Hardcore FPS gamer looking for sound card

[de_yogurt]

im looking for a good sound card. i am a hardcore FPS fan, in fact thats all im playing right now. Looking at either the Audigy 4 SE or the Audigy 2 ZS, non pro edition. i was just wondering what you guys would recommend??? I can get really good deals on both and am looking at spending no more than 70 bucks. Thanks and i appreciate the the help!

-Yogurt

 

[nd4spdbh2]

audigy 2 zs... more ppl have them thus creative releases tons of updates and addons for it... its a good card and a good sound processing chip... i use the audigy 2 zs drivers for my sb live 5.1... considering they have the same series of sound processors

 

[Trap05]

I agree grab the ZS for sure.

 

[Deadman93723]

Totally Audigy 2 zs, mine is 3 years old and still works great.

 

[nachosyumm]

another vote for audigy 2 zs. It still is an awesome sound card. Plus you can get it for relatively cheap now.

additional software for it?

 

[nd4spdbh2]

another vote for audigy 2 zs. It still is an awesome sound card. Plus you can get it for relatively cheap now.

additional software for it?

what additional software you talkin bout man?

 

[nachosyumm]

audigy 2 zs... more ppl have them thus creative releases tons of updates and addons for it... its a good card and a good sound processing chip... i use the audigy 2 zs drivers for my sb live 5.1... considering they have the same series of sound processors

I was refering to addons. What do they have that is actually usefull? The drivers from the creative website never worked for me. They never recognize my card, although the included drivers do.


Are you a member of ultimate rc? I havent been there for awhile, but your name looks familiar.

 

[Murdochs_mad]

i use the audigy 2 zs drivers for my sb live 5.1... considering they have the same series of sound processors

Am I right in thinking thats the EMU10K (or summat like that)? If so what extra features does the audigy 2 zs have that the 5.1 live doesn't? I have a 5.1 live its an oem so some of the internal connectors are different, specifically the ones for the 'live drive'. I bought it when Medal of Honour (the one with the 'saving private ryan' beach asault in it) came out. It was dirt cheap and gave me 5.1, and better than the onboard one.

 

[Awake77]

Best Buy had the X-Fi platinum for sale yesterday for $149, which is a decent price, so I grabbed one. I was about to pick up an Audigy 2 ZS before, newegg has them for $82 after $100 mail in rebate.

Ive never compared the two, but most reviews Ive read claimed there's an audible difference. (Im sure you'd need some high-end speakers to be able to actually hear it though.)

The Audigy 2 ZS gives you an extra FireWire port, which is nice...no idea why Creative didnt do that with the X-Fi.

Either way, the improvement over the stock ASUS P5WDH sound is very apparent, and the 3D headphone processing for games is just great.

You cant go wrong with either, get whichever your budget allows.

 

[Trap05]

Yeah I picked up an ZS Platinum a couple of weeks ago for peanuts or else an X-Fi is what I would have had.

 

[mrgreenjeans]

It depends on what you're powering your speakers with also. I wouldn't touch a Creative card with your stick. Their total lack of optical out support and the fact that the SPDIF is still very limited with no DD, DTS or DVD-audio through put, crosses them off my list. Since you're a gamer foremost though, creative's the only one with the advanced EAX 4 support. I also game and the Auzentech X-plosion I use supports EAX 2.0 and all the above specs Creative doesn't. I've been very pleased with the 2.0 results, coupled with the fact it is output in a 'true' DTS 5.1 format optically, it's the card for me.
If none of that means anything to you, definitely stick with the Creative line.

 

[Awake77]

Mr GreenJeans has a point there, the Azurentech cards, especially the new X-Meridian, seem to be really stellar. Definitely better for Home Theater buffs with the digital connectivity options. Here's a big discussion over at AnAndTech:

http://forums.anandtech.com/message...eyword=&STARTPAGE=1&FTVAR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

Basically,it seems the Azurentech X-Meridian is better for the audio purist who is watching movies, listening to music, etc. The X-Fi is better for the gamer with its EAX 5.0 support and hardware accelleration.

I have a pro-audio card for recording (Echo Layla 24), and I bought the X-Fi specifically for gaming. You do get a bunch of extra ports, but you have to use the front drive bay - I've got a big tower (TT Armor) so I was actually looking for something to take up some space, and the front 1/4" headphone jack and volume control are nice.

 

[pak]

Mr Green and awake are confusing me. So what is better for gaming. I am trying to decide between these two typse of cards. Im looking that the x-plosion instead of the meridian though, and for the xfi, im looking at the 150$ range card. I think its called the fatality gamer or something.

But I am looking for a card to game with. What is better EAX 4.0 or DD DTS true 5.1?

--pak

I have a post a few below if you guys dont mind looking at it. Fairly similar to this one.

 

[Awake77]

Strictly for gaming, I would think the X-Fi would suit you better. Check out this short discussion on EAX vs DD:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/615789.html

In terms of overall audio quality, I'd say the Azurentech cards have it. You wont be able to notice this unless any difference, however, unless you have the highend amp and speakers that can realize that level of detail.

Like I mentioned above I also have a pro-audio interface, and I still think the X-Fi sounds really nice.

The Azurentech cards also have better digital I/O - but this will only matter to you if, like mentioned above, you have an amp/receiver with digital connectivity.

For pure gaming, especially with headphones, I'd choose the X-Fi. Creative has the gaming audio card market pretty much cornered by keeping EAX 5.0 exclusive.

If you have your PC hooked up to a high end surround sound system and are planning to play a few games here and there but mainly watch movies and listen to music, go with the Azurentech.

The best option, IMO, would be to pick up both because then you get everything. That is a bit of overkill however

 

[mrgreenjeans]

If you're strictly gaming and pushing a set of 5.1 computer speakers or less, stick with the creative cards. the Gamer 2Zs or the x-fi would fill your bill of goods. Gamer's usual want the full EAX experience and as stated above, Creative's got the propietary on that so that's were you'll need to go.

 

[de_yogurt]

it might be too late to say this, but i chances are that i wont be using speakers. in fact ill prolly just stick with a headset, but i am going to get a really nice one upwards of around 150-200. so that being said, does it change anyones opinion on the matter??? thanks for all the help and input so far.

-Have a good one!

Yogurt

 

[pak]

"For pure gaming, especially with headphones, I'd choose the X-Fi. Creative has the gaming audio card market pretty much cornered by keeping EAX 5.0 exclusive."

I'm 99.9% sure I'm going x-fi. Now I have to just decide which one to get.

--pak

 

[mrgreenjeans]

I'd match my card to the fidelity of the headphones. There's not much point to spending chunks on a sound card to support $20 headphones. Or balance it out and upgrade both.

 

[Awake77]

I'd match my card to the fidelity of the headphones. There's not much point to spending chunks on a sound card to support $20 headphones. Or balance it out and upgrade both.

+100 on that! Your soundquality is only as strong as the weakest link in your signal chain....