Do you prefer Audigy 2ZS or M-Revolution 7.1?
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
Here's a double-blind subjective test (with only two subjects )
http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2004q ... dex.x?pg=9
I guess what it comes down to is that the Audigy2 and Revo both sound very good, wtih the Revo slightly better. How much is slightly better worth to you in terms of gaming performance and money?
http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2004q ... dex.x?pg=9
I guess what it comes down to is that the Audigy2 and Revo both sound very good, wtih the Revo slightly better. How much is slightly better worth to you in terms of gaming performance and money?
I would question the accuracy of the so-called “double blind” tests in the link above. The author did not publish any statistical results of the tests (other than that the listeners consumed a case of beer), and probably does not understand how many tests need to be conducted to ensure the results are statistically significant (and not within the margin of error of the sample size).jackylman wrote:Here's a double-blind subjective test (with only two subjects :? )
http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2004q ... dex.x?pg=9
I guess what it comes down to is that the Audigy2 and Revo both sound very good, wtih the Revo slightly better. How much is slightly better worth to you in terms of gaming performance and money?
As an informal listening test, it is OK, but probably not a true double blind test.
Agreed. But it's the best comparison I could find. Note that the beer was consumed after the test I also can't believe they only used 2 subjects. I wish there was a better test with more subjects and more cards.m0002a wrote:I would question the accuracy of the so-called “double blind” tests in the link above. The author did not publish any statistical results of the tests (other than that the listeners consumed a case of beer), and probably does not understand how many tests need to be conducted to ensure the results are statistically significant (and not within the margin of error of the sample size).jackylman wrote:Here's a double-blind subjective test (with only two subjects )
http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2004q ... dex.x?pg=9
I guess what it comes down to is that the Audigy2 and Revo both sound very good, wtih the Revo slightly better. How much is slightly better worth to you in terms of gaming performance and money?
As an informal listening test, it is OK, but probably not a true double blind test.
The Revolution, as I stated previously.dan wrote:which do you think soudns better to your ears?
X-bit Labs has done a review on the Revo (and compared it to the A2). Here is their subjective opinion on the Revo's sound.
Regards.
thanks Zorander,
by the way, is there any possibility the xi-fi chip could be in a quality card for $100?
obviously, if the creative labs xi-fi chip card will newegg for $100, then i will wait for that, if the xi-fi chip is, like, $200, i'll newgg the revolution for $92.
while i don't deny the x-fi will far surpass the revolution prodigy x-mystique and audigy 2zs, $100 i'll bite, $150 or $200 is too expensive.
to newegg.. verb "to buy from newegg"
by the way, is there any possibility the xi-fi chip could be in a quality card for $100?
obviously, if the creative labs xi-fi chip card will newegg for $100, then i will wait for that, if the xi-fi chip is, like, $200, i'll newgg the revolution for $92.
while i don't deny the x-fi will far surpass the revolution prodigy x-mystique and audigy 2zs, $100 i'll bite, $150 or $200 is too expensive.
to newegg.. verb "to buy from newegg"
Why not the E-MU 0404? IIRC, it should be priced close to the Revo (and others in similar price range).
I have heard the 0404 in another system and I find it a bold-sounding card, with terrific details (without being thrown in your face, as in the case of A2ZS) and wide soundstage. The trade-off is it does not sound as sweet as the Revo (result of more accurate frequency response) and its stereo-only output (does not matter if you use headphones or stereo hifi systems though).
Cheers!
p.s. I have not been reading much into new cards, including the X-Fi, so I can't comment on it. AFAIC, as long as a card sounds good to your ears (regardless of newer competition or others' opinions), you are getting your $$$'s worth.
I have heard the 0404 in another system and I find it a bold-sounding card, with terrific details (without being thrown in your face, as in the case of A2ZS) and wide soundstage. The trade-off is it does not sound as sweet as the Revo (result of more accurate frequency response) and its stereo-only output (does not matter if you use headphones or stereo hifi systems though).
Cheers!
p.s. I have not been reading much into new cards, including the X-Fi, so I can't comment on it. AFAIC, as long as a card sounds good to your ears (regardless of newer competition or others' opinions), you are getting your $$$'s worth.
Nici -
What you say is true to a certain extent. The biggest difference imho is the power supply in the cd players (good ones, not best buy ones). Most of the cost in equipment is in the power supplies and the chassis. Cleaner power ~ cleaner sound.
At least thats what I have come to learn and hear. - But hearing is subjective so... YMMV :p
What you say is true to a certain extent. The biggest difference imho is the power supply in the cd players (good ones, not best buy ones). Most of the cost in equipment is in the power supplies and the chassis. Cleaner power ~ cleaner sound.
At least thats what I have come to learn and hear. - But hearing is subjective so... YMMV :p
i just newegged a sp2004c! (and depending on how quiet it is, probably a scythe ninja)jackylman wrote:Are you "neweggin'" the Revo 5.1 or 7.1?
as for revo 7.1....i *might* wait for x-fi if it is around $100. isn't it coming out in August?
http://www.soundblaster.com/products/x-fi/technology/
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Tiamat--> True.. No doubt that a 3000$ player will sound better than a pc with a 200$ sound-card when using high-quality speakers and amps, but i suspect that a 500$ player wont sound any better than the PC. I dont have a cd-player so i cant test it.. Though the Grados would probably be accurate enough to make the difference audible if there is a difference. Ill just stick with the A2ZS for now though, i dont have room for a cd-player anyway.
Typically,speakers are not only the weak link,but will also have a discernable effect on the sound,whether warm or brisk,rich or detailed. I built my Living room system,and small closefield monitors for my room-and the puter,running from a nice Nad power amp.. The Living room speaker array totals 18 drivers for bi-amped stereo,CD/DVD is a toshiba with an onboard 24/192 chip,DVD-Audio ready. While the $ spent were moderate-the sound is great. I can easily notice the charachter of a Schoeps miked recording vs one done with Naks or AKGs. I tend to lean toward M-Audio as studio-grade gear is their bag,Creative's thing is the mass market and gaming,though the fairly new EMU line has real promise.
The ESI Julia is interesting,but realistically,I don't expect to record live to HD,so the 5.1 Revoluton appears to fit my needs for what I'm building next.
ACCURATE sound into ACCURATE speakers should sound like the original source material. My Heil tweets are +/- 2b from 2k-22k,which is very accurate. They sound sweet and smooth,if you'd even say they have a sound.
Creative has narrowed the gap-but their high end gear is too pricey,and their affordable stuff has not earned a reputation so far.
The ESI Julia is interesting,but realistically,I don't expect to record live to HD,so the 5.1 Revoluton appears to fit my needs for what I'm building next.
ACCURATE sound into ACCURATE speakers should sound like the original source material. My Heil tweets are +/- 2b from 2k-22k,which is very accurate. They sound sweet and smooth,if you'd even say they have a sound.
Creative has narrowed the gap-but their high end gear is too pricey,and their affordable stuff has not earned a reputation so far.