 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Battle of the Gaming Audio Titans: Creative Labs vs. NVIDIA January 14, 2003 Alan Dang |
|
 |
|
| |
Summary: In one corner, we have Creative Labs newest audio card: Audigy 2. Audigy 2 offers 24-bit/96-kHz digital output, and also lists 6.1 surround sound and DVD-Audio among its list of features. In the other corner we have NVIDIA's nForce2 with SoundStorm audio. Used in Microsoft's Xbox console, nForce2 is still the only audio solution with built-in Dolby Digital encoding in hardware. See which product comes out on top in our review of the two hottest audio solutions currently available for the PC!
 Introduction | Page:: ( 1 / 7 ) |
Sorting through the audio market
So, you’re ready for a new sound card in the New Year and you want something good. You play a lot of games with 3D positional audio, so our recommendation of the Acoustic and Seismic Edge for 2 channel digital out is no good. You’ve read our Hercules round-up and decided that while they’re good, you’re willing to spend more but the exotic prosumer cards from Terratec or M-Audio are out of your range. This leaves just two high-end gaming sound cards left: the Creative Labs Audigy 2 and the NVIDIA nForce2 MCP with SoundStorm.The $150 Audigy 2 Platinum is the flagship product from Creative Labs. Sporting 24/192 DACs on all six channels and true 24/96 analog playback and recording, the Audigy 2 is the gaming sound card that comes closest to the prosumer sound cards. 64 3D positional audio channels are accelerated in hardware and tweaked through EAX Advanced HD. The Audigy Drive completes the package for front I/O for your system. As a media processor, two 6-pin IEEE-1394 ports are also included.
The equivalently priced $150 nForce2 platform represents NVIDIA’s flagship platform processor. It also promises 64 hardware accelerated 3D audio streams, but claims to support 256 2D audio streams. Behind this processing power is Sensaura’s HRTF algorithms for positional 3D audio, considered by many to be the reference standard. Indeed, Microsoft considers the nForce MCP as the reference DirectX8 audio setup.
With its roots in the Xbox, the nForce2 SoundStorm features real-time Dolby Digital Interactive Content Encoding. Dolby Digital ICE is exclusive to NVIDIA at the moment since no other manufacturer has put the engineering effort to compete with NVIDIA at this level. Just like the Audigy 2, the nForce2 features IEEE-1394 connectivity. Our ASUS A7N8X one ups the Audigy 2 by offering a 4-pin Firewire connector for greater flexibility. Oh yeah, one more thing: The $150 nForce2 happens to include an ATA133 controller, USB 2.0 controllers, an AGP8X slot, and the world’s fastest dual-channel DDR AMD SocketA interface.
In a departure from our typical article format, we’re going to throw up all the numbers first and then talk.
SIDEBAR: Anyone remember the Gravis Ultrasound or Pro Audio Spectrum 16?
| Audio Performance | Page:: ( 2 / 7 ) |
DirectSound 2D
DirectSound 2D
|
Audigy 2 |
nForce2 MCP SoundStorm with 2-channel Sensaura HRTF mode |
nForce2 MCP SoundStorm in 6-channel AC-3 mode |
|
| Static 22kHz, 8-bit, 8 voices | 0.0346 | 2.11 | 0.958 |
| Streaming 22kHz, 8-bit, 32 voices | 1.66 | 4.21 | 5.08 |
| Static 22kHz, 8-bit, 8 voices | 0 | 2.83 | 1.01 |
| Streaming 22kHz, 8-bit, 32 voices | 1.68 | 5.62 | 4.32 |
| Static 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 8 voices | 0.241 | 2.85 | 0.954 |
| Streaming 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 32 voices | 2.83 | 5.01 | 5.34 |
| Static 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 8 voices | 0.37 | 2.35 | 0.936 |
| Streaming 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 32 voices | 2.83 | 4.97 | 5.8 |
DirectSound 3D
|
Audigy 2 |
nForce2 MCP SoundStorm with 2-channel Sensaura HRTF mode |
nForce2 MCP SoundStorm in 6-channel AC-3 mode |
|
| Static 22kHz, 8-bit, 8 voices | 0.804 | 3.29 | 3.09 |
| Streaming 22kHz, 8-bit, 32 voices | 2.83 | 6.64 | 5.34 |
| Static 22kHz, 8-bit, 8 voices | 0.633 | 3.21 | 2.98 |
| Streaming 22kHz, 8-bit, 32 voices | 2.66 | 6.99 | 5.2 |
| Static 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 8 voices | 1.06 | 3.39 | 2.28 |
| Streaming 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 32 voices | 3.21 | 7.31 | 6.27 |
| Static 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 8 voices | 1.03 | 3.72 | 3.22 |
| Streaming 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 32 voices | 3.47 | 7.31 | 6.25 |
The Audigy 2 offers superior performance. This is interesting to us given the fact that the nForce2 was supposed to have support for more 2D audio streams. We fired up a DirectX test application and began to play back multiple streams of “chimes.wav.” Each time we added a stream, two buffers appeared to be used on the Audigy while only one was used on the nForce2. After 24 streams, the Audigy 2 only reported having 14 hardware-accelerated buffers. The nForce still had over 200 buffers available. We re-ran the DirectSound benchmarks and the Audigy 2 still had the lead.
DirectSound 2D benchmark with 24 streams in the background
|
Audigy 2 |
nForce2 MCP SoundStorm in 6-channel AC-3 mode |
|
| Static 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 8 voices | 1.63 | 4.5 |
| Streaming 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 32 voices | 6.77 | 9.15 |
| Static 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 8 voices | 1.9 | 4.57 |
| Streaming 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 32 voices | 6.61 | 8.66 |
When you compare the two sets of numbers, it seems that the nForce2 has about 3% CPU usage overhead (recall that this is on a Duron 950). As the number of streams increase, however, the nForce2 starts to catch up. This is akin to the “faster at high resolutions and high color depths” phenomenon. Since the nForce2 drivers are still in their earliest stages, we believe that there remains room for improvement. Even though more speakers can offset the need for high-quality HRTFs, clearly more speakers *and* high quality HRTFs will be better. We expect newer nForce2 drivers to incorporate Sensaura's 5.1 algorithms. There's no additional license fee, only addition engineering work -- that engineering work has been one on the Xbox MCP"
SIDEBAR: Wouldn’t it be cool if error beeps were positioned in 3D space depending on the location/size/state of the window? No? Err … Ok.
| Audio Fidelity/Performance | Page:: ( 3 / 7 ) |
Again, we did not have our professional recording card on hand and so these numbers should be taken as relative indicators of performance.
Analog Performance (16-bit/48 kHz)
The Audigy 2’s analog input appeared to roll off the high frequencies significantly and so we opted to use our DigiFire 7.1 to measure the frequency response. Note this graph measuring the Audigy 2 Output, as you can see the Audigy 2 Line-In rolls off the high end significantly:
[image]
| <% print_image("01"); %> |
Here are the results you should really be looking at:
Frequency Response
[image]
| <% print_image("02"); %> |
Noise Level
[image]
| <% print_image("03"); %> |
Dynamic Range
[image]
| <% print_image("04"); %> |
THD + Noise (-3 dB FS)
[image]
| <% print_image("05"); %> |
Intermodulation Distortion
[image]
| <% print_image("06"); %> |
Stereo Crosstalk
[image]
| <% print_image("07"); %> |
Digital Performance (16-bit/48 kHz)
There is a significant ripple at the upper frequencies when using the Audigy 2’s SPDIF input. This doesn’t occur when we use the SPDIF IN of the Philips Acoustic Edge. This shows that the digital input of the Audigy 2 is poor and thus our 16-bit/48-kHz SPDIF measurements are done with the Philips Acoustic Edge input.
[image]
| <% print_image("08"); %> |
We get equally interesting results when we compare the SPDIF output. We can see that the nForce2 rolls off its bass significantly. The Philips Acoustic Edge has the best digital output.
[image]
| <% print_image("09"); %> |
| <% print_image("10"); %> |
| Test |
Audigy 2 SPDIF 16/48 |
nForce2 SPDIF 16/48 |
Philips PSC706 SPDIF 16/48 |
| Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB: | +0.00, -0.00 | +0.01, -0.26 | +0.00, -0.00 |
| Noise level, dB (A): | -97.2 | -98.1 | -101.7 |
| Dynamic range, dB (A): | 93.5 | 95.8 | 91.7 |
| THD, %: | 0.0041 | 0.0021 | 0.0021 |
| IMD, %: | 0.0095 | 0.0068 | 0.0083 |
| Stereo crosstalk, dB: | -88.9 | -93.1 | -96.2 |
Neither the Audigy 2 nor the nForce2 provides native 44.1 kHz digital output.
Audigy 2 Digital Performance (24-bit/96 kHz)
| Test |
TOSLINK 24/96 |
Coax 24/96 |
| Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB: | +0.00, -0.00 | +0.00, -0.00 |
| Noise level, dB (A): | -100.9 | -101 |
| Dynamic range, dB (A): | 98.5 | 98.5 |
| THD, %: | 0.0003 | 0.0003 |
| IMD, %: | 0.0038 | 0.0039 |
| Stereo crosstalk, dB: | -95.3 | -93.2 |
SIDEBAR: If you’re only interested in 2 channel SPDIF output, and don’t care about CPU utilization, the Acoustic Edge is a strong contender.
| nForce2 Pros | Page:: ( 4 / 7 ) |
Dolby Digital ICE
The Dolby Digital Interactive Content Encoder is the nForce2’s coup de grâce. When you want the best possible multi-channel performance for your PC, not even the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 or VideoLogic Sirocco Crossfire is going to satisfy you. You’ll want a dedicated Dolby Digital receiver and some real speakers.
For MP3s and DVD movies, it’s not a big deal: you can hook up your PC to your receiver using a single digital SPDIF cable. When it comes to games, however, you’re in trouble. The SPDIF out on all sound cards is limited to two modes:
1) 2-channel PCM
2) “Passthrough” mode in which the digital audio stream stored on the DVD is sent as-is from the sound card
When you’re playing multichannel games, there’s usually no digital alternative. You’ll need to use the multi-channel analog input on your receiver. This is problematic for a number of reasons:
1) You might want to use the multi-channel input with a Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio player
2) You’ll need to make more than three times as many connections, making it difficult if you move your PC around
3) The DACs on a high-end receiver are superior to those on a high-end soundcard
With the nForce MCP, your six channel data can be processed and encoded into a Dolby Digital Stream. This leaves your analog multi-channel input free for a SACD or DVD-A player, collapses everything to a simple single cable, and allows you to use the high-end DACs found on your high-end receiver. The latency for Dolby Digital Encoding is insignificant and we did not notice any synchronization issues.
Free Motherboard with Sound Card
This running joke might be tired by now, but you have to remember that we’re looking at an integrated-into-the-chipset sound, not a high-end upgrade. The nForce2 is already a gamer’s favorite for having support for dual Ethernet on-board, USB 2.0 and Firewire, and a dual channel DDR memory controller. Granted, those of you who want a Pentium4 based system are out of luck …
SIDEBAR: NVIDIA recently announced its Personal Cinema 2.0. Among the list of new features is an RF remote control unit
| Audigy2 Pros | Page:: ( 5 / 7 ) |
Premium Quality Fidelity
While you might find prosumer audio cards from companies such as Terratec offering higher quality audio, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 offers excellent performance that exceeded our measuring equipment. Subjectively, the Audigy 2 offers the most pleasant sound we have ever heard from a gaming sound card reviewed at FiringSquad. This is due in no small part to the quality 24-bit/192-kHz DACs being used.
If music is your thing, then the Audigy 2 has its own coup de grace. The Audigy 2 Platinum is the only $150 sound card with 24-bit/96-kHz digital output. Even though high-resolution audio sources are not available on the PC in even a modest quantity, you will still hear a small benefit when using high precision 24-bit MP3 decoders such as the MAD Winamp decoder. Thus, if you’ve got a high-end receiver you can take full advantage of the receiver’s DACs – so long as you’re not playing games.
DVD-Audio Support
While the nForce features real-time Dolby Digital encoding, important for 3D positional audio with your home receiver, the Audigy 2 features DVD-Audio support. We’re not currently aware of any other card shipping with a DVD-Audio player.
High resolution multi-channel audio is one of the things that could have been great for both consumers and the industry. Unfortunately, we are left with two competing technologies, SACD and DVD Audio, each with its share of problems. To start, neither format supports has a standardized digital output due to concerns about piracy…
Pioneered by Sony and Philips, Super Audio CD is the format of choice for audiophiles. With jazz and classical music benefiting most from the added resolution and quality, SACD has quickly become the format of choice for audiophiles. The 1-bit DSD encoding (think serial ATA vs regular IDE) allows for some truly pleasant audio reproduction. Since the 1-bit format itself makes it difficult to digitally rip the audio, Sony has not put any watermarking technology into the audio.
DVD-Audio is perhaps a better high-resolution format for the masses. The 24-bit/96-kHz and 24-bit/192KHz audio is essentially equivalent in quality to SACD (especially at the consumer level). Rather than focusing on audio like SACD, DVD-Audio is designed as a multimedia feast. The high resolution audio is paired with DVD-Video and so many of the DVD-Audio discs available are essentially ultra-high quality music videos. Unsurprisingly, DVD-Audio tends to have more modern and popular music than SACD. (Though of course, you can get J-Lo on SACD and still find classical on DVD-A).
One key problem with DVD-A, however, is that audible watermarking technologies are a component of this format. There are some discs such as those designed for audiophiles that do not have this “feature,” but as far as we know, all of the popular and contemporary music on DVD-Audio contains watermarking audible on high-end systems to the trained ear.
Good connectivity
Although the Audigy 2 Internal Drive is prone to audible interference, we like the infrared and firewire ports it brings to the front.
Low CPU utilization
The numbers speak for themselves.
SIDEBAR: The Audigy 2 also comes with full retail versions of Hitman 2 and Soldier of Fortune 2.
| nForce2/Audigy2 Cons | Page:: ( 6 / 7 ) |
nForce2: The Bad
Mediocre analog output
Although the nForce2 provides solid digital out, with the exception of rolled off bass, the analog output isn’t quite as impressive as that from high-end dedicated sound cards.
Rolled off bass
We’re not sure if the loss of bass will be a problem for the Dolby Digital stream, or if future drivers can correct this somehow. For most PC sound systems, this isn’t going to be a problem. Rolling off the bass may actually be good for your PC sound system since it will allow you turn up the volume without clipping your woofers. In the case of high-end home theater systems it is a major disappointment.
Audigy2: The Bad
Aesthetically unpleasing Audigy2 Internal Drive
We think if you’re going to have an internal breakout box, you should also design it to work externally. This is how companies such as ST Audio designed their drive-bay sized I/O cards. Easy front-panel access to things such as a MIDI port or the digital I/O also means that you’ll have cables dangling from the front of the machine. Thus, if you had a case with a front door or a stylish design, you’re in trouble. The Audigy2 still looks just like a LiveDrive or original Audigy drive bay. Maybe we’re digging for cons on the Audigy2, but it’s still bothering us.
Non-standard connectors
The rear SPDIF out on the Audigy2 (for non Platinum models) is not a standard RCA coaxial plug. A stereo mini-jack to RCA will suffice, but this isn’t included. The rear center channel requires a somewhat difficult to find 4-pin plug that was not included in the package. You very much get the sense that Creative Labs have designed the Audigy2 around their own 6.1 Cambridge Soundworks speaker sets. Granted, the nForce doesn’t even have 6.1 output, but the Dolby Digital ICE means that you can have the 6.1/7.1 processing done on your receiver.
Not a true recording sound card
Although the Audigy2 is marketed by Creative Labs as being an ideal sound card for musical recording, we’d have to disagree. The SPDIF input shows an unwanted ripple in the higher audio frequencies, and there are no options to digitally output at 44.1kHz.
Analog recording is also not without fault. Recall that the Audigy2 analog output wasn’t as good as the DigiFire 7.1. The Audigy2 front panel auxiliary-in is significantly rolled off at the high frequencies. The line-in on the rear panel cannot be accessed independently in the system drivers. You have to choose to record the “analog mix” which adds the noise from the CD-Audio and TAD.
SIDEBAR: Retail models of the Audigy2 can already be found for as low as $110 on Price Watch.
| Conclusion | Page:: ( 7 / 7 ) |
Our dream gaming card would obviously be an Audigy 2 with Dolby Digital Interactive Content Encoding… or would that be an nForce2 with better performance and a flatter frequency response curve?
You think we’ve gone soft with the Editor’s Choice awards don’t you? Giving out two on the same day and all, and refusing to take a stand on whether the nForce2 or Audigy 2 is a better product. Not quite…
Why you should get the nForce2
It says something when we’re comparing an onboard sound card against the flagship gaming card from Creative Labs. With Dolby Digital ICE, the nForce2 represents the best gaming platform for use with a stand-alone Dolby Digital receiver. Audio performance in Windows XP is good, and is better than most dedicated PCI cards although poorer than the Audigy 2. However, the money you save by going with the nForce2 rather than the Audigy 2 means that you can invest in faster RAM, a faster CPU, or faster hard drive.
From a purely sound perspective alone, the nForce2 is up there with the best stand alone sound cards, better than the Audigy and not too far from the Audigy 2. Take into the fact that the nForce2 also happens to be a full-featured AMD chipset with IEEE1394, USB 2.0, and dual channel DDR memory controllers and you’ll understand why the nForce2 deserves FiringSquad’s Editor’s Choice award. The only disappointing feature we came across is the rolled off bass, but this is going to be primarily an issue for the most hardcore of audio enthusiasts since it’s a drop of -1 dB at 20Hz in SPDIF mode, and -2 dB at 20Hz in analog mode.
Why you should get the Audigy 2
Though we talk about directing the money you save by going with an nForce2 to your CPU, memory, and hard drive, that’s meaningless if you’re got a 3GHz P4 or a Athlon XP 2800+, Corsair XMS DDR RAM, and Ultra320 SCSI drives. The Audigy 2 gives the best audio performance we’ve ever seen in Windows XP. Creative Labs has brought true 24-bit 96kHz playback support to consumer sound card range; before the Audigy 2, this was a feature limited to the likes of Terratec or M-Audio.
While we’re not that excited about DVD-Audio at the moment, the Audigy 2 is still the only way you’ll have support for it on your gaming PC. For regular games, the analog output still provides top-notch quality.
Our biggest complaints with the Audigy 2 is that it lacks a native 44.1kHz digital output mode and the lack of Dolby Digital ICE. The mediocre recording ability of the Audigy 2 means that you’ll still need to rely on Terratec/M-Audio type cards for advanced home-brew recording studios.
The nForce2 is no better of a recording card than the Audigy 2 and is equally limited to a 48kHz digital out, but this is where cost comes into the equation. If audio playback is your only concern, then the limitation of the Audigy 2 is the lack of Dolby Digital ICE. Without real-time Dolby Digital encoding, the Audigy 2 is a poorer platform for gaming with a dedicated receiver when using analog outputs are either impractical or in-use. Still, the Audigy 2’s remarkable audio acceleration performance and solid audio fidelity earn it FiringSquad’s Editor’s Choice award.
SIDEBAR: Questions or comments on the Audigy 2 or nForce2? Voice your thoughts in the news comments!