Re: Sound Card Updating Help


Bazooka-Joe wrote:

I'd very much like to upgrade my PC audio solution. Currently I'm
running the integrated sound card on an Intel motherboard to a set of
semi-decent stereo speakers that came with a Dell computer I bought 7
years ago (one sub-woofer, two satellite full range spkrs). I've since
updated the computer several times but have grandfathered in the old
speakers each time. I'm
chomping at the bit for 5.1 surround sound. I do some gaming but
mostly
listen to a lot of music on my computer and watch a lot of video. It's

really replaced my stereo system. I want a good, hi-fi quality sound,
but don't necessarily want to pay out the nose for the BEST. Don't
consider myself an audiophile, at least not yet.

My specs:
Intel Pentium4, 2.4Ghz (533 FSB)
1.5GB RAM
Windows XP Pro SP2 (x32)
several available PCI slots and/or USB slots, no firewire


Do I pick out a good 5.1 speaker system first and then cater the card
to match?
Or vice versa?
Recommendations on 5.1 speaker systems, please?
Is Sound Blaster (Creative Labs) still pretty much the best for
everyday, average use?
I'd like to spend less than $100 on each (card and speakers, $200
total). Does that seem reasonable?


Thanks in advance.


:Bazooka-Joe


Tall order to establish a computer system as the replacement for
a stereo system. From the physiological-psychological perspective,
the reference sound system will be the better of either the stereo
system or the computer-based sound system, as remembered by the ear.
More likely than not, it is going to be the former. Personally, I would
opt for a better sound card and my non-audiophile choice has been Turtle
Beach. Next, I would shop for an efficient speaker system that will work
with the sound card. But, additional amplification might be required.
Might not fit within $200 but $500 is more reasonable.
.

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