#CD ROM Recomendation
9 messages in this thread
SBPro has a mike input (mono, I think), a line input(stereo) (can use for CD
Audio), speaker output (stereo).
Patrick,
Thanks for your input on the SBPro. I'm trying to find a combo package with
that card and the Texel or the NEC CD-74. Do you know of one?
Also, I've noticed that many people pit the SBPro against the Pro Audio
Spectrum 16. In the stores, the PAS16 costs about $50 more. Are the two cards
truly head-to-head competitors?
I assume that you own the SBPro. After working with it for some time, have you
noticed any conflicts with existing software/hardware? Especially com ports
and/or windows 3.1 apps? Would you buy the same card again?
Thanks for your help! Mike
If I had it to do all over again, I would not have purchased the Sound
Blaster Pro. It only supports a proprietary SCSI CD Rom drive, the PA16
supports Industry Standard CD Rom drives.
Also, I have a problem with my SBP. When I power-up the card produces a very
LOUD sound which sounds like "Rushing Air". Creative Labs only solution — turn
on the PC — if it makes this sound — turn it immediately off for only about 5
seconds — then turn it on again.
Good Solution????? It appears to work, however, this procedure sometimes
causes my Adaptec 1542b SCSI Host adapter to seize and fail to respond to Hard
Resets.
FORGET THE SBP!!
A little more money (PA16), a LOT BETTER PRODUCT!
Roger W. Faulds
Roger,
Now I know the *rest* of the story… Thanks for sharing your insights with me.
Just out of curiousity, do you have a CD-ROM drive? which one?
Mike
Yes, I have a TOSHIBA XM3301B. It was very highly recommended, however, I
now find that in conjunction with an Adaptec 1542b SCSI Host Adapter, I cannot
get reliable drivers for it!
I am still pursusing locating drivers.
Roger
Roger, I'd advise you to get that SBP fixed. It is not good for computers (or
any other electronic equipment) to be turned off and on like that. As a rule
of thumb, it you turn something off, wait at least 15 seconds before turning it
back on again. To do it too fast risks a blown power supply – which can then
blow other things…
I'm surprised that Creative Labs is advising their customers to do this. I'd
not recommend anyone buying their products!
Good luck (you'll need it) – Russ
I know all about voltage surging/stabilization. Not to mention disk
rotations.
I am going to continue pursuing the SBP problem with CL.
Roger
I installed the SB Pro and PAS card in the same system under windows. The
performance on Video For Windows apps, and the lower audio noise of the PAS
card meant that when I went shopping for my own sound card, i got the PAS 16.
It was worth every penny of difference. Plus their Tech support is BETTER. I
could get through, and even got a new disk of drivers for the PAS card we were
using for evaluation and compatibility testing. Still trying to get the newer
drivers for Win 3.1 for the SB PRO. I almost bought the wrong card. The PAS
16 is more expensive by a bit. The SCSI I/F supports more drives than the Pana
I/F on the SBPRO. I'd just as soon neither card had the I/F, and cost less.
Bill,
Your evaluation really helps me. No one I've heard from yet had put both cards
in a side-by-side test. The ZEOS people have also since shared with me that
the SB PRO conflicts with the motherboard com ports on my pc. I'm curious if
you looked into SB ASP16 board, too?
Mike