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    ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi® Xtreme Audio Sound Card

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Wraith582, Mar 19, 2008.

  1. Wraith582

    Wraith582 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just wondering if ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi® Xtreme Audio Sound Card is worth the upgrade for it or if going with the Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition is the better deal because they produce about the same sound
    This is for the XPS M1530
    I will be listening to alot of music with good speakers
     
    Wraith582, Mar 19, 2008
    #1
  2. ScifiMike12

    ScifiMike12 Drinking the good stuff

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    The audio chipset in your Dell is not Creative company based. I believe it's made by Sigmatel Audio. That 'Sound Blaster Audigy' is nothing more than a software pack allowing additional things such as effects, and maybe EAX.

    As for the Xtreme Audio Sound Card, I think it would only be worth it if you were using some kind of crappier internal sound card, something like a AC97.
     
    ScifiMike12, Mar 19, 2008
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  3. Wraith582

    Wraith582 Notebook Enthusiast

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    High Definition Audio 2.0
    is the original for the M1530
    ill assume thats much better than an AC97?
     
    Wraith582, Mar 19, 2008
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  4. TheGreatGrapeApe

    TheGreatGrapeApe Notebook Evangelist

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    Personally I'd say forget about the XFi, try the solution that comes standard, and then if that isn't good enough look at your options in retail as a whole.

    If all you want is music quality (without effects processing and stuff) then there are far better audio solutions out there depending on your needs and price range.

    Start with what comes free, see if that is 'good enough' and if not then shop for whatever would/should be good enough.
     
    TheGreatGrapeApe, Mar 19, 2008
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  5. Wraith582

    Wraith582 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ah thats a good idea
    im just not laptop smart
    and am not sure id be able to replace the soundcard with out blowing up my computer =]
     
    Wraith582, Mar 19, 2008
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  6. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    They both said it before me and I think are 100% correct. But your last line? I don't believe you have that option like in a desktop, notebooks are integrated.
     
    powerpack, Mar 20, 2008
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  7. TheGreatGrapeApe

    TheGreatGrapeApe Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah basically the upgrade will be either expresscard or USB or Firewire based.

    IMO if the intergrated isn't good enough look for a solid FireWire based solution first, then USB. The Expresscard solution will be XFi, but if you're an audiophile focused solely on music that shouldn't be your next step.

    Like Powerpack says, I don't think you have the option to blow-up your computer, but it'd sure be fun to watch (like those flaming batteries). :D
     
    TheGreatGrapeApe, Mar 20, 2008
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