External or internal?

[XSportSeeker]

So, I'm thinking of buying a new soundcard.
I have a Audigy 5.1... and am thinking of buying a 2ZS... is it worth (the change)?
Oh, another question... is it worth buying the external USB version?

 

[Crashman]

The internal version outperforms the USB version. The USB version cost more because it's focused on a market where people can't upgrade via PCI card. It probably cost more to make as well, but that doesn't make it better. Just like it cost more to paint a rusted out car than a new one, but that doesn't make the rusted out car better.

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[umheint0]

There is no real SQ difference, as both USB and PCI would use the same APU. However, performance can be affected because USB uses more system resources (mainly CPU usage) than an equivalent PCI. However, if you are going to use a PCI connection with a breakout box (meaning you're not conneting your speakers to the PCI card but rather an external device that then connects to the PCI card), I fully support that. Lower EMI, usually more features, and they're easier to access than digging around the back of the case.

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[Crashman]

I've seen problems mentioned with latency on the USB products.

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[umheint0]

I've never heard about that. In theory it's possible, but in practice the latency would be measured in millionths of a second, which your ears wouldn't really notice.

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[Crashman]

Even a relatively small amount of latency can cause data bubbles though, resulting in skipping sound.

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