New Sound Card needed?

mepink

Hi,

I would appreciate your views:-

I am a bit of an audiophile and have great Logitech z-2300's and Altec Lansing FX6021's hooked up to my tv and my mp3 player. I have just purchased 2.1 Logitech z-4 speakers for my computer.

My computer is a Dell, about 4 years old which came with the standard sound card at that time. My question is - is there a point in upgrading the soundcard when I am just using 2.1 speakers on the computer? Will the sound be much improved, if at all? I have absolutely 0 experience with sound cards so I don't know what advantages they have over a standard soundcard.

If I should get a soundcard - what type and how much should I spend?

Diddy Kong

The new Creative X-Fi range are supposed to be the best things since sliced bread and can increase fps in games as it frees up the CPU/Memory.
Decent prices aswell for the standard range
Clicky

Dont know about the difference with the 2.1 speakers, but the sound should be better...

TomCo

I think the X-Fi range is just a load of marketing twaddle tbh, an Audigy 2 will serve you just as well.

SorGan

TomCo wrote:

I think the X-Fi range is just a load of marketing twaddle tbh, an Audigy 2 will serve you just as well.

i agree but, to be blunt, i wouldnt bother, a key feture in any upgraded soundcard in more channels such as 5.1, 7.1.
improved sound quality yes but, if your sound card is fine for you now, then id wait till you added more speakers.:D

BadCharlie

TomCo wrote:

I think the X-Fi range is just a load of marketing twaddle tbh, an Audigy 2 will serve you just as well.

Have the Audigy 2 my self. ITs well old but does me fine. I also think the onboard sound on the uptodate motherboards is good.

Sir Random

If you just listen to pre-recorded music, then you may not notice much difference with a new sound card.
However, if you play games with dynamic sounds, then you will notice the benefits of EAX3.0, positional audio, etc.

PogMoThoin

Have Creative Audigy 2 zs in my current rig. I find it great but then again i have a 5.1 system. This is what i'd advise you to get. Its great for games and you can add extra effects to music.
I have chosen the Creative X-fi for my new rig but I wouldnt reccommend this unless you have a 5.1 system, it'd be a waste of money.

Audigy 2 zs FTW

mepink

Thanks - I think the general opinion is that a sound card upgrade is only needed for 5.1+ surround sound and high end gaming.

PogMoThoin

Best bet. Save your money n buy 5.1 system 1st. can buy proper soundcard in the future.

SorGan

PogMoThoin wrote:

Have Creative Audigy 2 zs in my current rig. I find it great but then again i have a 5.1 system. This is what i'd advise you to get. Its great for games and you can add extra effects to music.
I have chosen the Creative X-fi for my new rig but I wouldnt reccommend this unless you have a 5.1 system, it'd be a waste of money.

Audigy 2 zs FTW

could not agree more, i got the very same:D

PogMoThoin

lookin forward to X-Fi. should have some kick ass sounds then.