Will I be able hear a difference

[StrangerGuy]

With my Klipsch GMX 2.1?

 

[bigsnyder]

Probably, but your ears will be the ultimate judge.

 

[MoonglumWoW]

I would say YES! Of course your source material will figure into it, but the X-Fi and its software does a much better job with sound than the SBLive. Some of the biggest sound difference will come from stripping the hiss outta MP3's.

I play MIDI files alot and the 3D MIDI player and soundchip sound SOOOO much better on the X-Fi. The only thing I would tell you to consider is there are other soundcards out there that may be better at MP3/WAV type playback, but may sacrifice a bit in the gaming area. For me, the X-Fi is great for a mix of music and gaming. Now if Creative would only get their Vista act together...

 

[QuantumPion]

It depends on what speakers you have. If you have crappy computer mini-speakers you are probably better off using onboard sound (which is probably then your sb live regardless, since it is so old). If you have a decent 4.1 or 5.1 system like the higher end logitechs or klipsches then yes it would be worth it.

 

[ribbon13]

Are you serious? You have an ICH8 and are using a SB live?

Just dump the SB live and use your onboard. I certainly wouldn't buy an X-Fi before I had 5.1+

 

[StrangerGuy]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Are you serious? You have an ICH8 and are using a SB live?

Just dump the SB live and use your onboard. I certainly wouldn't buy an X-Fi before I had 5.1+

The mobo audio is trash, I tried it before.

 

[ribbon13]

Ah! Now I see why... You have a RealTek ALC883

http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/prod...angid=1&PNid=24&PFid=28&Level=5&Conn=4

Value...

Ideally for just stereo/2.1 you'd make use of SPDIF, but your speakers wont allow for that. Personally, I'd give Creative the finger and go for Oxygen HD CMI8788

 

[f4phantom2500]

If you don't game just pick up one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829120103

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: f4phantom2500
If you don't game just pick up one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829120103

The OPAMPS in that are abyssmal! He can't use S/PDIF, his speakers only have analog input, this would be a poor choice.

 

[Oyeve]

Look for a used Audigy 2 ZS on the forums. Next best thing before the X-fi. Actually I prefer the SW of my ZS to the lame Audio Creation on the X-Fi. The Digital delay in the Audio Creation SW is pale in comparision to the Audio HQ Digital delay on the 2 ZS package. Anyway, im just bitching. Seriously though, If you are on a budget get a cheap 2 ZS card.