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Original Message
"Which sound card?"
Posted by vgbaron on 03-05-02 at 16:52z
Hi guys -

Anyone care to recommend a good sound card to use with fs2k2? Running Athlon 1.4g + Asus A7M266 mobo with built in sound but it's just so-so. Looking for a decent card that's compatible with XP and 98SE. Read that some of the SB cards have problems but nothing confirmed.

Any suggestions?

Thanx,

Vic

Table of contents
Messages in this discussion
"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by PeteDowson on 03-05-02 at 18:37z
Hi Vic,

> Anyone care to recommend a good sound card to use with fs2k2? Running
> Athlon 1.4g + Asus A7M266 mobo with built in sound but it's just so-so.
> Looking for a decent card that's compatible with XP and 98SE. Read that
> some of the SB cards have problems but nothing confirmed.
>
> Any suggestions?

I've always used SoundBlasters and have never had any problems. I've got three PCs with "SB Live!" cards in them -- only the cheaper "Value" version. They'll do fine, but I think they are replaced now by the Audigy range which appear to be very good too.

I wouldn't consider any other make, and the only duff SB cards I've heard about really are the older and cheaper SoundBlaster 128 cards -- I think they were designed for real low budget systems and don't really cut it for FS.

Regards,

Pete

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by vgbaron on 03-05-02 at 21:33z
Thanx, Pete. I wasn't familiar with the different versions. I'll look closer at SB.

Vic


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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by vgbaron on 03-08-02 at 17:35z
Hi guys -

Well, I went and got a SB Live 5.1 card. Installed with no probs. I run dual boot 98SE and XPPro. Configured easily for both.
Actually, I spent more time uninstalling programs and features I didn't want than I did in setting up the cards.

Anyhow, everything seems OK..

Thanx,

Vic


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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Vulcan on 03-05-02 at 21:48z
I use SB Live! Value Vic without any problems.

I read that some people were having problems with SB cards and the VIA chipset but I think using the latest 4in1 VIA drivers cured the problem.

I have not investigated the Audigy but understand Ray has either bought or ordered it, may be he will jump in with his thoughts.


Vulcan
8nm NE of EGCC

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-07-02 at 23:39z
Greetings Vulc!

Indeed I have ordered a Audigy which arrived today. I'm with Pete - SB only for FS. Others like Turtle Beach may be fine if you're a musician but I'm most definitely not! :-)

I'm also looking at suitable speakers and the Creative Soundworks Digital look the part. Two small satellites and a wooden sub-woofer - probably offering a bit more solidarity than plastic-cased ones.

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by WScofield on 03-08-02 at 02:32z
My recently acquired system has a SB Audigy Gamer sound card. I already had Creative Soundworks speakers (2 + sub-wwofer) which are wonderful. Newer systems have 5.1 or 6.1 configurations, but as I am not really an audiophile, I probably don't even appreciate the quality I already own, let alone hanker after more.

Have a SB Live! Value in the "old" computer - which was fine as well. Not sure I know how much better off I am with the "Gamer" variety in the new computer, if at all.

William

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-09-02 at 10:12z
William,

I went ahead and bought the Creative Soundworks 2.1 system yesterday and installed the Audigy in my current system. Results are excellent. Treble is crisper and the bass extends much further down than with my old Yamaha system.

Minor quibbles -
* I hate bare wire connections.
* No supplied adaptor cable to connect to digital input on sub-woofer so am using analogue line connection.
* Speaker stands are not adjustable.
* Black speakers when everything is ceam!

Despite all these the sound is excellent which is what really matters!

I'm not aware of the "Gamer" version of the Audigy. Maybe it's only available with bought systems.

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by WScofield on 03-09-02 at 15:05z
Hi Ray -

My Cambridge Soundworks speakers (a couple of years old) are beige. Not sure how you got black.

The sound is awesome. I can crank the volume and it is impressive - very clear. I've taken to listening to on-line music when working at the computer (except for FS'ing), and it is great fun. I especially like pulling in radio stations from around the world - as I used to do on my Dad's old shortwave radio when I was a kid.

I don't like the bare wires either, but I don't have to fuss with them too often, and they seem fairly sturdy - nothing has broken off yet.

Soundblaster Audigy Gamer card is a boxed retail product. I got it because it has a fire-wire type port (IEEE 1394 compatible) that supposedly will connect to a digital video camera. Have not yet tried that feature. It has all kinds of input and output ports - but all I have connected is one plug from the speakers.

Did you get that Athlon system yet?

Regards,

William

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-10-02 at 00:09z
Hi William,

My Cambridge Soundworks speakers (a couple of years old) are beige. Not sure how you got black

I hadn't realised they had been out that long. Black is the current "in" colour much to my annoyance - I much prefer them to blend in.

I must admit to not havign explored the many radio sites on the internet - there's too much going on elsewhere but the technology is wonderful. Imagine this 10 years ago!

My Audigy is also a retail version (I really would have preferred the OEM one - boxes work out very expensive!) and also includes the IEEE1394 input. No current plans for a digital camera until i can buy a suitable difital body for my Olympus Zuiko lenses.

Haven't got the processor yet. The stumbling block is the graphics card. I want the GeForce4 Ti4600 but the only outlet I've seen one advertised in the UK is Watford Electronics. I've ordered one but they have none in stock yet. But, at least they're advertising them - more than Dabs et al are doing.

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by WScofield on 03-10-02 at 14:01z
Hi Ray -

There is a Cambridge Soundworks store in a mall near me. I've been looking at their cool stuff for quite a while.

I checked the local shop where I bought my computer, and the only GeForce 4 card they currently have is the MX440. No sign of the others for a while.

Regards,

William

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by TD on 03-10-02 at 20:23z
You know.. with a can of Krylon, and a little wrist action, you could change that.. Of course, bengal tiger stripes would be even cooler :D

"TD - Virtual FAA investigators are on line 2, AGAIN!!!"

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-10-02 at 20:39z
Greetings TD,

You know.. with a can of Krylon, and a little wrist
action, you could change that.. Of course, bengal tiger
stripes would be even cooler :D

Very good! :D Endangered species old boy - not politically correct! I'll stick with the panther look and see how I get on ;-)


Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by TD on 03-11-02 at 05:49z
okay, so two cans of Krylon: orange for the base, black for the stripes; and some cardboard and an exacto knife for the pattern... if nothing else, it kills a couple days with the drying and patterning. :)

"TD - Virtual FAA investigators are on line 2, AGAIN!!!"

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by James on 03-11-02 at 09:00z
Hi TD,

>> okay, so two cans of Krylon: orange for the base, black for the
stripes; and some cardboard and an exacto knife for the pattern... if
nothing else, it kills a couple days with the drying and patterning. :) <<

You need a life my man, to long with the Techbabe <LOL> I think.....

Regards,

James
*** Wishing you all lots of pleasant and enjoyable flights ***

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by TD on 03-17-02 at 19:00z
>>You need a life my man, to long with the Techbabe <LOL> I think.....<<

too long without perhaps. Although it has only been 16 days since she took off, and only about 18 more 'til I get to see her again. Then, it is going to be "Off to Fargo!!!"

"TD - Virtual FAA investigators are on line 2, AGAIN!!!"

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-11-02 at 23:23z
TD,

I must admit I have never heard of Krylon or an exacto knife. I expect these are unique to North America. We have Stanley knives - any good? ;-)

PS. I was rubbish at anything to do with art at school so any kind of alteration could look very dodgy. I would probably end up painting myself more than the apeakers! :D

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by PeteDowson on 03-12-02 at 01:00z
Hi Ray,

> I must admit I have never heard of Krylon or an exacto knife. I expect
> these are unique to North America. We have Stanley knives - any good?

Exacto stuff is commonly available in the UK. They do little tool sets, for handicrafts. Any model shop will sell them. Not big tough sturdy Stanley stuff which is aimed at the DIY market, Exacto are more for the detailed craft work.

I've not heard of Krylon though. <G>

Regards,

Pete

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Mike_Greenwood on 03-12-02 at 04:55z
Hi Pete,

>>I've not heard of Krylon though. <G><<

Krylon is a popular spray paint (in a can) here in the states.


--Greenie
**6 miles SSE KSJC**

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-15-02 at 23:04z
Hi Pete,

Sorry for the delay in replying - I don't seem to be notified by e-mail when a new message has been posted.

Exacto is not for me - it involves practical work - something I am absolutely useless at! You're talking to a bloke who took a whole term to make a cement plane (as opposed to a plane made of cement! :7 ) in woodwork and you know how simple those things are! :D

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Ben Chiu on 03-15-02 at 23:58z
> Sorry for the delay in replying - I don't seem to be notified by e-mail
> when a new message has been posted.

Greetings Ray:

I haven't seen any emails bouncing back, but I'll ask Tom to check the logs.

Did you set your preference to receive emails when new messages are posted to this thread or all new messages? Also, which email address did you set for notification to be sent to?

Thanks!

Ben


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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-17-02 at 23:31z
Hi Ben,

Yes, I had set preferences to receive an e-mail. I continued to set it when posting a fresh reply as well but no reminder came through. probably why I'm late replying to you and Pete :-(

Once the Off-line reader is available I'll switch to that - much easier :-)


Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Ben Chiu on 03-18-02 at 00:18z
Thanks for the info, Ray. Let me perform a few tests and will get back to you.


Ben

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Admin on 03-18-02 at 19:59z
Greetings Ray:

I *think* I found the problem and cleared up the log jam. Subscriptions and Thread email notification works in the Restricted Forum, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will work here too.

Ben

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Ben Chiu on 03-18-02 at 20:01z
Hmm, guess not... :(

Ben

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by PeteDowson on 03-16-02 at 00:54z
Hi Ray,

> Sorry for the delay in replying - I don't seem to be notified by e-mail
> when a new message has been posted.

No problem. it didn't really need a reply. Anyway, when you get the OLR you'll be scanning all the new messages just like in good old OzWin. That's the only thing that finally got me to rescind my CIS membership! <G>

Best regards,

Pete

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Mike_Greenwood on 03-16-02 at 04:20z
Hi Pete,

>>That's the only thing that finally got me to rescind my CIS membership!<<

WHOA! High praise indeed. The OLR certainly helps a bit doesn't it <g>.

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-17-02 at 23:33z
Hi Pete,

Sound slike a good idea. I shall download it when it becomes available to the general public. I did think having an always-on connection would not really matter but reading them manually is very tiresome.

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by TD on 03-17-02 at 18:58z
>>I must admit I have never heard of Krylon or an exacto knife. I expect these are unique to North America. We have Stanley knives - any good?

PS. I was rubbish at anything to do with art at school so any kind of alteration could look very dodgy. I would probably end up painting myself more than the apeakers! <<

As mentioned, Krylon is one of the better spray paint brands here. Can be used on metal as well as plastic. I am thinking about redoing the outside of my two cases, while still leaving the faceplate portion that beige-cream colour (okay, bare metal that can be separated is one thing, spraying something that I would have to take all the guts out first to do is right out).

Exacto knives are a triangular razorblade on the end of a metal pencil-sized grip. You could probably do the same thing with an old shaving razor, a worn tooth-brush, a match, and some duct tape. It just would not be as aesthetically-pleasing. They also work best on stuff with a gauge lower than that of corrugated cardboard. For that, you would probably need a good heavy box-cutter/utility/carpet knife and then trim the edges with the Exacto...

Of course, coming in from the garage covered in paint would probably endear you to Mrs. Proudfoot... It could be a side of you she hasn't seen before. :D


"TD - Virtual FAA investigators are on line 2, AGAIN!!!"

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-19-02 at 23:48z
Hi TD,

As mentioned, Krylon is one of the better spray paint brands here...

Ah, now I understand. If you have the skills you could transform your case into a work of art! Aluminium cases seem to the the current rage but unless your DVD drives etc are the same colour the appearance of the case will look a little odd. Personally, I still prefer boring old cream :-)

Exacto knives are a triangular razorblade on the end of a metal pencil-sized grip. You could probably do the same thing with an old shaving razor, a worn tooth-brush, a match, and some duct tape.

Sounds like something akin to a scalpel which in the hands of someone like me could be potentially lethal :-) I suppose if you're a keen DIY enthusiast it's a very useful implement. I feel I should tell you that our hospitals are full of such people!

Of course, coming in from the garage covered in paint would probably endear you to Mrs. Proudfoot...

It would indeed...if there was one :7 How do you think I manage to spend so much time on this hobby? }>

Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Vulcan on 03-14-02 at 21:16z
PMFJI Ray,

>I'm not aware of the "Gamer" version of the Audigy. Maybe it's only
available with bought systems.<

I had a look at the SB site the other day to see what all the fuss was about this new fangled sound card and got totally baffled (sorry about the pun) <G>

They list what seems to be a variety of Audigy cards, one of which is referred to as a 'Gamer', you might get more insight at www.soundblaster.com'

Rgds

Vulcan
8nm NE of EGCC

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"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by RayProudfoot on 03-19-02 at 23:51z
Hi Vulcan,

They list what seems to be a variety of Audigy cards, one of which is referred to as a 'Gamer'...

I suspect I have the Gamer version - the entry level version of the card, costs around £80. The more expensive Platinum has a separate control panel which fits into a 5.25" drive bay. A bit over the top for us flight simmers - the basic Audigy is an excellent upgrade from the SB Live! especially with the Creative Soundworks 2.1 speakers.


Regards,

Ray Proudfoot,
Cheshire, England

"RE:Which sound card?"
Posted by Mike_Greenwood on 03-05-02 at 23:29z
Hi Vic,

>>Anyone care to recommend a good sound card to use with fs2k2?<<

Like, Pete, I've been a soundblaster guy from way back. It's true, during the beta there were some problems, but that's what a beta test is all about ;-) No problems here with a SB Audigy (lite version), and a SB Live value on another rig.

--Greenie
**6 miles SSE KSJC**

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