audigy (2) or Santa Cruz ?

[kyudrew]

I want to upgrade sound card to either Audigy 2 or Santa Cruz for my dell 4550.
I knew that Audigy 2 is new and more powerful. Also, it has one firewire port (don't
have to use another PCI slot for Firewire port). But, I heard that it is more difficult
to install (and more prone to have a problem). Santa Cruz is a bit old, but many
people liked it (and easier to install?), and it is cheap.

I am not a gamer and want to get a better sound for music and dvd playing.
How much would I notice the difference between Audigy 2 (support DVD playback)
and Santa Cruz?

Given the information, which one would you receommend? Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[AndyHui]

It was concluded that the Audigy 2 was a better card the last time this question was asked.

 

[NOX]

Audigy 2, I like the software a nice interface.

 

[holdencommodore]

Audigy 2 is quite a good card for music and is probably the best choice for DVD too, with multi-channel speakers.
The TBSC is also a very good consumer based card for music and also represents excellent value. Something to consider though, is that Turtle Beach is shifting focus away from the consumer soundcard market, and therefore could pose a problem in terms of driver support in the future.

A card that is worth considering is the M-Audio Revolution which has the VIA Envy24HT chip. So far, the reports have been VERY positive for music reproduction and DVD.

EDIT: You may want to check out other peoples opinions on the Revolution card at the 3D Sound Surge forums

Cheers

 

[paralazarguer]

*cough* learn to use the search button *cough*