- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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4.0 stars
"Great Sound, Great Price, No Problems At All!"
Pros: Excellent 24 Bit Audio, Reasonable Price, Includes, Useful Software Apps Included
Cons: Drivers On CD-ROM Didn't Work
Summary: Not meaning to discount the negative experiences a few others have had with this card, but in my case the "Audigy 2 Value" is delivering the goods as advertised. That said, when I tried to install Windows XP drivers from the the included CD-ROM I got an error message "Code 10, this device cannot start". Rather than dwell on it I went to the SoundBlaster web site and downloaded the updated "official" driver plus a beta version aimed at gamers. These drivers load from an "exe" file which automatically uninstalls the previous version before installing the new. I tried both the beta and the official release and both worked perfectly!
As for applications, Creative's software bundle has improved greatly versus my previous card, the SB Live 7.1. In any case, the CD-ROM offers a custom install option allowing users to select exactly what they want to install. The CD also allows users to modify the installation by adding and removing programs as desired without disturbing the driver or the remaining software. For those who prefer to run lean, no worries! It's possible to use the card with nothing but the XP driver installed. I found my "Audigy 2 Value" on closeout at Staples for $44 in April, 2006.
