Is Audigy 2 ZS bulk the same than Audigy 2 ZS retail?

JGSF · Dec 16, 2005, 11:00 AM

Hey guys, just a simply yes or no question:

Is Audigy 2 ZS bulk the same than Audigy 2 ZS retail? That is, the only different thing is the software that comes with the retail version?

Thaks. :-)

**dj_stick** · Dec 16, 2005, 11:13 AM

minus the bundled games etc it'll be the same hardware wise

TravelRec. · Dec 16, 2005, 12:10 PM

But attention: some distributors ship an Audigy2Value, so the SB0400 as bulk, instead of a real Audigy ZS that is the retail version. Before you buy, you should get as much information as possible or look at the picture of the box (if you can) whether the card has the 40pole pin header or not. If not, it´s the hardware downgraded Value version.

JGSF · Dec 16, 2005, 12:47 PM

Thanks!

Maddogg6 · Dec 16, 2005, 05:42 PM

Also, Im pretty sure 'VALUE' cards have plastic speaker/input/mic connectors on it, where normally they are metal. My ZS has metal connectors.

Has any one seen differently?

ps. I learned my lesson on my SBLive Value - as it aged, the plastic connector became REALLY easy to crack. So, no more 'value' cards for me - they end up not so much as a 'value' - but just 'cheap'. Electronically it was ok I guess - but cracked connector = intermittant connections.

Doug W · Dec 16, 2005, 07:34 PM

My Audigy 2 ZS has the metal connectors, model number SB0350. Frankly for an old fart like me, I prefer the color coded plastic connectors like my SBLive has for visibility when trying to see anything when I am poking around back there.

Maddogg6 · Dec 16, 2005, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug W

My Audigy 2 ZS has the metal connectors, model number SB0350. Frankly for an old fart like me, I prefer the color coded plastic connectors like my SBLive has for visibility when trying to see anything when I am poking around back there.

Yup, my SB0350 has the metal too, and I can see the alure ofo the easy color coding - but I only mess with em on a few occasions anyway -

I just pull out the manual to make sure I plug into the right one - and I dont even look - all by touch.

I guess - 'to each, his own'
But for me - intermittant connects gets on my nerves way more..

Has anyone seen one WITH metal connectors - but NO AUD-EXT connector?
I would have doubts personally - so I was thinking its a possible way to differentiate between the two.. ??

**dj_stick** · Dec 17, 2005, 07:14 AM

Doug, iirc the metal port cards come with a sticker you put on the back plate with colour coding, well at least mine did

JGSF · Dec 17, 2005, 01:54 PM

I think all the ZS cards have metal connectors... The Audigy 2 Value doesn't have the ZS designation... therefore I could never go wrong picking up one A2 ZS. Correct me if I'm wrong on this.

TravelRec. · Dec 17, 2005, 04:59 PM

I ordered an Audigy 2 ZS bulk at www.reichelt.de , the desciption said something about firewire and expansion port... I got the Audigy-Value model. First I was very disappointed, but also this card runs with kX and I only needed a sound device so I kept it (nice card for testing new driver versions

).

JGSF · Dec 17, 2005, 05:27 PM

Well, I would say that was a shop's mistake... AFAIK there's no Audigy 2 ZS Value.

TravelRec. · Dec 18, 2005, 12:45 PM

That is correct - I only pointed you at this to sharpening your senses

.

Doug W · Dec 19, 2005, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Doug, iirc the metal port cards come with a sticker you put on the back plate with colour coding, well at least mine did

Got mine from Creative Ebay store, no stickers included. Guess I could just put some tape back there.

Maddogg6 · Dec 19, 2005, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug W

Got mine from Creative Ebay store, no stickers included. Guess I could just put some tape back there.

I like to use nail polish for tis sort of stuff. - Or 'Paint Pens' for more contrasting colors. - GF usually has red-ish colors in 30 different shades that are difficult to tell the difference.

What I did on mine was use a perminent marker to 'fill in' the etched icons on the metal bracket so I can see them with a flashlight. - otherwise the glare from light makes it too hard to see.

Dec 16, 2005, 11:00 AM	#1
JGSF HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 452 Rep Power: 0	Is Audigy 2 ZS bulk the same than Audigy 2 ZS retail? Hey guys, just a simply yes or no question: Is Audigy 2 ZS bulk the same than Audigy 2 ZS retail? That is, the only different thing is the software that comes with the retail version? Thaks. :-)

Dec 16, 2005, 12:10 PM	#3
TravelRec. Alternative Audioproductions Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Germany / Sachsen-Anhalt Posts: 1,710 Rep Power: 0	But attention: some distributors ship an Audigy2Value, so the SB0400 as bulk, instead of a real Audigy ZS that is the retail version. Before you buy, you should get as much information as possible or look at the picture of the box (if you can) whether the card has the 40pole pin header or not. If not, it´s the hardware downgraded Value version. __________________ Always take a look behind.

Dec 17, 2005, 04:59 PM	#10
TravelRec. Alternative Audioproductions Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Germany / Sachsen-Anhalt Posts: 1,710 Rep Power: 0	I ordered an Audigy 2 ZS bulk at www.reichelt.de , the desciption said something about firewire and expansion port... I got the Audigy-Value model. First I was very disappointed, but also this card runs with kX and I only needed a sound device so I kept it (nice card for testing new driver versions ). __________________ Always take a look behind.

Dec 18, 2005, 12:45 PM	#12
TravelRec. Alternative Audioproductions Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Germany / Sachsen-Anhalt Posts: 1,710 Rep Power: 0	That is correct - I only pointed you at this to sharpening your senses . __________________ Always take a look behind.

Dec 16, 2005, 12:47 PM	Thread Starter #4
JGSF HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 452 Rep Power: 0	Thanks!

Dec 16, 2005, 05:42 PM	#5
Maddogg6 Tail Razer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bernyurass, AZ - USA Posts: 4,027 Rep Power: 0	Also, Im pretty sure 'VALUE' cards have plastic speaker/input/mic connectors on it, where normally they are metal. My ZS has metal connectors. Has any one seen differently? ps. I learned my lesson on my SBLive Value - as it aged, the plastic connector became REALLY easy to crack. So, no more 'value' cards for me - they end up not so much as a 'value' - but just 'cheap'. Electronically it was ok I guess - but cracked connector = intermittant connections.

Dec 16, 2005, 07:34 PM	#6
Doug W HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Montevideo, MN USA Posts: 973 Rep Power: 0	My Audigy 2 ZS has the metal connectors, model number SB0350. Frankly for an old fart like me, I prefer the color coded plastic connectors like my SBLive has for visibility when trying to see anything when I am poking around back there.

Dec 17, 2005, 01:54 PM	Thread Starter #9
JGSF HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 452 Rep Power: 0	I think all the ZS cards have metal connectors... The Audigy 2 Value doesn't have the ZS designation... therefore I could never go wrong picking up one A2 ZS. Correct me if I'm wrong on this.

Dec 17, 2005, 05:27 PM	Thread Starter #11
JGSF HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 452 Rep Power: 0	Well, I would say that was a shop's mistake... AFAIK there's no Audigy 2 ZS Value.