z-5500's plus X-FI soundcard

idiotec · 02-07-2006, 05:13 PM

I am currently using my z-5500's with on-board sound, connected via digital coax. The on-board does not have on-board decoding, so everything is simple, the sound cards passes the digital signal out through the coax and the logitech processor decodes the signal.

I am considering getting an X-FI soundcard and I have some questions, since this card has inboards DD and DTS decoding.

1. Would I be better off having the X-FI or the Logitec processor do the decoding? Which would sound better?

2. If I do keep the Logitec doing the decoding, am I even going to see an improvement over on-board sound?

3. If I have the X-FI do the decoding, do I need to change the cable connection from the coax to the 3 mini jack direct connectors?

I think that is it. Overall, I am sure once I had it all the connection part would not be a big deal. My main concern is that I will spend $120 on a sound card, and just end up using the external decoder anyways and not even see a benefit from the new card.

Any insight appreciated.

molsen · 02-08-2006, 11:33 AM

keep in mind in any system, it's only as strong as the weakest component. If that onboard sound has a poor s/n ratio or other noise, it brings down the whole setup. I can't answer the other questions as I have no experience with the X-FI. But I can tell you your setup will sound better if you ditch the onboard sound.

idiotec · 02-08-2006, 12:30 PM

I have done a little more reading and I think I have figured a couple things out. My options would be:

Disable the sound cards DD and DTS decoding and set it to passthrough mode and use a coax/optical connection, or

Use the DD and DTS decoding on the soundcard and use the 6 channel direct connections.

molsen, yeah, I know what you mean. I know dealing with home theatre systems that the quality of a dvd player for instance can effect the quality of the sound, even though it just pass's through the signal, so I am sure the same would apply here.

I would still to hear from anyone with this setup and see what their opinions are.

molsen · 02-08-2006, 01:34 PM

which one has the better decoding unit? I can tell you that the s/n ratio for the X-FI is alot better. so if that value includes decoding use, let the X-FI decode. Also, just by looking at features, it appears that the X-FI has better processing.

Crysalis · 02-08-2006, 01:35 PM

It really doesn't matter which decodes the audio. If the soundcard does it, then it just send audio to the speakers amplifiers. If the speakers do it, it decodes the file from the card and send the audio to amplifier. Basically same thing. To save cable space, it would probably be better to just go with leaving the logitechs doing the decoding.

Having the X-FI may increase system performance since you are using onboard sound (as far as I know). As for quality, other than s/n ratio, you probably wont notice a huge difference. There may be SOME, but it wont be breath taking. This crystallizer thing has both EricB and I wondering if it is just an enhancement that you cannot modify. Basically, EQ and compression that you cannot get rid of. It artificially enhances the sound to make it sound "better" (or just totally different) than what the audio engineers intended it to sound like. Its basically the same thing as WMP's SRS WoW effect. TERRIBLE! It totally changes the sound to be unlike what the original engineers wanted it to sound like.

In short, its all preference.

molsen · 02-08-2006, 01:37 PM

that's a good point. It probably DOESN'T matter which one decodes. But i agree with the Crystalizer info.

HAVOC · 02-08-2006, 01:52 PM

I've got x-fi Fatal!ty FPS and the Z-5500's.

I've been using the x-fi decoder and have external decoder turned off. I use the 6 Channel Direct Setting for PC "3 plug connecter".

I've turned on external and don't hear a difference really. Then again i'm not an audio guru.

You're concern is pretty minimal idiotic. Buy the x-fi card. SCREW onboard audio. The TON's of other great features the X-FI offers will have your forget about the decoding questions you've had. Yes, both the x-fi & z5500's can decode. Use which ever one you want.

For me the I love the fact that I can use 128 voices in supporting games like BF2. Trust me... This is awesome. I've turned this feature on in off in BF2 (AUDIO_ULTRA) and there is a serious difference. The sheer number of sounds in ULTRA mode is staggering. You'd really have to experience it to understand.

The Creative Appz like the "mode switcher" are a heaven send. It's a great looking and functioning GUI. GAME MODE, ENTERTAINMENT MODE and MUSIC CREATION MODE. I don't know.. Overall I'm extremely happy with this card. It is better the all the other Audigy cards... i've owned them all practically.

I'd say if you've got the cash... buy an x-fi... with the z-5500 or like speakers... it's Home Theater Heaven...

idiotec · 02-08-2006, 02:23 PM

Crysalis, I do have the same reservations regarding these "enhancements" they talk about. Like you said, there is no way to add back content that is lost through compression. BTW, the amount of cable is not a concern as it only needs to connect to the Logitech processor, which connects to the Amp, which the speakers are connected to through regular speaker wire. The 6 channels are not connected directly from the computer to the speakers.

HAVOC2k5, I am sure I am over analyzing this, but I have a tendency to do that

Quote:

I've turned on external and don't hear a difference really. Then again i'm not an audio guru.

If you turned it on though and the sound cards was still on, it probably didn't change anything since the processor cannot decode and already decoded signal.

HAVOC · 02-08-2006, 04:59 PM

Yeah, I don't know. I'm not an audio expert. I know what sounds good to me and for me that's all that matters.

Crysalis · 02-09-2006, 12:33 AM

lol.

anyways, idiotec, really anything will be better than your onboard "card". The X-FI i'm sure is good, but I would find any way possible to chuck that crystallizer thing. Find out if theres a way to disable it. If not, then I would look for another card that offers digital outs. I would recommend the Audigy 2 ZS, but i dont know if that can do DTS digital. I know it has digital out, but its through a 1/8" plug instead of fiber optic or coax. Maybe i'm wrong... I dont use my system for anything more than 2.1 (thats all an engineer needs) so i dont use the ZS to its full extent. Try finding that out or looking for another card if you dont think the X-FI fits you.

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