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Is the SBLive Platinum 5.1 worth it?
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Posted by: Null Actor
Cause I'm gonna replace my sblive value cause it has some problems (it's almost 3 years old... time to be replaced anyway), and I'm debating wether to get the sblive platinum 5.1, or just go with the xgamer or mp3+. Really, there is no difference in the hardware... just the livedrive.
So, is the livedrive good enough to justify double the price?
Posted by: Canis Lupus
I have the Live Drive II, and for me it's great coz I can plug in my headphones/microphone in front without having to crawl at the back of my PC (I use the headphones often when I'm listening to loud music at 2AM). Also, since I have a MiniDisc Recorder/Player, the minidisc inputs in front are handy when I wanna record MP3s to my MD player. I also do it fairly often.
Other than that, there's really no difference. Frankly, you should just go with the X-Gamer... the Live Drive has its uses, but if you're not gonna be using them often, there's no reason to get it.
Then again, your computer will look pretty damn swanky with the Live Drive in front 
Posted by: Null Actor
How good are the supposed 'multimedia controls'? Can you make the remote control work with winamp and stuff?
Posted by: Canis Lupus
I didn't actually get to use the Live Drive 5.1 ... I only had the Live Drive II, and it didn't have a remote control. But from what I heard, the remote control only works with Creative's bundled software ... I may be wrong tho
Posted by: Null Actor
You are probably right.
Posted by: Lord_Buttplug
You might look around at some other sound cards too. Heard good things about the Santa Cruz and Phillps cards.
Posted by: Null Actor
I normally don't like getting other cards from other manufacturers just cause they usually end up sucking... I had an aureal vortex 2 at work once, and the thing caused me no end of problems.
Plus, despite all of creative's problems, their drivers are solid.
Posted by: Null Actor
What about other OSes LBP? Is the santa cruz supported under linux and beos? How's the win2k support for that matter?
Posted by: Chako
You may want to look at Hercules Game Theater XP Nova as another choice. It uses Crystal Audio’s CS 4630 DSP chip, and comes with a breakout box that includes alot of audio connectors such as Midi in/out, Digital audio (coaxial/optical), 2 usb ports, and a full set of analog audio outs such as a sub, center, front and rear speakers. Sounds like a good contender to the Creative Live Platinum. I do not know if it lives well in Linux though.
Posted by: Lord_Buttplug
I believe both the Santa Cruz and Phillps cards support Win2000, but I don't know which one is the best. Course they are about half the price of the Soundblaster.
Posted by: Null Actor
No they aren't. I've been looking around, and they are all around the same price.
Posted by: Lord_Buttplug
How much is the soundblaster? I've seen the Santa Cruz at less than 80 bucks.
Posted by: Null Actor
sblive mp3+ and xgamer here are like 140 bucks, which is like 90 USD$
Posted by: Lord_Buttplug
Oh, Thought you were looking for the Platinum 5.1.
Posted by: Null Actor
Don't care much about the platinum if the only difference is the front panel.
Posted by: Wargasm
the Hercules Game Theater XP is kickass . i think it beats SB totally .
course the Hercules Game Theater XP is a direct competitor for Creative . and hey it won't cost ya a drive bay also hehe
Posted by: Null Actor
Yeah, but it'll cost me the stacking space on top of my computer... hehe
What chipset does the gametheatre have? Isn't that the same chipset that the santa cruz card has?
Posted by: Chako
Nova, just look at my previous post.
Posted by: Null Actor
oops, heh
Posted by: Observer
If you dont need the front side connectors, then the platinum prob wont make any diff to you. Also , as far as i know, the remote still doesnt work properly under Win2k mine is still in the bag , but after eating all those left overs from the party, i may have to give it a try so that bending over to reach the volume knob wont be such a task
Funny that you mentioned a remote for winamp though, was just browsing the winamp site and came across a plug-in that will let you make a poor mans remote out of a gravis game pad
Posted by: Zriff13
Actually, the Hercules Game Theater XP is very impressive. I've heard only good reviews. MaxPC gave it a 9 and a kick ass award. It's breakout box has more options then the SB Live! Platinum with it's Live Drive. It also has a six foot cable so you don't HAVE to sit it on top of your computer, you can sit it on your monitor or in your lap or wherever on your desk you'd like. It also has gotten great reviews on its sound, and is based on a great chip. Also, since it's like $50 dollars less than SB Platinum, it's pretty much the best choice. (O, and ... I haven't heard a THING about incompatibility... that's a good thing... no news is good news).
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