Sound Card for Mp3 Playback

[Darthgary]

I have a SBL! Platinum 5.1, I listen to MP3's on my Z-560's everyday, I was thinking about the Voyetra Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

I am looking for a sound card that will be superior in Mp3's, any suggestions?

[CyCo_H]

Can't really do any better than Creative IMO.....I'd keep what ya got and get good speakers.

[Darthgary]

I am happy with the Speakers, Kudos to logitech, but I was thinking about a Santa cruz, but I am not sure if it is worth it?

[slinky]

for just mp3 playback the SB Live Plat. 5.1 is fine.

[Kruzin]

I replaced my Live! with a Santa Cruz, and have not regretted it for a second.
I thought the live sounded good, but it doesn't even compare. Santa Cruz leaves it in the dust for MP3 playback. The difference in sound quality was immidiatly noticable to me.
Plus, you don't have to deal with all that Creative bloatware

[Darthgary]

hehe, I love listening to music and I want the best possible sound I can get from a Sound card, If I had the money I would get the Audigy 2 but Bleah!

The Santa cruz is on my wish list but if there is better then I would like to be informed.

I like the Z-560's I am sure the PM 4.1's are better for music but not by much.

[MD1032]

I had an SBLive4.1-Value and my SC was a HUGE improvement over it. That versajack really comes in handy. I usually keep my headphones plugged into it. Aside from the connections, the control console is GREAT. Lots o' features and controls.

In reguards to the PM4.1 being better for music, you're probably right, but I've found that this SC-PM4.1-Winamp2.91 w/ MAD decoder weilds basically the best ROCK or CLASSIC ROCK listening combo I've ever heard without going into hi-fi systems or expensive headphones. I don't know why, but my PM's just seem to excel greatly in that area. An excellent "live" feeling and good bass.

[Agent_Embryo]

If you want the best possible sound you can get you shouldn't put your trust in mp3's. There are other formats that have the same compression but much better sound quality. Vorbis OGG for example. Your soundcard is fine for playing mp3's.

[pinipig523]

ur only playing mp3s - your main goal should be to improve on the bitrate coding of your present mp3s and not buying a new soundcard.

a new soundcard wont improve the sound as much as if u went from a 128 mp3 to a 192 or 256kbps mp3.

also, if u are willing to spend some dough - might as well go and buy the m-audio revolution. why upgrade half-ass? the revo can be had on ebay for about 70 if u time it right.

[Darthgary]

I try getting the highest Bitrate Mp3's I can, 320 is all my sound card can go up to as far as hardware decoding.