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Which Sound Card?

P

PinchyCM

Golden Member
Hey guys, I'm looking for a new sound card, I'm still using a craptastic SB Live Value from way back when, (the days I had a P200 MMX). Anyways, I was looking at either the SB Live 5.1 OEM, Audigy 1 OEM, or the Voyetra Turtle Beach OEM card, from newegg. I hardly ever really play games, but I do listen to a lot of music via MP3s or CDs. I'm also using the z560s. So, which one would you pick, and why? Thanks in advance.
 
Me, personally, I'd go with the SB Live! 5.1 oem just because, IMHO, it sounds just as good as any other card out there, including the Audigy, and is a lot cheaper. Then again, I'm probably a little tone deaf, and if you can actually hear the diffrences in sounds, then for you, you might want to go with the Audigy. I would't go with anything other than Soundblaster, they are the standard that EVERYONE else tries to achieve. I'm not even going to bother with searching around for reviews of the Voyetra, I'm sure it's a good enough product to compete with SB. However, with my SB Live! cards, I've never had any driver issues for sound like others have had, and that means a lot to me.
 
I said the Santa Cruz, but it could really go either way with the Audigy1 - provided you use the Audigy2 drivers with it. The Cruz would be less hassle to work overall in my opinion.

I'd say the Audigy1 w/ Audigy2 drivers is the best card of the bunch, but it's more work to get running which can be a big possible drawoff depending on the person.
 
The OEM Audigy2 is a great buy IMO. Just make sure you choose which apps to install carefully so it doesn't run amok on your system 😛

Then make sure you grab the 5-9-03 driver update from their site (version .383).
 
Originally posted by: PinchyCM
Think it's worth it for the extra 20 bucks for the audigy 2? i'm gonna order 2nite i think...
Click to expand...


The Audigy2 is a superb sound card. Unlike the original Audigy, this card is just as good with music as it is with games. On par, if not better, than my Santa Cruz, however you didn't list this as one of your choices so I assumed you were on a strict budget.

In all practicality though, if you're primarily into .mp3/music playback, the Santa Cruz will serve you just fine unless you really want all the advanced recording/mixing features of the Audigy2.
 
My vote goes to Turtle Beach Santa Cruz, awesome sound card! 🙂
Got on here, very good to play music.

Raf
 
Upgrading from a Live! Value to a Live! 5.1 would make absolutely zero sense. They're both based on the same core, so you'll get virtually the exact same sound quality. The only thing the 5.1 version adds is analog outputs for 5.1 speaker systems and the SPDIF output (your Value might even have a SPDIF out, depending on the revision you have).

I'd say go with a Santa Cruz if you're on a tight budget. If you decide to splurge for an Audigy, get the Audigy2 card. It's worth the price difference.

BTW, I never thought my Live! sounded like crap... I still haven't found a good enough reason to upgrade.
 
All Live!'s had SPDIF output it was just a question of whether the external jack was fitted or whether Creative expected you to purchase one of their overpriced brackets instead of making a cable for free. Anyhoo, I recommend an Audigy 2 VAR/OEM if you will use the analog outputs. If you will only use the SPDIF output and want to save a few buckaroos get an Audigy and use the Audigy 2 apps and drivers.
 
Go for the SantaCruz/Sonic Fury for a all-rounder card.
But go for the Audigy if you want it mainly for games&music. Some of the music effects that my Audigy can do are amazing.
 
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
stay away from creative. nightmare drivers. my SB live will stay like it is, on the shelf.
Click to expand...
And it's all too obvious you haven't used a Creative card since the SBLive. But hey, things don't change in 3+ years, right?
rolleye.gif
 
Originally posted by: RyanVM
The OEM Audigy2 is a great buy IMO. Just make sure you choose which apps to install carefully so it doesn't run amok on your system 😛

Then make sure you grab the 5-9-03 driver update from their site (version .383).
Click to expand...

As someone who will be installing an Audigy 2 OEM in my new system in a few days, what applications should I be wary of?

-J
 
I took the plunge and ordered an Audigy 2 OEM at newegg for 78 bucks. I figured it was the best bang for the buck. Thanks for all the help. I'll prolly get a TBSC for my other comp.
 
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