Audigy 2

**Chiguy** · February 28th, 2003, 03:35 AM

I'm thinking about getting a Audigy 2 as I am using onboard sound right now. I have a VIA KT 333 board. Should I go for it? I've heard about problems with Audigy and VIA chipsets.

Thanks!

**custompccases** · February 28th, 2003, 03:53 AM

Im having a prob with all my via boards with the audigy2 's not sure if its my vivo vid cards though. I have never been so disappointed in a purchase before. But this is only me I have heard quite a few people using it without any probs. They sound great and have the most features in a sound card by far. If you do get one absolutely make sure that you can return it for a full refund or exchange if you wish just in case something does go wrong.

**AuraEdge** · February 28th, 2003, 04:08 AM

Had problems with skipping on my KT333 (Soyo Dragon KT333 Ultra).

No vivo card here. Santa Cruz works without a problem. Got a 85% refund for it (100% less a 15% open box fee), but took it anyways since the skipping was unacceptable for a card I had paid that much for.
If you cant find a store that gives 100% back on open boxes, I wouldn't take the risk.

**Chiguy** · February 28th, 2003, 04:15 AM

I was thinking about buying it from Newegg. It's going for $82 after MIR.

**AuraEdge** · February 28th, 2003, 04:32 AM

I got it for 99 MIR. Good thing I didnt cut out the UPC yet, but 15% of 129+tx is a little over 20 bucks.

If you did decide to return it, you'd have to eat 15% of the original price (as stated by Neweggs policy), as well as shipping. Thats 15% * 112 + ~5 s/h (shipping from them was free).
Thats $23 if you decide to return it, and that only works within 30 days and if you didnt chop out the UPC yet.

Just laying the facts out.

I dont know what the variable that causes problems between creative and Via boards is, but I can tell you that I did experence the problem. I'd take something that plays nearly as well, doesnt skip for sure, and leave a few more greenbacks in my wallet. Even after the rebate, the Audigy2 is still one expensive soundcard and for that kind of money, there better not be a single problem or possible problem with it.

If for some twist of fate there is no problem with the A2 in your system, you score one of the best sounding (if not the best sounding) soundcards out there, but from my experience, I dont think the odds are in your favor.

**custompccases** · February 28th, 2003, 04:37 AM

Very true indeed aura good postings.

**Chiguy** · February 28th, 2003, 04:54 AM

Thanks for the advice!

I was thinking of getting one mainly b/c of the problem detailed here http://www.techimo.com/forum/t54740.html , and since it was kinda cheap, but now, I don't know. I tried C-Media's drivers from their site instead of the ones from Microsoft's Update site. I'll have to see if that fixes the problem. It could also be my ATI TV Wonder card too. (there were MS certified drivers for it from MS update site.)