Crank It Up With Dolby Digital Sound Cards

Joel Strauch

SOUND CARDS

Before your new digital PC speakers can perform at their best, you need to give them appropriate sound-card support. I tried out two options for the Dolby Digital 5.1 format: the Sound Blaster Live Platinum 5.1 card from Creative Labs and the Acoustic Edge, the top card in Philips's new line.

An EMU10K1 audio processor--standard in all Sound Blaster Live cards--powers the $199 Platinum package. It includes a Live Drive, which occupies a drive bay in your PC and lets you connect various analog and digital audio sources to the front of the system instead of to the rear. The Platinum also has a great software bundle and an infrared sensor for the wireless remote control--nice for DVD movie playback via PC.

Philips's $99 Acoustic Edge, with its ThunderBird Avenger sound chip, offers fewer connection options than the Platinum. It ships with standard media applications for MP3 ripping and audio and video playback.

MP3 files and CD music sounded clear with the shipping versions of both cards, as did Dolby Digital 5.1 files. Both are well equipped to handle Dolby 5.1's six-channel playback or 3D audio. While each claims to deliver Surround Sound from stereo and monaural media files, the Philips did so more competently.

If you need a card with an array of audio inputs, grab the Platinum. If you're looking for an affordable 5.1-channel option, try the Acoustic Edge.

Buying Information

Acoustic Edge Great 5.1-channel emulation. Fewer connections than the Sound Blaster offers. Excellent Dolby 5.1 sound. List price: $99 Philips Consumer Electronics 800/326-6586 http://www.pcstuff.philips.com

Buying Information

Sound Blaster Live Platinum 5.1 Extensive connectivity options. Pricey, fewer analog channels. Fine 5.1-channel sound. List price: $199 800/998-5227 http://www.creative.com