would it even be an upgrade?

[SniperDude]

Hi guys

Thinking about getting a newer sound card I am currently using a audigy 4 pci sound card with its external breakout box.

I mainly got it for connecting my guitar to it but as I never use it for this anymore and its about 10 years old I am thinking maybe I should upgrade to a newer card.

BUT I really don't want to get a new card and notice no difference


I use it for gaming and music now ....via Sen 598 headphones
I wont be using speakers for it and even if I did it would only be 2 channel.

card am looking at is Creative Z

 

[Marsman]

Sound cards haven't moved on a great deal in the last 10 years or so; at least in the sound quality department. That isn't to say that there won't be a mid range card that sounds better than the Audigy 4, but it's not going to be a huge leap like you see with other PC components like CPUs, etc.

Generally, any significant improvement from a sound quality perspective, will be from the cards that sell for around £150. It's not advancement in faster chips etc, that mean better sound quality, it's the quality of the components used, which is dictated by cost.

Most of the improvements for budget to midrange cards have been more features really. The introduction of headphone amps, separate dedicated connections for speakers and headphones on some cards. Surround sound effects for headphones, such as Dolby Headphone on Xonar cards.

Soundblaster Z, is a good card, and the OEM version is good value at £50. You get separate speaker and headphone connections directly on the card. Most other cards in the same price range, you need to use front case audio in order to connect both. It's also got a pretty decent headphone amp; even if it's gain setting is a bit high and can't be lowered.

There's also the Xonar U7, which is a very good card. Similar features to the SB Z, but external and also has a volume knob, which can be useful.

Buying a new sound card does make sense after owning an Audigy 4 for 10 years, if you fancy trying something new. Just don't expect something costing around £60 to be leaps and bounds better because it's 7-10 years newer. Experiences vary from person to person. Someone may find a new sound card a nice improvement, someone may find the difference is not that much.

If you have no issues with the Audigy 4, and have no driver troubles (which is often one of the most common problems people have with sound cards), then keeping with it is no bad thing, if that's what you decide to do.

 

[SniperDude]

Thanks for that excellent reply Marsman.

That's pretty much what I was thinking I have never sat here thinking the sound from this is bad so I don't think its going to be that much of an improvement if any.

I have the strangest issue with my sound card if I use the power button on the case to shut down the pc when i boot up my audio wont work until I uninstall the driver and reboot and let windows install it again.

that's all.... fix is don't use the power button on case lol

I think I will give a new card a miss for now.

 

[PapaLazaru]

Personally, I reckon you would get an improvement in audio even with a Xonar DG/DGX. I went from an Audigy 4 to one myself and it was defintely clearer in games. They are pretty cheap as well. The headphone amp also certainly helps.