External Sound Cards

FloridaFringe · 11-25-2003, 01:01 AM

Does anyone have any experience with either the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX or the Sound Blaster Extigy? My father has a Micro-ATX computer so these seem to be the best solution for using 5.1 speakers. His primary use will be listening to CD music, possibly some recording for travel purposes and maybe a bit of DVD viewing. Needless to say, gaming is not an issue.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Godzilla Blitz · 11-25-2003, 01:11 AM

Sorry, no help on the sound card, but I was curious how your computer turned out. Did you finish it? The build go ok?

3ric · 11-25-2003, 01:18 AM

I have the Extigy soundcard connected to 5.1 speakers... I bought it to go with my laptop when I used it as a DVD player. Now, when I have a separate player, I still use it as I have an optical cord to transfer the digital sound to the Extigy. Works beautifully, though I have to remember turn off the TV sound.

FloridaFringe · 11-25-2003, 01:29 AM

Thanks 3ric for the response. I'm leaning toward the Extigy although I am not certain if the optical hookup will be an option with his computer. The USB 2.0 option with the Audigy might be the way to go instead.

So many thoughts running through my head that I should just go to bed and think about it tomorrow after some long overdue rest.

GB,

My new computer build was put on hold since I had decided to upgrade my main computer to the same specs. Another $375 was required for the additional MotherBoard, CPU and Memory so I was just waiting for some clients to pay their invoices instead of dipping into savings. A buddy of mine had decided to have me build him the exact same setup as well so I was also waiting for him to get me the cash first. Everything is all set now so I will be ordering all of the remaining hardware tomorrow night. I ordered the cases last night and all that is left is the MB, CPU & Memory times three. So far so good.

How is your setup working out? I was wondering how you like the video card and whether or not your Internet problems cleared up. Also, which case did you go with? I found the Antec Performance Plus1080AMG with the TruePower 430-Watt PSU from NewEgg for $133 total including S&H. Had to jump at that deal.

FloridaFringe · 11-25-2003, 01:35 AM

DOLA:

I really hope you are enjoying your computer since we will pretty much end up with just about the same in most respects.

2.6c CPU
Abit MotherBoard
PC3200 DDR
Antec Case
ATI Radeon 9600 Pro 8x AGP 128mb
Seagate Berricuda 80gb Hard Drive
Lite-On 52x32x52 CD-RW Drive

Godzilla Blitz · 11-25-2003, 01:42 AM

I hope everything works out well with your build. Glad to hear that you'll be able to get underway soon. It sounds like you've got a great case there. I got a Sonata; it's quiet, with lots of room to fit stuff in, so I've been happy with it.

I'm loving the new computer. Everything seems to be working fine, although I just ordered my DVD burner late last week, and have yet to install the floppy drive and replacement 2.0 USB ports. Video card performance has been fine, although I haven't really pushed it yet.

The internet problems were caused by my not installing the motherboard drivers (I was thinking that I would download all the latest drivers first, rather than patching everything). Once I ran the installers that came with the mobo, everything worked fine. That was really the only problem I had with the whole build.

I am still firmly on board the evangelical "Build Your Own Computer!" bandwagon. I doubt I'll ever buy a brand name one again.

And oh, good luck with your sound question. There we go, back on track. Sorry for the derailing.

FloridaFringe · 11-25-2003, 01:51 AM

Glad to hear that the Internet problem was easily resolved. The Sonota is supposed to be an excellent case and extremely quite. Good choice.

BTW, I have been building my own computers since 1994 just after purchasing my last brand name, Dell, computer. There truly is no better value and satisfaction. Especially considering that you will use it every day, which will be a constant reminder of your hard work and dedication towards building something for yourself.

Fun stuff.

FloridaFringe · 11-28-2003, 10:34 AM

Bump.

Just in case others that may not have seen this the first time around have some extra info to provide.

3ric · 11-28-2003, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FloridaFringe
Thanks 3ric for the response. I'm leaning toward the Extigy although I am not certain if the optical hookup will be an option with his computer. The USB 2.0 option with the Audigy might be the way to go instead.

I didn't mean that the optical cord was the only option, in fact the Extigy has an USB 2.0 port for input as well, and has several other ports I don't use.

FloridaFringe · 11-28-2003, 11:24 AM

I didn't realize that the Extigy had the USB 2.0 port. I must have missed that on my initial pass over on the specs of each one. So far that is the only thing holding me back from getting the Extigy over the Audigy.

The Audigy is the newer model so would you thing that it might have better sound or is the Extigy good enough that you probably wouldn't notice?

Also, the Audigy has DVD Audio so would that make much of a difference?

Thanks again.

3ric · 11-28-2003, 11:29 AM

Oh, so the Audigy is external as well? I probably wouldn't notice the difference, but to compare, you should go to a store and have them demonstrate.

FloridaFringe · 11-28-2003, 11:37 AM

The Audigy 2 NX was just released earlier this month and is supposed to be a step above the Extigy in regards to external sound cards. However, other than USB 2.0 and the DVD Audio there doesn't seem to be any differences that would get me to buy the Audigy over the Extigy. In fact, you have just stated that the Extigy runs through USB 2.0 and it might even have the DVD Audio so both of those selling points have been eliminated.

I really like the way the Extigy looks and am leaning more towards that over the other. I think my father would be very satisfied with the quality of sound considering his limited use of it to begin with.

FloridaFringe · 11-28-2003, 11:46 AM

I decided to call Creative Labs support and according to them the Extigy does not have USB 2.0 compatibility or the DVD Audio feature. I am still left to wonder if those would really make a difference for listening to Audio CDs, MP3s or watching the occasional DVD on the computer.

The other difference that was noted between the two units is that the Extigy only offers 5.1 speaker support while the Audigy offers up to 7.1 support. This doesn't mean much to me though since 5.1 speakers will be the most he will ever want.

FloridaFringe · 11-28-2003, 06:11 PM

Thanks for the help 3ric. We have decided on the Extigy since it can also be used with a DVD player and the added features of the Audigy will not be necessary.

11-25-2003, 01:11 AM	#2
Godzilla Blitz College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	Sorry, no help on the sound card, but I was curious how your computer turned out. Did you finish it? The build go ok? __________________ Current Blog Projects: Final Fantasy: Lost in Japanese Kaboom Review

11-25-2003, 01:18 AM	#3
3ric College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sweden	I have the Extigy soundcard connected to 5.1 speakers... I bought it to go with my laptop when I used it as a DVD player. Now, when I have a separate player, I still use it as I have an optical cord to transfer the digital sound to the Extigy. Works beautifully, though I have to remember turn off the TV sound. __________________ San Diego Chargers (HFL) - Lappland Reindeers (WOOF) - Gothenburg Giants (IHOF) Indiana: A TCY VC - year 2044 - the longest running dynasty ever on FOFC!

11-25-2003, 01:29 AM	#4
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	Thanks 3ric for the response. I'm leaning toward the Extigy although I am not certain if the optical hookup will be an option with his computer. The USB 2.0 option with the Audigy might be the way to go instead. So many thoughts running through my head that I should just go to bed and think about it tomorrow after some long overdue rest. GB, My new computer build was put on hold since I had decided to upgrade my main computer to the same specs. Another $375 was required for the additional MotherBoard, CPU and Memory so I was just waiting for some clients to pay their invoices instead of dipping into savings. A buddy of mine had decided to have me build him the exact same setup as well so I was also waiting for him to get me the cash first. Everything is all set now so I will be ordering all of the remaining hardware tomorrow night. I ordered the cases last night and all that is left is the MB, CPU & Memory times three. So far so good. How is your setup working out? I was wondering how you like the video card and whether or not your Internet problems cleared up. Also, which case did you go with? I found the Antec Performance Plus1080AMG with the TruePower 430-Watt PSU from NewEgg for $133 total including S&H. Had to jump at that deal. Last edited by FloridaFringe : 11-25-2003 at 01:31 AM.

11-25-2003, 01:42 AM	#6
Godzilla Blitz College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	I hope everything works out well with your build. Glad to hear that you'll be able to get underway soon. It sounds like you've got a great case there. I got a Sonata; it's quiet, with lots of room to fit stuff in, so I've been happy with it. I'm loving the new computer. Everything seems to be working fine, although I just ordered my DVD burner late last week, and have yet to install the floppy drive and replacement 2.0 USB ports. Video card performance has been fine, although I haven't really pushed it yet. The internet problems were caused by my not installing the motherboard drivers (I was thinking that I would download all the latest drivers first, rather than patching everything). Once I ran the installers that came with the mobo, everything worked fine. That was really the only problem I had with the whole build. I am still firmly on board the evangelical "Build Your Own Computer!" bandwagon. I doubt I'll ever buy a brand name one again. And oh, good luck with your sound question. There we go, back on track. Sorry for the derailing. __________________ Current Blog Projects: Final Fantasy: Lost in Japanese Kaboom Review Last edited by Godzilla Blitz : 11-25-2003 at 01:44 AM.

11-28-2003, 11:29 AM	#11
3ric College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sweden	Oh, so the Audigy is external as well? I probably wouldn't notice the difference, but to compare, you should go to a store and have them demonstrate. __________________ San Diego Chargers (HFL) - Lappland Reindeers (WOOF) - Gothenburg Giants (IHOF) Indiana: A TCY VC - year 2044 - the longest running dynasty ever on FOFC!

11-25-2003, 01:35 AM	#5
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	DOLA: I really hope you are enjoying your computer since we will pretty much end up with just about the same in most respects. 2.6c CPU Abit MotherBoard PC3200 DDR Antec Case ATI Radeon 9600 Pro 8x AGP 128mb Seagate Berricuda 80gb Hard Drive Lite-On 52x32x52 CD-RW Drive

11-25-2003, 01:51 AM	#7
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	Glad to hear that the Internet problem was easily resolved. The Sonota is supposed to be an excellent case and extremely quite. Good choice. BTW, I have been building my own computers since 1994 just after purchasing my last brand name, Dell, computer. There truly is no better value and satisfaction. Especially considering that you will use it every day, which will be a constant reminder of your hard work and dedication towards building something for yourself. Fun stuff.

11-28-2003, 10:34 AM	#8
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	Bump. Just in case others that may not have seen this the first time around have some extra info to provide.

11-28-2003, 11:24 AM	#10
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	I didn't realize that the Extigy had the USB 2.0 port. I must have missed that on my initial pass over on the specs of each one. So far that is the only thing holding me back from getting the Extigy over the Audigy. The Audigy is the newer model so would you thing that it might have better sound or is the Extigy good enough that you probably wouldn't notice? Also, the Audigy has DVD Audio so would that make much of a difference? Thanks again.

11-28-2003, 11:37 AM	#12
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	The Audigy 2 NX was just released earlier this month and is supposed to be a step above the Extigy in regards to external sound cards. However, other than USB 2.0 and the DVD Audio there doesn't seem to be any differences that would get me to buy the Audigy over the Extigy. In fact, you have just stated that the Extigy runs through USB 2.0 and it might even have the DVD Audio so both of those selling points have been eliminated. I really like the way the Extigy looks and am leaning more towards that over the other. I think my father would be very satisfied with the quality of sound considering his limited use of it to begin with.

11-28-2003, 11:46 AM	#13
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	I decided to call Creative Labs support and according to them the Extigy does not have USB 2.0 compatibility or the DVD Audio feature. I am still left to wonder if those would really make a difference for listening to Audio CDs, MP3s or watching the occasional DVD on the computer. The other difference that was noted between the two units is that the Extigy only offers 5.1 speaker support while the Audigy offers up to 7.1 support. This doesn't mean much to me though since 5.1 speakers will be the most he will ever want.

11-28-2003, 06:11 PM	#14
FloridaFringe H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale Fla	Thanks for the help 3ric. We have decided on the Extigy since it can also be used with a DVD player and the added features of the Audigy will not be necessary.

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