Upgrade from Audigy 2 to Audigy 2 ZS

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Thread: Upgrade from Audigy 2 to Audigy 2 ZS

  1. #1
    Chomp Chomp PinchyCM's Avatar
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    Upgrade from Audigy 2 to Audigy 2 ZS

    Hey guys, I was wondering if I'd notice much of a difference if I upgraded from the A2 to the A2 ZS. I'm using the Klipsch Ultras btw, if that makes any difference.
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  2. #2
    Zoom-Zoom! soupnazi's Avatar
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    Not worth it, imho. The only new features in "actual" hardware are: higher SNR ratio, 7.1 support.

    The rest of the new features (EAX4, DTS, THX console) are just features from newer drivers. I bet once the regular A2's are discontinued, creative will release a driver update for us A2 users with these features.
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  3. #3
    RIP SiS :( CrawlingEye's Avatar
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    Originally posted by soupnazi
    Not worth it, imho. The only new features in "actual" hardware are: higher SNR ratio, 7.1 support.

    The rest of the new features (EAX4, DTS, THX console) are just features from newer drivers. I bet once the regular A2's are discontinued, creative will release a driver update for us A2 users with these features.
    That was also said about the Audigy 2 though. "Same features as the Audigy, just a higher snr with EAX HD and 6.1 support"
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  4. #4
    ATI Fanboy Ignitionator's Avatar
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    Originally posted by CrawlingEye
    That was also said about the Audigy 2 though. "Same features as the Audigy, just a higher snr with EAX HD and 6.1 support"
    Yeah, and the A1 and A2 are so different IMO. The A2 sounds a lot better.
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  5. #5
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    I own both the A2 and A2 ZS and while I like the ZS a little more than my old A2, I have to agree that it isn't worth it to "upgrade".
    Last edited by Jay20016; 10-30-2003 at 04:14 PM.

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  6. #6
    Mako Shark coolqf's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Jay20016
    I own both the A2 and A2 ZS and while I like the ZS a little more than my old A2, I have to agree that it isn't worth it to "upgrade".
    I would say to atleast wait until it's released in OEM

  7. #7
    Expensive Sushi
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    Anyone know if you can use the breakout box of the Audigy 2 Platinum with the Audigy 2 ZS ?
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  8. #8
    Hammerhead Shark Saffire's Avatar
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    I'm sure you can sell your A2s for at least 50 bucks, that would make it like a $30 upgrade
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  9. #9
    Chomp Chomp PinchyCM's Avatar
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    eh, i'll think about it. i've only had it for less than 2 months. it's pratically brand new.
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  10. #10
    Great White Shark mikeysg's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Ignitionator
    Yeah, and the A1 and A2 are so different IMO. The A2 sounds a lot better.
    You mean to tell me that the diff's as clear as night and day? I've the A1 in my Intel rig, sound repro's awesome, I just thought that the A2 ZS has added features and higher SNR, THX, 6.1 n 7.1 support. Soundwise, I'd have thought they were similar - like I said, I'm not an audio guy. I tried the Philips Seismic Edge (not a bad budget card) against my A1 and I could actually hear quite a difference - much to my surprise. Can one actually hear a diff between the A1 and ZS?
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  11. #11
    Zoom-Zoom! soupnazi's Avatar
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    Not a huge difference, but the A2 and up is better at music reproduction. Better DACS.
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  12. #12
    Great White Shark mikeysg's Avatar
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    Originally posted by soupnazi
    Not a huge difference, but the A2 and up is better at music reproduction. Better DACS.
    Thanks for the prompt response. At least now when I get into an arguement with my friends about A1 and A2 sound quality, I can quote you. Er....DACS = Digital/Analog Converters, right? Mikeysg's dumb about this!
    Last edited by mikeysg; 10-31-2003 at 01:19 AM.
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  13. #13
    Chomp Chomp PinchyCM's Avatar
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    i think the A2 sounds a lot better than the A1.
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  14. #14
    RIP SiS :( CrawlingEye's Avatar
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    Originally posted by soupnazi
    Not a huge difference, but the A2 and up is better at music reproduction. Better DACS.
    Are you saying the A1 and A2 perform similarly in your opinion?

    Or are you saying the A2 and A2ZS perform similarly?

    I'm assume you meant the latter, not the prior; however, you've just misread the thread.

    If so, I'm baffled at that statement and would love to hear your reasons.
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  15. #15
    Zoom-Zoom! soupnazi's Avatar
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    Originally posted by CrawlingEye
    Are you saying the A1 and A2 perform similarly in your opinion?

    Or are you saying the A2 and A2ZS perform similarly?

    I'm assume you meant the latter, not the prior; however, you've just misread the thread.

    If so, I'm baffled at that statement and would love to hear your reasons.
    Oh, I'm saying that the A2 and up (A2 ZS) don't have a huge difference in soundquality compared to the Audigy 1, for most users. Some may notice a big difference, but the average user probably will only hear a slight difference. Upgrading to the hacked A2 drivers on an A1 might be a sufficient upgrade for some people.
    Last edited by soupnazi; 10-31-2003 at 02:09 AM.
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