n00b need help with speakers + sound card

[Valleyman]

Hey guys, I just finished building my AMD 2000+ and it is running like a dog (real fast). At the current moment it is only using onboard sound and an old pair of $2 speakers, I have to say when watching a DVD it sounds really poor. I have a $750 dollar budget to spend on a nice set of speakers and a sound card. I live in Australia so, I cant buy off any of your newegg.com's ect. I have chosen to buy the Logitech Z-560, but I feel embarrassed to say, I don’t know what kind of sound card it plugs into, I don’t know much about any of it. I have $250 left in my budget to buy a sound card. The closest computer stop is Computer Alliance . So I would like to buy my sound card from there.

If someone could take a small amount of time and go to the site and tell me what soundcard I would need for these speakers it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Valleyman

[morriswindgate]

The Hercules Game Theater XP is a great sounding premium card that uses a breakout box that has all the connections you will ever need. The Hercules Fortissimo II is basically the same chipset as the Game Theater but does not have the breakout box.
The Sound Blaster Live OEMs are great only if they are the 5.1 series. If the SB cards are the older live series then they can cause problems.

[Valleyman]

I like it, does anyone have anything else to say about it, cause I dont want to spend this amount of money and end up spending more down the road.

[morriswindgate]

I do not know if you have looked here, but this has pictures and specs on the Hercules Game Theater XP. This is the sound setup I use and find the sound great. The software package is great and setup on an AMD system with Via motherboard drivers was no problem.
I am using Altec-Lansing AV500 Speakers (4 speakers and Sub) with it. Also it features an auto muting feature when you plug in head phones. The breakout box is all heavy weight metal construction.

http://au.hercules.com/products/gt_x...ures_gt_xp.php

[wolfie]

hi Valleyman, welcome
i use Sound Blaster audigy 5.1. i think it has great sound and i have had no problems with it. then i have that hooked to cambridge soundworks 2500 speakers. which dont put out as much wattage as others but still get the job done.

wolfie

[audiyoda]

SB Live! cards are a steam right now. So a Live! value selling for $30 the other day and a Live! Platinum 5.1 card selling $99 (white box). I think they were both at CompuVest.com. The Live! cards are rock solid and sound great. Never had a driver issue and will match-up nicely to the Z-560's -- which BTW are a nice choice!

-Craig

[mike breck]

I've always avoided Soundblasters because of all the issues I've read about them. I started on Yamahas, and then moved to Hercules.

So I'll put in a second vote for the Hercules Fortissimo 11. Great card at a bargain price and very compatible for gamers.

If you need more bells and whistles, then as Morris says, the Hercules Game Theatre XP is a nice piece of kit.

Another contender, which has always been recommended on these forums, the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. Again it seems to be a very compatible card with most systems.

[Mr N8]

I just got my Game Theater XP about a month ago, and absolutely love it. I was in the same situation as you were with awfull DVD sound. So, I got the game theater XP and a set of Altec Lansing 4100 speakers. I am more than pleased. I really like having the USB and game ports on the breakout box. Definitely worth the cost IMO.

Nate

[Werewolfdaddy]

how much is the game theatre xp

[wolfie]

http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=...t=521&scat=523

wolfie

[Mr N8]

Ouch...best buy is expensive!
Try these, OEM or Retail. Oem just comes in a white box instead of color.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...ry=1282&DEPA=1

Nate

[wolfie]

by only $5 and can get right away. if he has one by him

wolfie

[Valleyman]

Thanks alot for all your help the Hercules Game Theater XP is on my list and so are those Logitech Z-560's. Thanks for all your help, I will tell you what they are like.