SoundBlaster Live! vs. Audigy LS

I'm going to buy a new sound card, and in your 1337 opinions, is it worth it (keeping in mind I don't plan on buying a 5.1 speaker system nor do I watch DVD's on my computer (home theater for that )), is it worth the extra $10 to buy the Audigy LS sound card (for about $40) as opposed to the SoundBlaster Live! card (for about $26-$30).

Aside from the advantages with DVD playback, are the other features worth $10?

 

all you're going to get with the new audigy is better eax compatibility. now, ask yourself this: "Will i be playing lots of eax games with this card or will i listen to music more?"

if you say play games, then get the audigy. If you say music, go for the Chaintech AV710 from newegg (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=29-120-103&depa=0). The chaintech has a higher quality dac than the audigy, but will take away fps from your games since it doesn't support eax.

and if you're wondering, both the audigy and soundblaster sound the same for music.

 

So, Audigy > Live for games, = for music. Thanks.

So, worth $10? Or am I just being cheap?

 

you'll have to decide that for yourself. I personally say no, but then, i use headphones all day and eax does next to nothing for spacialization, for you, it may be. if you play enough games that you really need the extra eax instructions, then get it. again, it's up to you.


and no, you're not being cheap, just being smart about saving money. cheap is when you buy the counterfeit stuff in china.