I want to change my audio card, need help.

[Rik]

I'm reasonably happy with my Vortex II in Win2k...as long as I forget about 3d sound. What does it for me is that the drivers have speaker compensation for my model of speakers, which gives a really well-defined sound, much better than I could achieve messing with the graphic equaliser. Also, the stereo-widening effect works extremely well when used on certain type of CD/MP3 music.
Unfortunately, I'd be stuffed if I ever switched to a Duron/Thunderbird motherboard (apparently).

[Lucas Orion]

I've been considering upgrading my SB Live for a SB Live 5.1 (Dolby Digital decoder built in). I'm planning on buying a Midiland 5.1 speaker system and would like to have a card which will eliminate the need for a separate decoder. My choices are either to get the SB Live (Platinum) 5.1 and Midiland S4 7100 speakers/subwoofer for a total of around $350 or to keep my current sound card and get the Midiland S4 8200s - which come with a separate decoder for about $300. Any advice? I'd like to use the speakers with my computer/dvds and my tv/vcr/satellite system, without having to unplug one or the other - and without having to have my computer on to get Dolby Digital support while watching tv.

[High_Jumbllama]

Do the newer live cards have anything different from the originals?

[Gurm]

In a word, no. Unless you're talking about the Live 5.1 cards, which have a built-in 5.1 decoder but other than that are also the same.

(Oh, also the Platinum version of the 5.1 comes with LiveDrive II in all countries, and a spiffy remote control!)

- Gurm

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