Deciding between Audigy2 ZS and M-Audio Revolution

[0ptimist]

I am having trouble deciding between Audigy2 ZS and M-Audio Revolution. OK, the M-Audio Rev is mcuh better for music.
But not sure what is the downside of gaming on M-Audio Rev. Is it just not capable of producing surround sound as good as the Audigy2, or does it produce comparable surround sound but takes CPU cycles?
If the latter is true, is the XP 2500+ (stock speed) good enough to take care of it with the newer games or not?

 

[HardWarrior]

The ZS is very easy on CPU slices, puts soundstorm to shame in terms of fidelity and does a good job with MP3s as well. I don't know anything about the Revolution though

 

[Xeese]

Creative hasn't released the specs for EAX 3 so that other sound card developers can incorporate into their cards.

If you can hold off for another few months, Creative seems to be prepping for a launch of their next rev of ausio card.

 

[ForceCalibur]

I've read the M-Audio is basically for Music people, w/ poor gaming surround and quality. Its also overpriced for what it does.

 

[Huma]

my friend bought a revo based on reviews for music, but had problems while gaming. sound would lag quite often.

he bought an audigy2 instead and didn't notice sound quality degradation while being able to play games properly.

I've found people seem to bash creative's soundcards based on creative's business practices, but I've been using an audigy for years now without any problems. It's been a stellar card in multiple boxes. With the Audigy2's sound quality upgraded in hardware, I don't see why people still trash talk it. I still haven't found a card that will work with less problems.

 

[aug1516]

My Revo 7.1 has been simply outstanding for music and gaming. I have never had and lag issues and such and in some games I found the surround sound more convincing than the Audigy 2 ZS, which I tried for a month or so. My CPU was quite a bit more powerful than your Barton 2500+ stock though so I guess it's possible you will have lag issues in gaming when using the Revo. Of course the CPU only has to work hard if you want the 3d sound effects that things like EAX and such offer. If you can be happy with Stereo sound in games the Revo will have no problems at all.

 

[Edge3D]

I'd go with the Revolution. I have had bad luck with Creative products and wouldnt recommend them.