Audigy 2 Value Question

[iv4n]

I'm going to use this card primarily for gaming, so would you guys recommend me using headphones or a speaker configuration?

Also, I've read that a 5.1 speaker configuaration (instead of 7.1) is generally recommended for gaming, but supposing I have very little space in my room, am I supposed to put the speakers on surfaces such as desks?

Thanks in advice for your feedback!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

This is more of a personal preference I think.

A lot of "professional" gamers swear by headphones, but a nice 5.1 is a good way to go also.

If a 5.1 computer speaker set is going to end up more or less all in front of you, it's probably not the best idea.
You can put the rear speakers pretty much on anything. (tables, window sills, shelves, wall mounts, etc.)

What kind of budget are you thinking about?

 

[iv4n]

Hmm, for now I'm just intending to get the Audigy 2 Value Soundcard and pair it with my existing speakers *which came with my pc* and some generic headphones..probably getting better peripherals next year or something. Definitely won't be getting those Gigaworks speakers which cost a lot

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

How much is the A2 value you're planning?

Last week A2 zs cards were going for $40 after rebate. If you're not in a big rush and you don't have really nice speakers/headphones sitting waiting to be taken to the next level, it would probably be a good idea to hold off until you can find a really good deal.

When you do upgrade your output devices, keep in mind that you can get a set of headphones that is quite nice for $50 to $100 that will outperform much more expensive computer speakers for a similar price. (Not that I'm anti-speakers or anything)

 

[iv4n]

Hmm the card I'm getting is about 79 SGD...there's some sale going on..but for a limited time period only

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

oops, didn't notice the Singapore part.

I'm sure you have a better idea of what a good deal is over there than I do :thumbsup:

 

[iv4n]

Lol thanks for all the input anyway...btw what kind of headphones would you recommend?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: iv4n
Lol thanks for all the input anyway...btw what kind of headphones would you recommend?

Headfi.org is a great place for headphone info.

Budget is a big factor here.

Also, open or closed is another big decision. Closed would be more private so outside sounds wont get in while you're listening, and at the same time someone next to you wont be hearing a good chunk of what you're hearing. Open headphones offer the listener awareness of sounds around them, and a lot of the nicer headphones out there have this open design.

Another factor is the basic type of headphone you want. There are ones that fit in your ear canal, portable ones, big traditional over the ear styles etc.

I went for a large closed pair and got Sennheiser HD-280s that I'm very happy with. I got them for $60 on sale.
Sennheiser HD-497s used to be quite the deal when they went on sale for about $40 to $45. I think they might be being phased out though.

There are a lot of great headphones out there from other companies like Shure, Grado, etc.

 

[iv4n]

Would you recommend Logitech, Altec Lansing or Zalman Headsets?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

From my own experience with Sennheiser, I'd probably go with them again if I was getting a headset for myself.

PC150s
and
PB160s
are popular.

Headfi should have some good headset info for you as well.

 

[SonicIce]

What is replacing the HD-497's?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: SonicIce
What is replacing the HD-497's?

I'm not sure really.

Just seems like fewer and fewer places are carrying them now.

 

[iv4n]

Do headphones support 5.1 surround sound? Or will I be stuck with 2.1? The card Im getting is the Audigy2 Value btw

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Most headphones are stereo, but some soundcards can alter the stereo output so you get the effect of surround sound from just the two speakers.

X-Fi is supposed to be very good at it. I'm not sure where the A2 cards are in the range of things.