SB Audigy 2 ZS or X-Fi PCI-E

[MoFoEd]

I have an Audigy 2 ZS soundcard and thinking about maybe upgrading to the PCI-E X-Fi soundcard. Anybody have expereinces with the PCI-E cards? I also have Windows Vista SP1 installed as well. Any difference really between the 2?

Been experiences issues with crackling with my current Audigy 2 card ever since I upgraded to Vista and got the updated drivers for it but still doesn't sound the same. Plus I figured it migh tnot hurt switching to PCI-E but wondering some opinions on this.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CKent]

Why would you continue to support the brand?

 

[MoFoEd]

You're right, considering all the bloatware that comes with the X-Fi card among other things I decided to go with the ASUS Xonar DX.

 

[Ghouler]

How do you like it?
I sent mine back once I copped on it was only emulating EAX and wasn't even doing that right...
Besides Xonars are NOT real PCI express cards - they use bridge. Which affects data thruput and still clogs old PCI bus..
Back to X-Fi, rock solid with latest drivers.
I am a bit tempted to get the Titanium card, vanilla one, might wait till prices drop < 80 bucks

 

[CKent]

Originally posted by: Ghouler
How do you like it?
I sent mine back once I copped on it was only emulating EAX and wasn't even doing that right...
Besides Xonars are NOT real PCI express cards - they use bridge. Which affects data thruput and still clogs old PCI bus..
Back to X-Fi, rock solid with latest drivers.
I am a bit tempted to get the Titanium card, vanilla one, might wait till prices drop < 80 bucks

I know you were asking him, but I have a Xonar DX and thought I'd chip in.

I friggin love it :heart:

I don't game much, but so far it scores fine in that respect.

It sounds heads and shoulders better than my old Audigy 2 ZS platinum, which was also geting the popping issue the OP's was. This is my biggest concern, I listen to a lot of music. I'm not exactly an audiophile, but I'm getting there. From reviews I've read, the X-fis are musically better than the Audigys, but still fall short when compared to real cards.