Isn't it about time for new soundcards ?

[VJ]

Hello,

I'm waiting the arrival of some of the components of my new system. At present, I haven't bought a soundcard yet. I was thinking somewhere along the Audigy2 Platinum-range. (I don't need pro-grade audio, and like the firewire connection (not present on my mainboard) and the IR remote possibilities (seem usefull, as the PC is close to my TV -> dvd playback). Main uses would therefore be movie-playback and gaming.

However, what is the "normal" product-cycle of Creative (I seem to remember there wasn't much time between the Audigy and the Audigy2) ? Shouldn't it be about time for a new product ? Any rumours ?

Any other manufacturers that might have interesting prodcuts coming ? (Turtle Beach - their Santa Cruz is a relatively old card IIRC, ...)


Jörg

[[GDI]Raptor]

Creative has started shiping the Audigy2 Platinium eX cards, I have already orderd one to replace my old Audigy. I don't know if Creative will release more soundcards yet....

[Gurm]

There will be an Audigy3 ... probably in 2004. They're already talking about EAX3/4 and whether or not they will require an Audigy3 to run...

- Gurm

[thop]

I'd like to get a robust high quality soundcard without any bells and whistles ... kinda like the g400 of soundcards
I want cinch i/o + optical i/o, 24/96 - that's all.

[K6-III]

Just picked up an M-Audio Revolution. HUGE improvement, especially considering I don't really game anymore...

[Gurm]

Yeah the Revo looks really good. As its driver support matures, it's a serious contender, IMHO.

- Gurm

[Jammrock]

xHiFi, the "PC audiophile company" says it will have a new card this year. It may end up as vaporware...

I'm curious about the M-Audio Sonica or Sonica Theater to replace my Extigy. I'm still getting a lot of pops and clicks with it ... some times at least.

Besides, how much worse can the M-Audio drivers be vs. Creative?

Jammrock

[isochar]

My Revolution has yet to give me a BSD driver issue under a dualie. (Unlike someone else ...)

[The PIT]

Originally posted by Jammrock
xHiFi, the "PC audiophile company" says it will have a new card this year. It may end up as vaporware...

I'm curious about the M-Audio Sonica or Sonica Theater to replace my Extigy. I'm still getting a lot of pops and clicks with it ... some times at least.

Besides, how much worse can the M-Audio drivers be vs. Creative?

Jammrock

Don't be surprised if you get pops and clicks another soundcard.

[K6-III]

USB is your reason for pops and clicks. Insufficient bandwidth...

[Gurm]

Yep. USB is sh.te for sound.

The Revo is a good card. My big problem with it is that currently a lot of the 3D sound in games is running in full-on software mode. Not a good thing.

- Gurm

[VJ]

m-audio: I just checked the m-audio website, but I don't see any references to European markets...

x-hifi: On their website, there seems to be only one page (showing the speakers that were talked about in another thread).

Waiting till 2004 might be too long (but it depends how good the onboard audio is . Any chance of Creative properly sorting out their SMP problems (e.g. because of hyperthreading) ? (I like the Audigy2 concept: with the remote and the firewire). Of course, one could manage with a different "stand alone" remote product and a seperate (probably more performant firewire card).

Any rumours from Turtle Beach ?


Jörg

[GNEP]

Are the newer videologic (now Pure Digital) sonic explosions any different from the sonicFury (which was the european version of the TBSC)? Might be worth a look:

http://www.puredigital.com/Products/product.asp?Product=VL-60646

[Gurm]

The Crystal chips are hopelessly quagmired at this point, in poor licensing etc.

Creative WILL work out the SMP issues, essentially due to HyperThreading. They're already receiving MAJOR flak over it, and they pretty much HAVE to, since every Dell ever made will be shipping with an HT-enabled P4 pretty soon.

- Gurm

[VJ]

That 2004 time-frame for Creative, is that your own estimate, or do you have some sources indicating in that direction ?


Jörg