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A new computer is coming together here, and I've bought the Planar Media 14's to go with it. I already have both an Audigy and an Acoustic Edge, but I'm also looking at the Audigy 2 and the new M-Audio Revolution.
The sound requirements of this new rig will be music and some gaming (mostly online stuff like TFC Classic :) )
Would you please recommend which one of these 4 soundcards, that you think would best match with the PM14's?
:cool:
I've been learning quite a lot about these options since I recently made this post.
I'm actually now probably going to return the PM14's and getting instead the Creative MegaWorks 2.1 THX 250D, along with an Audigy 2 Platinum.
Should be nice, although the wallet seems thinner now(?)...
:cool:
well had you been staying with the PMs I would have recommend the Revolution...
Why did you pull the trigger and make a switch?
Why? There is no reason to get a *PLATINUM* version of the Audigy 2... and it sounds like you are looking for speakers for music, so why even go for a gaming sound card in the first place? And what is wrong with the PM14's?? What is your current sound card now?Quote:
Originally posted by al bundy
I've been learning quite a lot about these options since I recently made this post.
I'm actually now probably going to return the PM14's and getting instead the Creative MegaWorks 2.1 THX 250D, along with an Audigy 2 Platinum.
Should be nice, although the wallet seems thinner now(?)...
:cool:
You've always been a bit silly. I suppose Roj has made a new suggestion though. Perhaps he records and enjoys games? Perhaps he's trying to go home theatre on a budget?Quote:
Originally posted by Gluegun
Why? There is no reason to get a *PLATINUM* version of the Audigy 2... and it sounds like you are looking for speakers for music, so why even go for a gaming sound card in the first place? And what is wrong with the PM14's?? What is your current sound card now?
The Audigy 2's a better rounded card than the Revo, Revo's stuck between a rock (high-grade cards) and a hard place (consumer-grade cards). It doesn't quite win at either of the strong points. Not enough gaming support or speed to compete with the A2 and not enough sound quality to compete with some of the higher end releases of m-audio or any of the aardvark line.
there are plenty of reasons to get one...its not his problem you lack vision.Quote:
Originally posted by Gluegun
Why? There is no reason to get a *PLATINUM* version of the Audigy 2...
Ouch, even *I* felt the sting in that one.Quote:
Originally posted by Isezumi
there are plenty of reasons to get one...its not his problem you lack vision.
but yeah, if I had the $$$, I would have gone platinum.
Don't get me wrong - I know that the PM-14's and the Revo are both excellent products! I'm not an expert in computer hifi either. The reasons why I was instead considering the Megaworks 250D's and the Audigy 2 Platinum are coming mainly from online manufacturer info and third-party reviews I've been reading. Some of these reasons are as follows:
Compared to the M-Audio Revolution card, the Audigy 2 Platinum has: Nearly-Revo fidelity, THX-certification, stronger driver support, EAX Advanced HD, significantly less CPU/resource overhead, less problems with games, true hardware acceleration channels for DirectSound and DirectSound3D, excellent onboard and front-bay connectivity (including separate headphone port, electric-guitar, digital-in port, firewire, and separate headphone volume dial), internal onboard connectors for TV-card / AUX etc, better line-in monitoring and playback support, hardware Dolby Digital decoding ability, optical S/PDIF, an equalizer, a nice remote control, support for DVD-Audio, a better overall software bundle,...
Compared to the PM-14's, the Creative Megaworks THX 2.1 250D's have: More power, much more flexibility with satellite and subwoofer positioning, lower and cleaner satellite-to-subwoofer crossover frequency, overall better low and mid-range performance, magnetically-shielded (and wall-mountable) satellites, THX certification, dual analog and digital inputs, down-firing subwoofer, uses an advanced BASH® (Bridged Amplifier/ Switching Hybrid) power supply,...
Since I was only considering a 2.1 setup (primarily for music but also some gaming), and since these two Creative products were designed to be used together, it just seemed like it could be a better overall future-proof combination and investment(?)
I'm not completely sold on the Audigy 2 Platinum idea though, since I don't necessarily need the front-bay connectivity and I feel ready for a really great soundcard. Maybe I should also just spend the extra for a 5.1 setup too.
I guess its obvious that I'm still really undecided about what speakers/card to get at this point and am still very open to any suggestions. Thanks to all who try to help.
:cool:
Well sir,
that post absoluetely reaked of effort and meticulous planning/thought...I applaud you for exercising actual brain cells in making the decisions that you made.
If you are sticking with an A2 (be it Platinum or Not), then i would recommend either 250D or the 550D. Because the A2 does offer some primitive DVD-A support (multichannel music is tre nice) and there really is no point in haveing all those sweet juicy EAX enhancements if you cant have it over >2 channels.
but if you are pinched the 250D will work great for music...in theory.
I have never personally been a fan of Satelites that werent 2-way. But if you like 'um, enjoy
The Megaworks 550THX have just gone down in price at my local computer shop from $400 to $300 CANADIAN, which equals $221 (US)!!!:D
Quote:
Originally posted by soupnazi
The Megaworks 550THX have just gone down in price at my local computer shop from $400 to $300 CANADIAN, which equals $221 (US)!!!:D
HUH?! Where did you find at $300 CAN?
www.a-power.comQuote:
Originally posted by Seventh Order
HUH?! Where did you find at $300 CAN?
Tell them, soupnazi sent you... j/k:D
DAMN, that's an awesome deal! Too bad I'm all set with my MM-2000.
Anyway, thanks for the heads up fellow BCer.
I know! At first I thought it was a typo.Quote:
Originally posted by Seventh Order
DAMN, that's an awesome deal! Too bad I'm all set with my MM-2000.
Anyway, thanks for the heads up fellow BCer.
Glad to help a fellow BCtonian...heh;)
Share the news with any of your friends looking for a 5.1 set.
Thanks for the advice.Quote:
Originally posted by Isezumi
...If you are sticking with an A2 (be it Platinum or Not), then i would recommend either 250D or the 550D. Because the A2 does offer some primitive DVD-A support (multichannel music is tre nice) and there really is no point in haveing all those sweet juicy EAX enhancements if you cant have it over >2 channels.
but if you are pinched the 250D will work great for music...in theory...
You know, I just realized that the difference in price between those 250D's and the 550D's is not really all that much. So I believe I'll be getting the Megaworks THX 550D's after all, and enjoying those extra sound channels.
I've also decided that, at this time at least, top quality music fidelity is more important to me than having the absolute latest cutting-edge game effects. So, instead of any of those other sound card options, I think I'll get a Terratec DMX 6Fire card to match with the 550D's. After all, it still gets outstanding reviews - and it also has exactly enough channels to conveniently match-up with the 550D's.
It will be fun to compare this setup with another one I'll be putting together too. For a while I've been looking for a really nice PC sound gift for some family members. It would be used to upgrade their general home-office/multipurpose PC. I think I'll get and install a set of PM-14's and an M-Audio Revolution 7.1 card to their PC (they currently use onboard sound and built-in monitor speakers). I think this gift will likely be appreciated, do you agree?
Thanks again everyone for your advice and comments.
:cool: