Speakers or Sound Card?

[agathodaimon]

I'm trying to decide on which one I will benefit from more...
I currently have a set of Logitech Z-340 Speakers running from onboard AC97 sound on a GA-7VRXP motherboard...
I'm not exactly HAPPY with the sound, and would like something better.
Should I get a new sound card or should I get a new speaker set?

The sound is always either to tinny, or too muffled.. I've tried adjusting my equalizer in every way possible, but it still doesn't sound that good.
I mainly use my comp. for gaming, and sometimes music downloads.

I don't really know what speakers I would get if I were to get new ones, but I'm thinking about Klipsch or Boston Acoustics.
I've narrowed my sound card choices to the "Voyetra Turtle Beach Santa Cruz" and the "Guillemot Hercules GameSurround Fortissimo III 7.1"

I only have enough cash at the moment to get either a sound card or a speaker set. Not both. So I'd like to know which one I'd benefit from more.

[DanGrease]

IMO your speakers are more than great, its the sound card that you should change or upgrade if you dont like the sound. I have the same sound card but I am not that careful about how the sound is but Im sure that in your case its the sound card. Logitech make IMO very nice quality speakers, so why should you spend the money on other speakers when you will see minor, if any difference at all. If I were in your position I wouldnt think twice, I would change the sound card. But its your choice, and often sound card are cheaper than speakers (good ones) so you will be benefited and your wallet is not going to be totally empty

dan

[agathodaimon]

cool. I was kinda leaning towards the sound card, but I didn't know which one was more likely the culprit.
I've never had an actual sound card other than onboard sound before, so I didn't know.

[DanGrease]

I havent either Agathodaimon, so youre not alone
But I dont play games, and I just listen to music so I dont need a better sound card. Im glad I could help

dan

[MD1032]

WOW! Tough choice you got there! Well, I'd get the card. The Turtle Beach Santa Cruz can be found for 40 bucks on sale at times, so look out for that. I have it and it's an excellent card. Also, if you can afford it, get yourself some Koss PortaPro's, or KSC-35's. They have excellent quality and bass compared to your Z-340's.

[agathodaimon]

so... which card do you think is better? The Santa Cruz or the Guillemot Hercules?

I've heard so much about both of them... I kinda like the optical audio out on the Guillemot though...

[Darthgary]

I am guessing the Santa Cruz but I could be wrong.

[MD1032]

I like the Santa Cruz's connections, but the sound isn't all that great until you get the new patch. THEN IT ROCKS!!

[smapdi]

I have the Santa Cruz and the sound is simply stunning (esp going from a SB Live! Value), go get it. I don't know much about the Fortissimo III 7.1 but if it's like the other 7.1 cards that are out there I would skip it as they take a pretty noticable chunk of CPU power.

[Incognitotj]

I love my GH Fortissimo 7.1 I have it hooked up to a dolby pro logic surround sound reciever via the optical out. I don't know how well it would function with just speakers, but with this combo it rocks. I haven't noticed any hit on my processor using this card.

Incog

IMO - either card will be a great upgrade from onboard... I too had AC 97 and it really sucked.