16-bit ---> 24-bit Sound Cards

Hey everyone. I got a new set of computer speakers for Xmas b/c my older ones has crackling sounds sometimes when I was playing mp3s. Anyways, I currently have a SB Live! X-Gamer card that I got... a couple years ago. It is a 16-bit card. My previous speakers were the Cambridge SoundWorks FPS2000.

Well, now that I have the Creative Inspire 5.1 T5400 speakers (5.1), I don't have a connection for an extra plug (subwoofer plug) that goes into the back of the soundcard. So I'm thinking about upgrading to a 24-bit card, but I wasn't sure if there really is any difference between the 16-bit and 24-bit cards. I don't think the sound from these speakers is as "full" as my previous speakers, so I was thinking maybe I need to upgrade to 24-bit.

What are everyone's thoughts? Oh, and as far as sound cards go, I'm thinking of the Audigy's, maybe the Audigy 2 cards, the MP3+ or the Gamer, not the higher end ones.

Thoughts?

Audigy 2. Go with an Audigy 2. I'm eyeing up an Audigy 2 Platinum to replace my junky 5.1 Live! if I can just scrape together the cash.

Priorities first... 9600 XT upgrade... then the sound....

The difference in performance is in the details. If you're an audiophile or listen to your audio collection on the computer, it's worthwhile because you'll pick up missing (subtle, but missing none-the-less) details that a half decent stereo would put out. The biggest thing you'll notice is the addition of the sub though. Even if it's not particularly good quality, it will still give it a richer sound regardless.

i have the audigy 2 on my personal machine, it is amazing the difference from when i had the live 5.1, most of the time i use headphones but i do have the surround package(just to have i guess) i seldom use them. ctb is so very correct the sound is way better. i have grillions of songs i downloaded pre music industry crack down, listened to this stuff hundreds of times, i noticed things i never heard before. i like loud music, so not like i didnt have the volume up before. my wife like the song "your so vein" by carly simon, hope that is all spelled correctly, with my speakers on one day, at the first of the song she wispers son-of-a-gun, never heard that before, i know i listened to that song many times, plugged in my headset(had for over a year) same thing, heard it with them too. so all in all i say if you really want some kickin sound go with the 24 bit it is one of the few upgrades i have been really happy with lately.

My wife got me an Audigy2 ZS for Christmas to replace my on-board ALC-650 sound. The difference is astounding. Well worth the $89 from newegg.com. I can't imagine anything else in this price range sounding so good. And my games work smoother too because the cpu doesn't have to handle sound.

Thanks you guys for the advice! =) I'm waiting for the right one on eBay. I'll let you know my thoughts on it once I get it.

Why not just buy it from a REAL store? You could also get a regular Audigy2 for $74, or a 24-bit Audigy for $51...

b/c I'm a very poor college student and when it comes to buying computer parts, I like to find nice parts that are priced low. =)

Hey everyone, thanks again for all your advice and suggestions. I got an Audigy 2 card off eBay and got it 2 days ago and the expression I had when I first heard it was "WOW."

This is definitely the best sound I have ever heard from a computer. It's so clean, crisp, and full! This was money well spent.

w00t!

Welcome to the clan.

Which one did you get, specifically?

Just the Audigy 2. Not the ZS or platinum.