Which card for 2.1 Speakers

Maskclone2k · Dec 12, 2004, 09:10 PM

I need some opinions on which sound card to get. I had an Audigy Gamer that I've been using for over 2 years, but lately the audio began to pop/crackle in games. So, I took it out and now I am using my onboard SoundStorm. Noticed that the music sound quality was initially crap compared to the Audigy, but after tweaking the EQ and such, it has gotten better, but still not on par with the Audigy. Games sound OK. But you see, the thing is, I use a 2.1 set-up (sometimes 5.1, but usually only for music) and the Soundstorm analog pales in comparison to its Digital. Soundcards offer better analog signals, therefore I would like to get a decent card without problems.

Now, I have narrowed it down to the TB Santa Cruz or maybe the Audigy 2 ZS. I can get both for the same price (Santa Cruz possibly cheaper). Everyone with a Santa Cruz says it produces high fidelity sound especially with music. And for games it seems that the Audigy is a clear cut winner because of the EAX quality. But since my gaming and music listening time are essentially equal and since I only use a 2.1 set-up, to me it seems that the TB Santa Cruz is a better option. In addition, who knows if I might end up having problems with the Audigy 2 ZS.

Alright, now that I am done blabbering, what are your 2¢?

Zelig · Dec 12, 2004, 09:42 PM

I've got the audigy 2 ZS, it is indeed the best for gaming... I have no personal experience with the Santa Cruz, but in my experience, the best value card for music is the M-Audio Revolution 7.1.

Sargentwhitey · Dec 12, 2004, 10:09 PM

I'm gonna be getting the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 for my computer, hoping for much better sound quality then what I get with my integrated card.

Can't wait for that one.

Maskclone2k · Dec 13, 2004, 08:52 AM

Well, I got the Audigy 2 ZS...it was a good buy $40! (retail) Alright, well I installed it with the new modded Audigy 4 drivers then installed the software that I wanted...HOLY CRAP! What a difference between this and the Soundstorm and a nice improvement over the Audigy 1 Gamer that I had previously. So far no problems what-so-ever! I'm loving it! (not McDonald's)

Thanks for the replies guys.

Now if you'll excuse me...gotta go listen to the beautiful sounds that my 'puter now produces.

Dec 12, 2004, 09:10 PM	#1
Maskclone2k DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Doesn't Exist Posts: 67 Rep Power: 0	Which card for 2.1 Speakers I need some opinions on which sound card to get. I had an Audigy Gamer that I've been using for over 2 years, but lately the audio began to pop/crackle in games. So, I took it out and now I am using my onboard SoundStorm. Noticed that the music sound quality was initially crap compared to the Audigy, but after tweaking the EQ and such, it has gotten better, but still not on par with the Audigy. Games sound OK. But you see, the thing is, I use a 2.1 set-up (sometimes 5.1, but usually only for music) and the Soundstorm analog pales in comparison to its Digital. Soundcards offer better analog signals, therefore I would like to get a decent card without problems. Now, I have narrowed it down to the TB Santa Cruz or maybe the Audigy 2 ZS. I can get both for the same price (Santa Cruz possibly cheaper). Everyone with a Santa Cruz says it produces high fidelity sound especially with music. And for games it seems that the Audigy is a clear cut winner because of the EAX quality. But since my gaming and music listening time are essentially equal and since I only use a 2.1 set-up, to me it seems that the TB Santa Cruz is a better option. In addition, who knows if I might end up having problems with the Audigy 2 ZS. Alright, now that I am done blabbering, what are your 2¢? Last edited by Maskclone2k; Dec 12, 2004 at 11:11 PM.

Dec 12, 2004, 10:09 PM	#3
Sargentwhitey Has a JOB.. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 1,473 Rep Power: 0	I'm gonna be getting the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 for my computer, hoping for much better sound quality then what I get with my integrated card. Can't wait for that one. __________________ Mobile:Intel Celeron M 1.5GHz, 40GB WD, 1GB PC24000, Intel Mediocre Graphics 2, SB Audigy 2 Notebook

Dec 12, 2004, 09:42 PM	#2
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	I've got the audigy 2 ZS, it is indeed the best for gaming... I have no personal experience with the Santa Cruz, but in my experience, the best value card for music is the M-Audio Revolution 7.1.

Dec 13, 2004, 08:52 AM	Thread Starter #4
Maskclone2k DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Doesn't Exist Posts: 67 Rep Power: 0	Well, I got the Audigy 2 ZS...it was a good buy $40! (retail) Alright, well I installed it with the new modded Audigy 4 drivers then installed the software that I wanted...HOLY CRAP! What a difference between this and the Soundstorm and a nice improvement over the Audigy 1 Gamer that I had previously. So far no problems what-so-ever! I'm loving it! (not McDonald's) Thanks for the replies guys. Now if you'll excuse me...gotta go listen to the beautiful sounds that my 'puter now produces.