Which Sound Card with Logitech Z-560

Hi All,

I plan on purchasing a new sounds but don't know whether to get the Soundblaster Audigy OEM($88), Soundblaster Audigy 2 OEM($99) or Soundblaster Audigy 2 Retail($159). I just purchased the Logitech Z-560 speakers a few days ago and enjoying it but would like some improvement in sound quality and surround sound. I'm currently using Soundblaster Live! Value. I mostly play games, watch TV/Movies and listen to music. I don't plan on recording anything.

Will I notice any difference between the two with my new speakers?
Which sound card would be the best bang for the buck?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Thanks for the reply.

These are CAD prices. I heard the Audigy 2 OEM comes with plastic connectors whereas the Retail comes with gold connector. What's the difference? If there's a big difference then I might go with the retail version with the software bundle. I had the Cambridge Soundworks PCWorks 2.1 speakers. I notice a big improvement with the Logitech Z-560. What kind of speakers did you have before?

Better choose the Retail Audigy2,if you dont care the price.And the software with Audigy2 is very important--you know Creative wins the market by using fantastic supporting bundles.The gold connector will help you get the pure music sound.

The gold connectors theory on better sound quality is false. Durability, yes.

I've never been able to tell the difference between a stereo hooked up with gold connections and then regular steel connections. A meter couldn't even tell the difference, and you sure arent going to tell the difference using logitech z560s.

Nothing against them, I use them. But they arent Martin Logans or some premium setup where something so subtle might matter.

On durability if you unplug and plug back in the steel ones once a year or so you won't have any problems there.

Now that you know the truth, I would recommend the retail for you anyway.. sounds like the small difference in money is worth the longevity and ease of mind.

Cheapskates like myself are better off with the oem. I figure by the time the oem corrodes (about never) I'll have moved on to something else.

Athlon 1700+, Epox 8RDA (NForce2), Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 9 80GB 8MB cache, 2x256mb Crucial PC2100 in Dual DDR, Geforce 3, Audigy, Z560s, MX500

Thanks for all the replies.

I just went out the yesterday and bought myself the Audigy 2 Retail. I was able to get a price match, which saved me $10 plus $41 rebate.

The card is pretty big compare to my old SoundBlaster Live! Value but I did not have any problems installing the card. I was able to install the drivers without problems also. Anyways, the sound is crisp compare to my old card. Now, I can hook up my old speakers and get 6.1. I'm satisfy with the results.

Thanks to all who replied.