Newbie w/ 5.1 Computer Audio Question

[jon_1975@bellso]

Hi, everyone. As the title and my post count would indicate, I'm a newbie here and to serious surround sound and HT systems. Today, I received and installed a set of 5.1 Logitech X-530's onto my Dell 4600 3.0 GHz HT system. The thing is, I have the basic SoundBlaster Live 5.1 card that came with my system. After going from a set of 4.1 Creative Inspire 4400's to my 5.1 Logitech X-530s, I like the upgrade, espcially for only $40. But, would it help if I got a SB Audigy 2 ZS or a similar card in the $50-75 range? I'm not even sure I have real 5.1 sound, since the dialogue in films comes out all 5 speakers--I was told that the center channel should deliver the dialogue and the front and rear satellites should deliver bi-directional and other "background" sound, as well as music. That's another thing I use these speakers for-I actually bought the speakers for music and the movies are somewhat of an afterthought. BTW, I play almost no games. So, that's not a concern for me. To make a long post only slightly shorter, would going from th eSB Live 5.1 to an Audigy ZS or similar $50-75 card be worthwhile? Thanks very much for any help anyone can offer. It's much appreciated.

Jon

 

[nanda]

I think audigy 2zs is an excelllent choice. Also I would recommend creative T7900 OR T7700 speakers for perfect match and quality. I am using k8n-e asus motherboard with built in ALC 850 8 Channel souncard and T7700 creative speakers. Creative is worth for every penny for computers.

 

[jaxvon]

You might want to also check out the M-Audio Revolution 5.1. Excellent sound, but with less BS included in the drivers. If you actually use the software included with your sound card, then an Audigy 2 might be more worthwhile. However, if you don't mind a little more CPU usage by the audio card, then I think you'd be happy with the card. It can be found here. That's a link to the 7.1 version. The 5.1 version can be found here. They're essentially the same card, one just has less analog outputs. Another feature I like about the M-Audio cards is the fact that they feature an RCA digital out, which means no dongles and adapters when you want to output 5.1 sound to your receiver (if you ever want to do that).

As for speakers, you might want to check out some of Logitech's higher end offerings (Z-5500) or Klipsch ProMedia Ultras.

 

[jon_1975@bellso]

Thanks for the replies. I'm only concerned with the sound card right now. I don't want to spend the $250 or so that a set of Z-5500's or Z-5300's would cost. I'm sticking with my X-530's, for better or worse. The reason I got these in the first place was that 1) they were too cheap, er, inexpensive, to pass up. Also, the volume on my Creative Inspire 4400's was fubared (random fluctuations), so, I decided it was time to move on up to 5.1. I don't usually use the software that came with the SB Live 5.1 OEM, except for the occasional speaker test as needed for troubleshooting. But I like having it there if I need it later.

My best friend has a fairly recent M-Audio card (I'm unsure of which one, exactly) and loves it. But, I've been leaning toward the Audigy 2 ZS. I guess it's just my familiarity with the brand name. I just wanted to confirm that it would make some difference-apparently a pretty significant one-in sound quality. I've checked EBay, among other places, and, as expected, OEM (bare) cards are at least half off the retail price for the Audigy 2 ZS. Are there any dangers or issues I should be aware of when considering an OEM card, aside from the very limited documentation/support? For example, would a Gateway OEM Audigy2 ZS work in a Dell? I assume it would. But, I've been wrong before. Thanks again for the help!

Jon

 

[nanda]

Try www.newegg.com for better price and service to buy anything related to computer hardware. Sometime they offer sale on certain products.

 

[jaxvon]

Yes, an OEM card should work fine. The only difference between OEM and retail is the fancy packaging and sometimes a glossy manual. Check the price differences...paper is really starting to get expensive!

 

[tbewick]

I once read somewhere that a Creative Labs employee admitted that the Audigy couldn't support 24-bit audio, as is claimed. I don't know whether this is true or not, or even if it matters!

 

[jon_1975@bellso]

Here's what I bought

On a whim and after an hour or two of message board reading, I decided to experiment and go with the Chaintech AV-710 7.1 card (full retail box), which is supposed to be excellent for movies and music-which is what I use it for-and not so great with games-which I rarely play. The price was ok, at $39.98, delivered. If it turns out to be crap, maybe I can repack it and get something for it on EBay. Anyway, I'll post again when I get it installed and tested out. Thanks very much!

JT