with this CT4830 model I have digital output and imput? I have the Digitheatre speaker set and I need to get my a** in gear and get digital output! (Specially for AC-3) But it also has digital imput for CD's? Am I correct?

What type of digital out does it have? I can exept Coaxial and Optical. Will it work? thanks

 

[TomY]

What you want is the version with both the SPDIF output in the back, and the Digital CD input on the card. I have one of these but it is the Sound Blaster X-Gamer card (CT4760, not a CT4670). This one has gold analog plugs unlike the version you get OEM, which has the rainbow colored rainbow plugs.
Whichever version you get, just make sure it has the SPDIF out in the back and the CD Digital-in on the card, Digital CD sound rocks...it is MUCH better than the analog stuff most people have. Just make sure your CD/DVD rom drive has this out put. You can't miss it, 2 pin out in the back next to the analog output.

 

[mosdef]

Having an interest in this topic, I read this thread and now I'm confused...

Does the 4830 have digital speaker outs while the 4670 have digital CD-ROM ins? Is there a version that has both of these? Whats the advantage of the outs and ins?

Thanks!

-mosdef

 

[shabby]

CT4620 - Original Live!
CT4670 - Original Live! Value. (no digital output)
CT4760 - Current MP3, X-Gamer, Platinum, 1024. (5.0v digital output, has digital output for cd-audio, the "best" card.)
CT4830 - Current Live! "Value" or OEM card. (0.5v digital output[with the weak 0.5v output you might have some problems with 5.1 speakers ie. ADA880], missing a digital input for cd-audio)

 

[Prodigy^]

i agree, I'm begun to rip some cd's and play them as .wav's, instead of listening to non-digital cd, it sound horrible in comparision! DAMN @ me getting OEM sound card with no SPDIF

 

[megatexel]

thanks Prodigy^ and Shabby

me going to order my Pioneer DVD and prolly an MP3+ of X-Gamer soon
these Digitheatres are going to rock now. heheh

 

[DarK SagE]

Well u can also get a hoontech card for the CT4830 and optical out which is what i'm doing.

 

[John]

uhm, because a digital cd input gives better sound quality when playing cd's (duh). the digital OUT is for passing digital music onto your speakers. what are you saying John?

Prodigy, no need to be rude about this....got it?

My point was that not all CDROM's or DVDROM's come with a digital cd output, so the digital out seemed like a more important feature to pass AC-3 to an external home theater AC-3 receiver or your DTT 2500's.

 

[Eug]

Uhhh, Shabby,

You may as well have just posted a link to my original post on http://www.3dsoundsurge.com.

http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000984.html

 

[Eug]

By the way, you shouldn't have a problem with the 0.5 V output, because that's what the output is supposed to be for home theatre equipment. The problem is the 5.0 V output (which is actually more common on Creative sound cards), because it is 1000% of the specified voltage. However, most systems seem to be fine with it. (One of mine was, but the other was not.)

 

[megatexel]

Ok 1 last question. What is the form of the digital output on the CT4760? Is it Coaxial - Optical? I have coaxial and optical input's on the back of my digitheatre.

thx

 

[Eug]

Coax.

 

[megatexel]

Do you think the voltage will work ok with my Videologic Digitheatre Decoder?

Also - Since I need a new soundcard this is probably the one to get right? (CT4760)