Calling all audiophiles.. Should I change?

[evilnickwong]

Here's the thing. I'm currently on an old SB Live Value (4.1 version) and I'm using a set of Creative Inspire 4400 4.1 speakers.

Anyway, I got a good deal on a Audigy DE for RM125, about US$30. What I'm wondering is whether I'll actually be able to notice a difference in sound quality and so on when I'm:

a) listening to MP3s
b) playing games

I know my speaker system sucks, so I'm wondering whether an Audigy is worth it considering I'm not even on a 5.1

 

[tdg]

I really don't think upgrading would make much of a noticable difference unless you added some better speakers.

 

[xonik]

It's probably not worth it. Even if you upgraded your speakers, you would only notice a slight difference in sound quality, if any (depends on your ears). But hey, if you got the Audigy already, you might as well install it.

 

[evilnickwong]

Nah, I haven't got it yet. THat's why I'm asking for you guys opinions here.

If I do get a noticeable difference in my music, then it'd be worth it to me. But if not, I'd rather use the money to get some other new stuff instead of a sound card.

 

[xonik]

Save up some more money for speakers. My rule of thumb is that for every $20 you spend on a soundcard, you should spend about $100 on speakers. So for a nice $100 soundcard, you should have some pretty nice speakers to go with them.

 

[darktiger]

Prob not worth it, or you will not notice any difference unless you have better speakers.

 

[evilnickwong]

Problem is that I won't be changing to better speakers anytime soon.
Guess I might have to think this over a lil.
Hrm.

 

[m0unds]

i upgraded from an SB Live to an audigy 2 and noticed quite a diff, i think it might be a negligible difference in that particular case.. only one way to find out

if you need the 5.1 support, it's not a bad idea

 

[ilkka]

Originally posted by evilnickwong
Problem is that I won't be changing to better speakers anytime soon.
Guess I might have to think this over a lil.
Hrm.

I'm sure sound card prices are going down, so you'll be able to buy a comparable sound card for around the same price or less when you do upgrade your speakers.