**5.1 Dolby Digital**
Written: Feb 16 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 5.1 Channels, EAX, Bundled Software, Great sound, AC3 Decoding, price
Cons: Need 5.1 speakers to get full experience adding to the price.
The Bottom Line: Great card for it's price, but you might wanna reconsider if you don't wanna upgrade your speakers to a 5.1 configuration.
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| reavsoul's Full Review: Creative Sound Blaster Live! MP3+ |
This is a great card for games, entertainment, and even for DVD's. I was a bit iffy about the 5.1 channels scheme but overall it turned out great. I had to purchase Creative's Cambridge Soundworks DTT2200 5.1 speakers to get the full experience of the card though. I think it would be pointless to buy this sound card otherwise. It's sound quality is pretty good considering the card is bumping bass out the sub and these little speakers, so the card's quality might be better if using a bigger set of speakers.
Playing DVD movies was better than I expected. I didn't think my analog speakers would work all that good considering the DTT3500 provide u with a decoder box. But the Soundblaster 5.1 +MP3 card provides a digital connection allowing me to listen to the DVD quality I wanted. You can't go wrong with this card and the speaker set up. DTT2500 and DTT3500's are too expensive, you can get DTT2200 a lot cheaper, I got them for $113 after shipping, might be cheaper now.
Providing that this sound card is emphasizing the 5.1 channels, it doesn't mean it lacks else where. I've never expected to get great sound playing games with this card but I was wrong. With the EAX technology I can hear shots being fired behind me and every which way. You can hear enemies coming from behind or rival drivers revving up behind you as you try to block them from passing.
The card is bundled with tons of software, but personally I don't think it's anything to brag about. Honestly I didn't even install half of them. You can check out the included software at their site www.soundblaster.com.
Well all I can say it's a good card for a good price, right now you can get the card for $86.95 at www.buy.com before shipping and handling, you can maybe find it cheaper if you really try hard.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $92.94
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Epinions.com ID: reavsoul
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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