How does nVidia's SoundStorm audio controller compare to SB Audigy?

[bullion416]

I have an Abit NF7-S motherboard with onboard nVidia SoundStorm sound controller. I am told it is a very good "sound card," but how does it compare to the SB Audigy 1 (the original one, not the new one). I am just trying to figure out if it is worth keeping my SB Audigy card or selling it and just using the on board sound (I do like the fact that it has an optical output built on to the motherboard).

 

[Sid59]

many say that soundstorm is better. i like my soundstorm. i didn't even bother using my TBSC in my new rig.

 

[Skitzer]

My opinion is that they are about equal. I use the Soundstorm on my NF7-S 2.0 and it works and sounds great.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Sid59
many say that soundstorm is better. i like my soundstorm. i didn't even bother using my TBSC in my new rig.

^I think anyone who says the SoundStorm is better than the Audigy is on crack. Equal or close-to equal perhaps, but better?

That said, SoundStorm has been good for me until about 195FSB, but after that over the long haul I got crackling in my sound during long gaming sessions on three different boards with SoundStorm: 8RDA+, A7N8X-X and NF7-S 2.0 ... This is at 200FSB or above. I use my audigy and have zero problems.

So, I'd stick with the Audigy if overclocking over 200FSB (or if you get a crackling noise with your speakers while using the onboard audio).

 

[egale]

Onboard audio in general nowadays is very good. But, it is still not up to Audigy quality and it does consume a good deal more cpu power. If you are not doing serious gaming or audio applications or your speakers are not very good, the onboard will be fine. Otherwise, stick with audigy.

 

[RagingGuardian]

I'd vote for audigy because even though the soundstorm is good it doesn't support as many games as the audigy. On top of that the analog out for soundstorm sounds like crap compared to the audigy so you may want to take the audigy if your speakers aren't digital.

 

[Vette73]

soundstorm by a mile. Quality is about the same, depedning on what games, musix, etc... you listen to. But the really bigger part is I don't have to worry about bad drivers, or conflicts, etc... running a creative product. And yes people still have problems.

So go soundstorm