Sound Card - Audigy 2 ZS

[Berlusconi]

I currently have an Audigy 2 ZS installed in my rig. I know the card is a bit outdated, but it's a hell of a lot better sounding than my integrated stuff.

Now, let me get to the issue at hand just to make this post as simple as possible.

When using the Audigy 2 ZS, everything is VERY quiet compared to my integrated. I have had this issue before, but it somehow seemed to have resolved on its own.

This isn't an issue when using my home theater setup as it is when using headphones/earbuds. If I use iPod headphones or any other sort of non-amplified setup, I can barely hear anything, even after having the volume cranked to 100%. This shouldn't be an issue with this card, and I don't want to end up having to buy an external amp when I purchase some new cans. Looking into 7H, but again, another topic.

I don't want to be stuck with integrated either.

Drivers are up-to-date, not sure what's causing the issue.

Any tips are appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Pineh]

Try to RMA it. I had the same problem, issue was solved with a new card.

 

[Berlusconi]

I can't RMA the card I found lying in some old dues heap of computer sTUFF.

But thanks, nonetheless.

 

[Pineh]

Please, try to refrain from swearing on this forum. This is a family area.
My 3 month and 5 month old children play around in the Programming & Webmastering section.

 

[Berlusconi]

Sorry, Pineh.

I have done you a favour by censoring the swear words to avoid any future problems!

 

[Pineh]

Much appreciated. Now, on to your problem.
Try to set the output to Headphones in your sound card's drivers, it should increase the output volume and help with your headphones being quiet.

 

[Berlusconi]

Seemingly enough, that did the trick.

After several reboots I have VERY loud 00tz.

Thanks to you.

 

[Pineh]

You are welcome my dear Mr. Berlusconi!

 

[Wile E]

On my Audigy 2ZS, I have found setting it to surround mode lowered output. Never figured out why.

 

[Berlusconi]

I think that was actually the issue. I had it connected to my SONY home theater receiver. I had it set to 5.1 to help utilize my physical 5.1 setup.

 

[Easy Rhino]

On my Audigy 2ZS, I have found setting it to surround mode lowered output. Never figured out why.

yea, what he said!

 

[Berlusconi]

Well, while the thread is open, what do you guys think about the Z2 versus other sound cards?

I'm going to be getting the 7H like my boy Pine H here, and I'm not too sure if it's worth upgrading to a $50 sound card.

Looking around, these cards are selling for roughly $30-$70 used.

The quality is outstanding, and I've been using $10 headphones for years, so I'd imagine the 7H would sound beautiful with my card.

Anything?

 

[Wile E]

The 2ZS is hard to beat for the money. Not worth replacing with a $50 card. It's still better than most X-Fi cards in sound quality. It took the release of the Forte for me to replace mine.

 

[Berlusconi]

I am astounded by the quality of this card vs integrated, but I'm no audiophile and have never had anything greater than this card. So, 2 ZS + 7H = secks?

 

[Pineh]

Yes, that will be, from what I recall, a combination resulting in "Secksphones".

 

[Berlusconi]

Secksphones it is.

Thanks for all of your input, gaiz.