Which sound card do I buy, very confused

[mnestroy]

Hi,

Back in the day I had Sound Blaster Live, but since then have always used the onboard audio cards.

I recently purchased the Logitech z5500 speakers and want to utilize those speakers.

I am very confused with all the models creative labs has.

1. Audigy 2 (Several Models)
2. Audigy 4 (2 Different Models)
3. X-FI Music
4. X-FI Platium
5. X-FI Fatality

Can somebody give me some idea what the difference between all these cards are? I realize the X-FI is the newest series but I dont need to have the top of the line, I am basicly just going to be playing games, Call of Duty 2, CS Source, etc...

Any advise to point me in the right direction would be greatly appericated.

thanks!

 

[vacunita]

If you don't need anything too fancy I think the Standard Sound Blaster Live 24bit should work for you.

The Perfect Upgrade from Basic Motherboard Audio for Enhanced Music, Movies, and Gaming

This ultra-affordable sound card upgrade allows you to start enjoying an audio experience that's not possible with basic motherboard audio. Thanks to the quality of 24-bit ADVANCED HD™ technology, your music will sound like never before. With Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit, you can convert your old records and tapes into digital audio, immerse yourself in 7.1 surround, and make your games come alive with EAX® ADVANCED HD™ technology.

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Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[garebo]

Thats what i was gonna say, sound blaster live again, but 24 bit.
There are also some decent ones from turtle beach.
Also Chaintec 7.1 card. Newegg had it, not sure if they still do. Supposed to be a very good card for real cheap.
These are just what i have heard, i tend to use either onboard or creative, but there are plenty of other good mfgrs.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[vacunita]

Just to give you an idea, of how good a Sounblaster live can be.

I still have my original Soundblaster I took out of my old P1 166Mhz. I'vce been carryingit over every PC I've had since I first bought it. I plugged it into my new P4 machine, and it works like a charm, crisp Sound, and all the niceties i like.
Downloaded the new XP drivers and have had no problems with it.

I conclusion Creative all the way. Even though there are good sound card manufacturers, Creative is still the best for me.


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Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[garebo]

Some people dont like creative, they say they cause a ton of problems.
One thing, i would just install the drivers and not some of the programs that go along with creative setups.
And, again, there are other mfgrs that make good sound cards.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[paparazi]

As you say, you don't need the latest and greatest but quality at a budget would be good.
I would recommend a cheap Audigy2 ZS.

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[mnestroy]

Thanks for the info, but lets assume this...

I dont want the cheapest, and I dont want just to get by, so does anyone know the differences between all the cards i mentioned above?

Is the audigy 4 better than the X-FI?

Some of the Audigy 2 cards cost more than the basic X-FI cards...

 

[paparazi]

I've not done my research on the X-FI and the differant models but one thing I can say is that it got rave reviews and is the latest sound chip from creative (an improvement over the already excellent Audigy4)that how I read it.
So if you want to spend a little more then an X-FI is the sensible solution.
The differant variants include two with front break out panel although the actual card is the same.
Understand that you might not need it but then I didn't need the Athlon64 X2 I just bought lol.

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[mnestroy]

I found a very good article that answered all my questions..

http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=xfi&page=1

thanks for the help..

 

[csab]

I am a music lover and I am used to listen to music over my PC. So I would recommand you a sound card with the new X-Fi chipset if you buy Creative...

But for me the sound card and the drivers are the most important things, I mean the "bonus" they sell with the card is less usefull and a good reason to increase the price of their stuff...

That's why I would recommande you :

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic

Good luck, I hope I was usefull

Csab