Sound Cards and Speakers Compared

[Nooyawkah]

I'm NOT a gamer. If I upgraded from Soundblaster Live 5.1 and Logitech Z 340s to Voyetra Turtle Beach Santa Cruz and Logitech Z 540s would I hear a noticable difference or am I just rationalizing so I can buy some new stuff? By rhe way, I'm building a system for my little grandson so I figured my old stuff would go to good use.

[Steve]

I think you would hear a difference. Two addition speakers will always make things more interesting. Upgrading the sound card will also help.

And just to help you rationalize a little more...

You're gonna have to buy a sound card and speakers for your grandson anyway, so why not give him yours? Then you will need to buy replacements. And seeing that you already have experience with the afore mentioned setup, it's probably the responsible thing to do to try a new setup so that you can increase your knowledge of computer sound systems. This will allow you to be even MORE helpful to your grandson in the future. You could also use your new found knowledge to help others here at the forums. And actually, if you have a few bucks to spare, another whole system to use the new sound card and speakers on would let you evaluate a different processor and motherboard, along with the sound system, and increase your knowledge even more! But then, you would still need a sound card and speakers for your present system. So you could try and Audigy card and some Logitech Z560's! Just for educational purposes mind you.....;)

[Whyzman]

New "frontiers" were completely opened up for me with the Z560s...;)

I heard things like i've never heard before. Things like, "You're going to wake the neighbors!" And, "I can't hear my TV!" Also, "Is that your base or are we experiencing tectonic plate shiftings?!" And there was the, "What? What? Say again!"

There were also plenty of comments like, "Dad, those are awesome!" "Sweet!"

The sound is incredible! And, they have come down tremendously in price as the next wave of Logitech's has already hit the beach! :cool:

Anyone running the Santa Cruz I've heard from thus far has only good things to say. I'm using the SB Live Platinum 5.1 and I'm a happy camper. I especially like the front controls for my headset...and since we use the computer for DVD movies...I like the remote for my Sweetie so she can control the volume without my having to continually mess...;)

[Nooyawkah]

I think you would hear a difference. Two addition speakers will always make things more interesting. Upgrading the sound card will also help.

And just to help you rationalize a little more...

I like this guy! :)



Anyone running the Santa Cruz I've heard from thus far has only good things to say.

I also like the news from this man!


OK, settled. As I write I have Newegg up on another screen.....heh heh
Thanks fellas:D :D :D

[GandalfGrey]

In my experience, and I have built a number of systems for others as well as myself, the speakers you obtain are more important than the card...

I still use SB (albeit an upscale version), but I power Benwin speakers which look like Bose and produce fine sound....I have about 50 watts per channel thru three speakers and a small tube per side (I have not gone 4 channel). I have more than enough power to cause the above mentioned problems.....in my case wife bleeps me on the phone intercom system from the front room and helps me understand the advisability of lowering the volume....or else!

I tried the, "I'm getting old and my ears aren't as good as they were" routine, but got no takers from her on the arguement.

Good luck with your sound.

Gandy Grey

[BigBlue66]

I have, and am still running a SB Live 5.1 on one system paired with some cheap 2.1 speakers and a Santa Cruz on another system paired with the Z-540s.

I can' tell that much difference between the soundcards. However, I do like the hardwired EQ on the Cruz much better than Creative's idea of an EQ on the Live.

If you really want to upgrade, consider the Audigy2 with the Z-560s. You can get the non-platinum edition of the Aud2 for around $100 now.

I just upgraded not too long ago from a Cruz to the Aud2 Platinum. And there is a definite difference! The Aud2 is crystal clear even at extremely high volume. :D