Audigy 2 ZS or Fortissimo III

ROBSCIX · Oct 16, 2006, 02:20 PM

If you use winamp you will have alot more configuration options. Winamp in my opinion is the best media okayer if you get it set properly.

skinnie · Oct 16, 2006, 07:18 PM

well ppl I have been in a dilema..I heard so much ppl talking about soundstorm..and to be true when I gought the audigy 2 ZS it was like a paranoia..ppl said it was amazing and that..but I don't remember noticing a HUGEEEEEEEEEEEEE difernece from soundstorm..and now I hear all goods about Fortissimo III too..so I a mtrying both..because maybe I'll sell one..
but all seem good..what I noticed from soundstorm to audigy 2 zs is that the bass is more clear in the 2 ZS but the soundstorm is more powerfull in the back speakers..
can anyone give its setence about the 3 "cards" ? or it better not to sell any of them?:P

ROBSCIX · Oct 16, 2006, 07:44 PM

Use what sounds the best to you. Alot of the issues your talking about sound like just incorrect setting or not setting it the way you like it. IF you sell your card what were you thinking of buying? what speaker r u using? logitech what?

skinnie · Oct 16, 2006, 07:53 PM

well if sell the card is just for getting some extra money for something else..
both soudn me good..the fortissimo can't play 5.1 at least I couldn't put it to 5.1,but either soudn storm or 2zs sound pretty good as I said before the soudnstorm is more louder in the rear but more basser..but I think that could be ajustable
but if anyone coudl give the pros and the cons of the both that would be cool..consider that I don't play too much...and all I want is good quality sound

edit: the speakers are this:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=9067

is there a way of having both "cards" (onboard and the 2zs ) on to try better?

ROBSCIX · Oct 16, 2006, 09:05 PM

Well most would say the Audigy 2 has better sound quality than the Soundstorm. The AUdigy 2 Also hase higher levels of EAX. The soundstorm has a 5.1 encoder and the Audigy doesn't. It's basically up to you. You can use both cards easily. Have you every thought of using KX drivers? they take awhiule to learn but are worth the time. They would make your Audigy 2 sound even better but then you lose EAX...

skinnie · Oct 16, 2006, 09:16 PM

well I'm gonna sell the audigy 2 ZS I recognize it is an amazing card..but with that money I'll buy a dvd for my living room..and asap I'll buy a set of surround speaker and put this logitech in the living room too..
now I am with soundstorm..but I can't make the all 5 speakers work..I don't know why...

Judas · Oct 17, 2006, 08:32 PM

the fortissimo 3 supports 7.1 surround sound... it's by far the easiest sound card to set to any surround sound mode.

down by the clock should be the hercules control panel, open it, and the first thing that pops up is the surround sound and speaker setup settings.. use the drop menu to select 5.1

skinnie · Oct 18, 2006, 02:09 PM

well I did that and couldn't do 5.1...but it doesn't matter...fortissimo III is very good on my 500...I'm happy with soundstorm..what do you think of the z5500 for the soundstorm (digital)?
edit: why do anyone talk about the fortissimo 4 is it crappy?

ROBSCIX · Oct 18, 2006, 08:18 PM

Not many people own the Fortissmo not sround here that I have seen..everybody is using either Creative or onboards. Yeah you can get the Z-5500's there are supposed to be awsome and they handle digital very well. ALthough if you get the Z-5500's you may hear what is wrong with your soundstorm and not like it as much...

ROBSCIX · Oct 18, 2006, 09:04 PM

I decided to go to the digital world of Audio aswell. I am gonna get the X-Meridian and buy some digital speakers to go with the card. I hope we are on topic digital soundcards and speakers..

Judas · Oct 18, 2006, 09:06 PM

I bought my fortissimo and digifire specifically for surround sound.. it utterly shins in every department.

IF it is indeed a fortissimo 2 or 3, the controll panel shows the options for headphone/stereo/2.1/4/4.1/5.1/6.1/7.1)

See in this picture below where it says "7.1 Speakers", you should be able to push the down arrow and select any other mode you wish.

ROBSCIX · Oct 18, 2006, 11:37 PM

hmm, haven't heard to many people talk about the fortissmo's these card do surround over digital connection?
@Judas, have you had a lok at those spec for the X_Meridian?

Judas · Oct 18, 2006, 11:59 PM

yes all the hercules 7.1 cards have a SPDIF Digital out that works great.

X_Meridian

post a link to it?

**dj_stick** · Oct 19, 2006, 12:05 AM

there is a thread about it in this forum

as for SPDIF - remember that's only stereo

he was asking if the fortissimo supports AC3/DTS encoding, which i don't think it does

skinnie · Oct 19, 2006, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

Not many people own the Fortissmo not sround here that I have seen..everybody is using either Creative or onboards. Yeah you can get the Z-5500's there are supposed to be awsome and they handle digital very well. ALthough if you get the Z-5500's you may hear what is wrong with your soundstorm and not like it as much...

what is wrong with the soundstorm?it sounds so nice with analog speakers and most ppl say that analog is crappy and the digital is awesome..:S

ROBSCIX · Oct 19, 2006, 01:00 AM

@Judas here's the link in the forum shows specs
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/audio-general-technical-discussion/119630-auzentech-x-meridian-specs.html
this card is gonna be awsome....
@Skinnie, I didn't say there was anything wrong with it. People I have talked said it's good but once you get a goos soundcard and compare you can hear where the soundstorm lacks. You are right digital is usually prefered but that doesn't mean analog is "crappy". What I meant is if you get really good speakers you may hear things you don't like about the soundstorm....or maybe not.
DJ_stick is right I was asking if the Fortissmo could do Surround over digital..I guess it can't. That X-Meridian has both Dolby Digital Live and DTS connect as well as Pro logic IIX. So according to some guys I have talked to that use the little brother to this card those technologies sound awsome with digital speakers. it seems alot of people I have talked to all want to go digital using digital speakers or HT setups with soundcards that can do digital properly. This is the way I am thinking of going...in the future..

BWX · Oct 19, 2006, 01:50 AM

Here are some specs I saved at one time...

Fortissimo III 7.1 and Digifire 7.1 architecture is built round the Cirrus Logic CS4624 chipset, the same as the Fortissimo II Digital Edition. Its technical specs are as follows:

[COLOR="red"]AC `97 2.1 Link CODEC, PC `99 and PCI 2.1 interface
DSP 255 MIPS SLIMD architecture
Supports DirectSound 3D, EAX, A3D 1.x and echo cancellation
Wavetable synthesis with unlimited number of channels, DLS and 10-band graphic equalizer
Supports 4 output channels
SRC hardware and SNR 90 dB
96 hardware-managed 3D sound channels
Secondary AC `97 1.0/2.1 Link CODEC for multi-channel sound and digital connection
Asynchronous digital serial interface
Optical S/PDIF input/output interface (PCM, AC3 5.1)
MPU-401 MIDI Interface
3.3V power supply [/COLOR]

The first thing that these specifications show is that CS4624 is supposed to be a chipset for managing 4.1, and not 7.1. To cope with two extra analog outputs and Dolby Digital EX decoding, Hercules has had to bring two parameters into play. The two cards each use two CS4294 AC97 codecs - a main and a secondary. In the first place the secondary AC97 codec is put in action. For this Hercules has opted for a "crossover" function, given that each codec manages 4 channels, so there are two stereo outputs: the main one manages outputs 1 (front speakers) and 3 (center channel + subwoofer) and the secondary one manages outputs 2 (surround) and 4 (center surrounds). In the second place, decoding is done by software not hardware, as is usual for 5.1 sound cards. So it is the main processor and not the sound card which provides the CPU time for decoding. The optical digital input found on the Fortissimo II Digital Edition has gone. This is due to lack of space on the card itself and the cost of moving it to the bracket with the MIDI/game port.

So by pushing the CS4624 to the hilt, Hercules can claim to offer cards with high performance in 3D sound for games and which can also decode Dolby Digital EX sound tracks on DVD. The full technical data for this card is as follows:

[COLOR="Red"]PCI 2.1 interface
Cirrus Logic CS4624 chipset
16-bit 44.1 kHz sound quality
4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 sound for games and DVD
96 hardware-managed DirectSound channels
CD in and Aux in internal inputs
Mike, Stereo Line in external inputs and MIDI/Game port on internal bracket
4 stereo analog outputs for 7.1 sound
Optical S/PDIF output
Sensaura 3D sound engine
Supports DS3D, EAX 1.0, 2.0, A3D 1.x, Sensaura Virtual Ear/Macro FX/Multidrive
52 hardware-managed DS3D channels
General Midi and Yamaha XG compatibility
8 MB Wavetable software
64 hardware-managed polyphony channels
Dolby Digital and DTS pass-through compatibility
DLS and DOS real-mode compatibility
Fortissimo III 7.1 costs $49.99. It is delivered with Power DVD Pro EX, Hercules Media Station and Acid eXpress.[/COLOR]

Judas · Oct 19, 2006, 04:46 AM

Digital Decoding is done using a combination of thing

Although i'm not completely sure how it all works in that spectrum, i can tell you that 5.1 surround sound works flawlessly using the optical output on the card to a set of logitech 5500's

ROBSCIX · Oct 19, 2006, 05:33 PM

From what I read that chipset is extremely "Dated" to say the least. 255 MIPS? the EMU10K1 in the SB Lives can do 1000...From my researchinto this hardware it is not something I would consider using...too old...I mean compared to the audio hardware we can get now..

Judas · Oct 19, 2006, 07:26 PM

On paper alot of things seem hugely superior.... however in reality... things are quite different.

take for example the PowerVR Kyro II, the sucker blows the doors of video cards rated 4-6 TIMES more powerful in every way.

ROBSCIX · Oct 19, 2006, 08:07 PM

@Judas, what do you think about the X-Meridian? I am just excited because some of the guys I talked to replaced their X-fi's with Auzen X-Plosions and I have read reviews based on this comparison and the X-Plosion fairs quite well sometimes besting the X-fi. The reviewers say for the most part the X-Plosion is superior in sound quality. SO if this card is a good match or beats a X-fi I can imgaine what it's big brother can do. I just like all the options it has and becasue of this card I have decided to get digital speakers aswell. When I bought my AUdigy 2 I wasn't really impressed. I had been using a Sb Live 5.1 loaded with KX drivers. I spent alot of time in the DSP getting that card dialed in the best it could be. When I got the A2 I expected to be blown away..I wasn't it sounded better but not by a whole lot. When I seen the specs and realize what the X-Meridian has to offer I though "now this is something new" Finally a card meant for something other than gaming..I know there is alot of other cards like this but to me this card is really meant for guys interested in HTPC and just pure quality...Just my opinion though...

Judas · Oct 19, 2006, 09:31 PM

IMO, just buy looking at it, looks like an excellent alternative.

ROBSCIX · Oct 19, 2006, 09:35 PM

When I get it I'll let you know. I can only compare it to my Audigy 2. I would imagine it will kill my A2 though. Then I am getting the Z-5500's and a quality fiber optic cable. Until then I am stuck with analog. So you use a Normal Audigy Juda? ever considering upgrading your card? the rets of your rig looks like it kicks for gaming. I guess I am wondering why your not using a X-fi or something from the gaming world?

Judas · Oct 19, 2006, 09:42 PM

I use the audigy (imo POS) for only teamspeak and other Mic/Headset related tasks that are similare (phone over IP for example)

I use AL882 Realtek Onboard HD Audio for my main use, although only hooked up via analog to a logitech 5300e 5.1 setup, the sound is steller compared to: Hercules/Creative/ Other brand solutions i've tried.

ROBSCIX · Oct 19, 2006, 10:31 PM

You never thought of a Audigy 2 or some other soundcard? Just curious most of the people I talk to don't like onboards or they think the sound good until they hear a good soundcard. I have no experience with the ALC882, although I have been told some of the newer codec's are getting pretty good as far as onboards go...

skinnie · Oct 20, 2006, 12:26 AM

well,can anyone give me an idea about how much cables will I have with the z5500?I'm a bit tired of lots of cables...
other thing why do anyone talks about fortissimo 4?is it worse than the III?lol
If I buy the z5500 after the X-meridian gets a lil chepar maybe I'll buy it :P

Judas · Oct 20, 2006, 12:39 AM

I've used the audigy 2 zs and i HAD (sold now) the X-FI Fata1ity installed, i found the overall performance and actually zero different in sound quality compared to that of the AL88x onboard sound was WAY not worth it, considering the still amount of imo crap creative likes to pack into the cards. Plus there unwilling to work without issues with other devices.... creative likes to be primary all the time..

BTW, the fortissimo 4 uses a Via Audio chipset and drivers, i've yet to get my hands even remotely near one.. but the review on a few sites didn't really care for it (i don't base my opinion on that), i'd really like to get one to try out.. but availability is pretty much ZERO... i've tried to order one, but none of my suppliers can get it in. Or seem to be willing lol.

ROBSCIX · Oct 20, 2006, 12:52 AM

IF you were using digital with the z-5500's then you would have one cable from the pc to the speakers. If your using analog then you will have 3 cables going to the speakers. I would defianltey suggest that if your gonna gert those high end Z-5500's then get a card that will do the justice..I woudl buy somehitng newer and preferably can handle digital properly. There is quite a few out there but the newst and bets, well you already said it..
X-Meridian gives you all the standards of a high end Home Theatre recivers and can convey all these surround technologies over digital so you can get one nice high quality fibre optic able and be done with it.. -SOrry This is me saying what I want again...very nice rig though. Hope that helps.

skinnie · Oct 20, 2006, 06:03 PM

welll it seems that I got fired..so no z5500 I think..lol..other think..in wich things do we noticed audio improvement using digital and that kind of stuff?

Oct 16, 2006, 07:18 PM	Thread Starter #32
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	well ppl I have been in a dilema..I heard so much ppl talking about soundstorm..and to be true when I gought the audigy 2 ZS it was like a paranoia..ppl said it was amazing and that..but I don't remember noticing a HUGEEEEEEEEEEEEE difernece from soundstorm..and now I hear all goods about Fortissimo III too..so I a mtrying both..because maybe I'll sell one.. but all seem good..what I noticed from soundstorm to audigy 2 zs is that the bass is more clear in the 2 ZS but the soundstorm is more powerfull in the back speakers.. can anyone give its setence about the 3 "cards" ? or it better not to sell any of them?:P __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201

Oct 16, 2006, 07:53 PM	Thread Starter #34
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	well if sell the card is just for getting some extra money for something else.. both soudn me good..the fortissimo can't play 5.1 at least I couldn't put it to 5.1,but either soudn storm or 2zs sound pretty good as I said before the soudnstorm is more louder in the rear but more basser..but I think that could be ajustable but if anyone coudl give the pros and the cons of the both that would be cool..consider that I don't play too much...and all I want is good quality sound edit: the speakers are this: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=9067 is there a way of having both "cards" (onboard and the 2zs ) on to try better? __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201 Last edited by skinnie; Oct 16, 2006 at 08:12 PM.

Oct 16, 2006, 09:16 PM	Thread Starter #36
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	well I'm gonna sell the audigy 2 ZS I recognize it is an amazing card..but with that money I'll buy a dvd for my living room..and asap I'll buy a set of surround speaker and put this logitech in the living room too.. now I am with soundstorm..but I can't make the all 5 speakers work..I don't know why... __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201

Oct 18, 2006, 02:09 PM	Thread Starter #38
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	well I did that and couldn't do 5.1...but it doesn't matter...fortissimo III is very good on my 500...I'm happy with soundstorm..what do you think of the z5500 for the soundstorm (digital)? edit: why do anyone talk about the fortissimo 4 is it crappy? __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201 Last edited by skinnie; Oct 18, 2006 at 02:35 PM.

Oct 18, 2006, 11:37 PM	#42
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	hmm, haven't heard to many people talk about the fortissmo's these card do surround over digital connection? @Judas, have you had a lok at those spec for the X_Meridian? Last edited by ROBSCIX; Oct 18, 2006 at 11:44 PM.

Oct 16, 2006, 02:20 PM	#31
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	If you use winamp you will have alot more configuration options. Winamp in my opinion is the best media okayer if you get it set properly.

Oct 16, 2006, 07:44 PM	#33
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Use what sounds the best to you. Alot of the issues your talking about sound like just incorrect setting or not setting it the way you like it. IF you sell your card what were you thinking of buying? what speaker r u using? logitech what?

Oct 16, 2006, 09:05 PM	#35
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Well most would say the Audigy 2 has better sound quality than the Soundstorm. The AUdigy 2 Also hase higher levels of EAX. The soundstorm has a 5.1 encoder and the Audigy doesn't. It's basically up to you. You can use both cards easily. Have you every thought of using KX drivers? they take awhiule to learn but are worth the time. They would make your Audigy 2 sound even better but then you lose EAX...

Oct 18, 2006, 08:18 PM	#39
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	Not many people own the Fortissmo not sround here that I have seen..everybody is using either Creative or onboards. Yeah you can get the Z-5500's there are supposed to be awsome and they handle digital very well. ALthough if you get the Z-5500's you may hear what is wrong with your soundstorm and not like it as much...

Oct 18, 2006, 09:04 PM	#40
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	I decided to go to the digital world of Audio aswell. I am gonna get the X-Meridian and buy some digital speakers to go with the card. I hope we are on topic digital soundcards and speakers..

Oct 19, 2006, 01:00 AM	#46
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	@Judas here's the link in the forum shows specs http://www.hardwareheaven.com/audio-general-technical-discussion/119630-auzentech-x-meridian-specs.html this card is gonna be awsome.... @Skinnie, I didn't say there was anything wrong with it. People I have talked said it's good but once you get a goos soundcard and compare you can hear where the soundstorm lacks. You are right digital is usually prefered but that doesn't mean analog is "crappy". What I meant is if you get really good speakers you may hear things you don't like about the soundstorm....or maybe not. DJ_stick is right I was asking if the Fortissmo could do Surround over digital..I guess it can't. That X-Meridian has both Dolby Digital Live and DTS connect as well as Pro logic IIX. So according to some guys I have talked to that use the little brother to this card those technologies sound awsome with digital speakers. it seems alot of people I have talked to all want to go digital using digital speakers or HT setups with soundcards that can do digital properly. This is the way I am thinking of going...in the future..

Oct 19, 2006, 01:50 AM	#47
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,669 Rep Power: 110 System Specs	Here are some specs I saved at one time... Fortissimo III 7.1 and Digifire 7.1 architecture is built round the Cirrus Logic CS4624 chipset, the same as the Fortissimo II Digital Edition. Its technical specs are as follows: [COLOR="red"]AC `97 2.1 Link CODEC, PC `99 and PCI 2.1 interface DSP 255 MIPS SLIMD architecture Supports DirectSound 3D, EAX, A3D 1.x and echo cancellation Wavetable synthesis with unlimited number of channels, DLS and 10-band graphic equalizer Supports 4 output channels SRC hardware and SNR 90 dB 96 hardware-managed 3D sound channels Secondary AC `97 1.0/2.1 Link CODEC for multi-channel sound and digital connection Asynchronous digital serial interface Optical S/PDIF input/output interface (PCM, AC3 5.1) MPU-401 MIDI Interface 3.3V power supply [/COLOR] The first thing that these specifications show is that CS4624 is supposed to be a chipset for managing 4.1, and not 7.1. To cope with two extra analog outputs and Dolby Digital EX decoding, Hercules has had to bring two parameters into play. The two cards each use two CS4294 AC97 codecs - a main and a secondary. In the first place the secondary AC97 codec is put in action. For this Hercules has opted for a "crossover" function, given that each codec manages 4 channels, so there are two stereo outputs: the main one manages outputs 1 (front speakers) and 3 (center channel + subwoofer) and the secondary one manages outputs 2 (surround) and 4 (center surrounds). In the second place, decoding is done by software not hardware, as is usual for 5.1 sound cards. So it is the main processor and not the sound card which provides the CPU time for decoding. The optical digital input found on the Fortissimo II Digital Edition has gone. This is due to lack of space on the card itself and the cost of moving it to the bracket with the MIDI/game port. So by pushing the CS4624 to the hilt, Hercules can claim to offer cards with high performance in 3D sound for games and which can also decode Dolby Digital EX sound tracks on DVD. The full technical data for this card is as follows: [COLOR="Red"]PCI 2.1 interface Cirrus Logic CS4624 chipset 16-bit 44.1 kHz sound quality 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 sound for games and DVD 96 hardware-managed DirectSound channels CD in and Aux in internal inputs Mike, Stereo Line in external inputs and MIDI/Game port on internal bracket 4 stereo analog outputs for 7.1 sound Optical S/PDIF output Sensaura 3D sound engine Supports DS3D, EAX 1.0, 2.0, A3D 1.x, Sensaura Virtual Ear/Macro FX/Multidrive 52 hardware-managed DS3D channels General Midi and Yamaha XG compatibility 8 MB Wavetable software 64 hardware-managed polyphony channels Dolby Digital and DTS pass-through compatibility DLS and DOS real-mode compatibility Fortissimo III 7.1 costs $49.99. It is delivered with Power DVD Pro EX, Hercules Media Station and Acid eXpress.[/COLOR]

Oct 19, 2006, 05:33 PM	#49
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	From what I read that chipset is extremely "Dated" to say the least. 255 MIPS? the EMU10K1 in the SB Lives can do 1000...From my researchinto this hardware it is not something I would consider using...too old...I mean compared to the audio hardware we can get now..

Oct 19, 2006, 08:07 PM	#51
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	@Judas, what do you think about the X-Meridian? I am just excited because some of the guys I talked to replaced their X-fi's with Auzen X-Plosions and I have read reviews based on this comparison and the X-Plosion fairs quite well sometimes besting the X-fi. The reviewers say for the most part the X-Plosion is superior in sound quality. SO if this card is a good match or beats a X-fi I can imgaine what it's big brother can do. I just like all the options it has and becasue of this card I have decided to get digital speakers aswell. When I bought my AUdigy 2 I wasn't really impressed. I had been using a Sb Live 5.1 loaded with KX drivers. I spent alot of time in the DSP getting that card dialed in the best it could be. When I got the A2 I expected to be blown away..I wasn't it sounded better but not by a whole lot. When I seen the specs and realize what the X-Meridian has to offer I though "now this is something new" Finally a card meant for something other than gaming..I know there is alot of other cards like this but to me this card is really meant for guys interested in HTPC and just pure quality...Just my opinion though...

Oct 19, 2006, 09:35 PM	#53
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	When I get it I'll let you know. I can only compare it to my Audigy 2. I would imagine it will kill my A2 though. Then I am getting the Z-5500's and a quality fiber optic cable. Until then I am stuck with analog. So you use a Normal Audigy Juda? ever considering upgrading your card? the rets of your rig looks like it kicks for gaming. I guess I am wondering why your not using a X-fi or something from the gaming world?

Oct 19, 2006, 10:31 PM	#55
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	You never thought of a Audigy 2 or some other soundcard? Just curious most of the people I talk to don't like onboards or they think the sound good until they hear a good soundcard. I have no experience with the ALC882, although I have been told some of the newer codec's are getting pretty good as far as onboards go...

Oct 20, 2006, 12:26 AM	Thread Starter #56
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	well,can anyone give me an idea about how much cables will I have with the z5500?I'm a bit tired of lots of cables... other thing why do anyone talks about fortissimo 4?is it worse than the III?lol If I buy the z5500 after the X-meridian gets a lil chepar maybe I'll buy it :P __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201

Oct 20, 2006, 12:52 AM	#58
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	IF you were using digital with the z-5500's then you would have one cable from the pc to the speakers. If your using analog then you will have 3 cables going to the speakers. I would defianltey suggest that if your gonna gert those high end Z-5500's then get a card that will do the justice..I woudl buy somehitng newer and preferably can handle digital properly. There is quite a few out there but the newst and bets, well you already said it.. X-Meridian gives you all the standards of a high end Home Theatre recivers and can convey all these surround technologies over digital so you can get one nice high quality fibre optic able and be done with it.. -SOrry This is me saying what I want again...very nice rig though. Hope that helps.

Oct 20, 2006, 06:03 PM	Thread Starter #59
skinnie DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 77 Rep Power: 0	welll it seems that I got fired..so no z5500 I think..lol..other think..in wich things do we noticed audio improvement using digital and that kind of stuff? __________________ DFI NF2 Ultra+Athlon XP-Mobile 2600+ [SP97] 2x512 Mushkin Redline Xp4000 [OCZ XTC Cooler] Albatron 6800GT@Ultra 256mb DDR3 [VF900CU] Terratec Aureon Space 7.1@Prodigy 7.1 Audigy 2 ZS Logitech X-530 5.1 Sennheiser HD201