Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum

[Slightdust]

Hey guys, I was wondering if Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum is a good sound card.

How is the card itself? How is it comparing to the Value cards which are $100+ cheaper?

I'll probably buy a 6 month old card from another forum for cheap if it's good.

 

[wallrunnerm15]

go for it dude, i have it and use the front panel all the time. i bought mine for only 100 i think after rebates 2 black fridays ago at Best Buy. so look around for a good rebate or buy a used one.

 

[Chacranajxy]

The Audigy 2 ZS is a good sound card, but I don't think the Platinum is necessary unless you really want the breakout box. Though I have to wonder why you'd go for the Audigy 2 ZS over the X-fi.

 

[orangat]

Originally posted by: Chacranajxy
The Audigy 2 ZS is a good sound card, but I don't think the Platinum is necessary unless you really want the breakout box. Though I have to wonder why you'd go for the Audigy 2 ZS over the X-fi.

Simple. All the x-fi models except for the most expensive elitepro uses the same DAC and opamp components as the A2ZS. Some helpful hacker might modify the x-fi driver for the audigy family and we might get some improvement without the nforce4 issues.

 

[Slightdust]

But when I look at the specs of the $40 Value card and this....there is not much of a difference?

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: orangat

Originally posted by: Chacranajxy
The Audigy 2 ZS is a good sound card, but I don't think the Platinum is necessary unless you really want the breakout box. Though I have to wonder why you'd go for the Audigy 2 ZS over the X-fi.

Simple. All the x-fi models except for the most expensive elitepro uses the same DAC and opamp components as the A2ZS. Some helpful hacker might modify the x-fi driver for the audigy family and we might get some improvement without the nforce4 issues.

Never mind that the processing chip on both cards are completely different...

 

[Slightdust]

Originally posted by: Chacranajxy
The Audigy 2 ZS is a good sound card, but I don't think the Platinum is necessary unless you really want the breakout box. Though I have to wonder why you'd go for the Audigy 2 ZS over the X-fi.

Simply cause I can get the platinum for $50, and I can't miss that

 

[Rage187]

I run my turntables through an Audigy2 ZS Platinum so I can record and edit. I like it

 

[Akhen]

if you can get it for that price and have a spare drive bay then go for it.

I have it and the card itself is the best thing Ive ever had plus I turn my camcorder audio through that sucker and get some very nice sound.

 

[Slightdust]

The box is not absolutely neccesary is it?
By box I mean the external drive thing.

 

[SnoMunke]

Don't waste money on a Audigy...get a X-Fi.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: SnoMunke
Don't waste money on a Audigy...get a X-Fi.

Says the guy with the $120 soundcard and $50 speakers

Slightdust, if you can get an A2 Plat for $50, go for it.
The drivebay is not neccesary at all. Besides having a headphone output on it, I don't see the point really unless you have a specific idea for using it.

What are you hooking up to this soundcard, Slightdust?
The headphone output on the X-Fi seems like its most interesting feature. If you're a big headphone gamer it might be a good idea to save up for an X-Fi.

 

[Slightdust]

what is X-Fi's special feature for headphones? What is X-Fi exactly....

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Slightdust
what is X-Fi's special feature for headphones? What is X-Fi exactly....

They're supposed to be good at positional audio from a stereo headphone set. X-Fi is creative's new soundcard lineup.
http://www.anandtech.com/multimedia/showdoc.aspx?i=2518