B&W is releasing what looks to be high-end computer speakers called the MM-1's. http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=4503 If you do not know who B&W are, they make quality home theater speakers. The interesting thing is that they also have essentially a build in DAC, the main part of a sound card. The speakers only connect through USB, no sound card required. The MM-1's are supposedly going to be launched in March with a retail of around $500-$650.
I am looking to upgrade my computer sound system. Currently I have a Creative Labs Sound Blaster 2 Audigy Gamer and a Creative Labs S750 speaker system. The S750's keep turning off with well know power supply issues and I do not use the 7.1 speakers so it is time to upgrade to a top of the line 2.0 or 2.1 system.
I've looked into the Creative Labs T3 and Razer Mako but I've found a lot of rave reviews about the Audioengine A5 and A2's. Stereophile magazine out of all magazines gave the A2's a stellar review. The A5's would be too large and awkward for my desk.
How would the Audigy 2 ZS Gamer I bought back in like 2004 compare in sound quality to like the Asus Xonar Essense STX? I've read that is pretty much the best sound card at the moment.
My options would be to purchase the Asus Xonar Essense STX for $200 and the Audioengine A2's for $200 or wait a month and try and get the B&W MM-1's for about $100 to $200 more. My only concern would be about the sound quality interface between using some sort of software, through USB to the onboard electronics in the MM-1's. On another note, I wonder if the B&W's will require more computer CPU power due to the software/USB type audio connection.
Thoughts?
I am looking to upgrade my computer sound system. Currently I have a Creative Labs Sound Blaster 2 Audigy Gamer and a Creative Labs S750 speaker system. The S750's keep turning off with well know power supply issues and I do not use the 7.1 speakers so it is time to upgrade to a top of the line 2.0 or 2.1 system.
I've looked into the Creative Labs T3 and Razer Mako but I've found a lot of rave reviews about the Audioengine A5 and A2's. Stereophile magazine out of all magazines gave the A2's a stellar review. The A5's would be too large and awkward for my desk.
How would the Audigy 2 ZS Gamer I bought back in like 2004 compare in sound quality to like the Asus Xonar Essense STX? I've read that is pretty much the best sound card at the moment.
My options would be to purchase the Asus Xonar Essense STX for $200 and the Audioengine A2's for $200 or wait a month and try and get the B&W MM-1's for about $100 to $200 more. My only concern would be about the sound quality interface between using some sort of software, through USB to the onboard electronics in the MM-1's. On another note, I wonder if the B&W's will require more computer CPU power due to the software/USB type audio connection.
Thoughts?