Audigy X-Gamer vs. Nvidia Soundstorm

[ap673]

I just got this new NF7-S and it has onboard soundstorm. I also have an old Audigy X-gamer that I use. I'm trying to decide if its better to just sell off the audigy and use soundstorm? Which is better? I am overclocking stuff like FSB on my NF7-S, so would I need to put a heatsink on the southbridge if I wanted to use soundstrom? Thanks.

 

[Pake]

The soundstorm on nvidia chipset is amazing. Very nice sounding and has the option of going optical, which is how I'm running my z680. You should definately stick a heatsink of the SB just to be safe.

 

[stratcatprowlin]

If your using the analog output,definitely go with the Audigy.
The digital to analog converters built into the audigy card are so much better than the ac97 codecs used by the analog soundstorm.

If your using the digital output,your reciever or amplifier will be doing the digital to analog conversion anyway,so it depends if you like the Audigy's software over the soundstorm's.

 

[speed bump]

I would say use both of them see which does better for your needs. If you can't tell the difference then probably just stick with the soundstorm and raise cash with the audigy. If you like the audigy better then throw it in.

 

[ap673]

Does anyone know some exact specs to compare between audigy x-gamer and nvidia soundstorm? I stil can't decide which is better. BTW I do have the SB sinked.

 

[ap673]

bumper

 

[scott_55X]

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0350" -RETAIL

Model# 70SB035000000
Item # N82E16829102162

Specifications:
Channels: 7.1
Max Sampling Rate: 192kHz
Signal-Noise Ratio: 108dB(SNR)
Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital EX
Digital Audio: 24-bit
Hardware Polyphony: 64 Voices
PC Interface: PCI
Connectors: Line-out, Line-in, Mic-in, Digital Out(5.1), Firewire(IEEE1394), Analog/Digital CD Audio in, Telephone Answering Device in, GAME/MIDI port via extension header, Internal IEEE1394 header and AD_EXT extension header to Audigy 2 ZS Internal I/O Drive(See Details)
External Box: N/A
Remote Control: N/A
Special Features: DVD Audio, THX certified, EAX

Soundstorm, I'm not sure.

 

[stratcatprowlin]

If your going to use the analog out connection then get the SB,it has its own physical digital to analog converters.
The soundstorm uses AC97 codecs just like the rest of onboard sound solutions.
If your using the digital output,then the sound will be the same because your reciever or amplifier will be doing the d/a converting anyway.

So if your going digital out,it just depends if you want the SB software or the soundstorm software.

 

[ap673]

What do you mean if i'm using the analog out connection? I just use it for my Logitech 5.1 surround sound speakers.

 

[stratcatprowlin]

Wow! I didnt realize i posted twice on this thread with the same answer! lol.

Do your logitechs have a built in dolby digital decoder?
If not,then get the audigy.It will sound much better.

 

[ap673]

haha i didnt notice that either

 

[shutoutkeeper3]

I would say go with the soundstorm. I think you should do because if you have the logitech z-640 (the cheap logitech 5.1) then you won't be able to tell the difference between the two. And if you have the z-680(the nice logitech 5.1) then you can use the optical out on the soundstorm in full Dolby Digital 5.1.

 

[stratcatprowlin]

The 640's are good enough to hear the difference.I used to have the 2.1 version of them.The Audigy X gamer is a perfect match for him.

 

[JimboZ88]

I completely agree with stratcatprowlin, if you are just using analog (the things that look like headphone plugs) use the audigy, it will sound better and will be clearer. If you are using optical, then go soundstorm. I don't want to keep on repeating what stratcat is saying, but it needs to be stressed.
Audigy for Analog
Soundstorm for Digital