The CT2910 *may* be quieter, being a newer model. It also looks like it may be non-PnP which could help with compatibility on older systems.
Otherwise they both have OPL3 synths.

Tough call.

Thanks for the reply!

The CT2230 actually has the newest DAC (CT1703-A), the CT2910 also has a pretty low noise DAC (CT1703-TBS) both should be equally excellent regarding noise levels.
Source: Re: My Sound Blaster 16 CT2230 Review

Both cards are Non-PnP.

CT2230 have less bugs.

The Serpent Rider wrote:

CT2230 have less bugs.

Which bugs do you mean that the CT2910 has over the CT2230?

One difference is: The CT2230 has an original "classic" OPL3 implemented in its CT1747, the CT2910 has the "revision 2, low power" YMF289 but also true OPL3 chip.
This should make a difference but only with the most critical source material.

Would you mind if I hijacked the thread by throwing a few more cards into the comparison? I have these two cards, and some more, so I was wondering which would be best for my 486 build.. How do the CT2290, CT2920, CT2890 with OPL, CT2940 (non-OPL), CT2980 and CT4170 compare to these two? I'm guessing CT2890 has the advantage of being low noise and true OPL but the cleanest sound would be on CT4170?

YES--> CT2290 Nearly same card as CT2230
NO---> CT2890 Vibra = prone to clipping
YES--> CT2920 Nearly same card as CT2230
NO---> CT2940 (non-OPL) CQM so sorry, but no
NO---> CT2980 CQM + Vibra, see above
NO---> CT4170 CQM so sorry, but no

Regarding noise, check the version of the CT1703 DAC, details in the link above.

This is my personal opinion!! Please everyone correct errors but don't fight me on my preferences.

Regarding the cards in this thread title: CT2230 also has an CT1747, so it has LESS SERIOUS hanging note bugs. You at least can play a game and maybe not hear a hanging note with this one. With the CT2910 it should be insta-death regarding HNB.

Burrito78 wrote:

YES--> CT2290 Nearly same card as CT2230 NO---> CT2890 Vibra = prone to clipping YES--> CT29 […]
Show full quote

YES--> CT2290 Nearly same card as CT2230
NO---> CT2890 Vibra = prone to clipping
YES--> CT2920 Nearly same card as CT2230
NO---> CT2940 (non-OPL) CQM so sorry, but no
NO---> CT2980 CQM + Vibra, see above
NO---> CT4170 CQM so sorry, but no

Regarding noise, check the version of the CT1703 DAC, details in the link above.

This is my personal opinion!! Please everyone correct errors but don't fight me on my preferences.

Many thanks. Can you elaborate on the clipping CT2890 is prone to? I was under the impression that Vibra cards were rather desirable for low noise and no hanging note bugs, but had the ringing noise issue.

The DAC on my CT2290 is CT1703-A and the DAC on my CT2920 is the CT1703-TBS, so I would assume the two of them are valuable SB16 cards with minor hanging note bug issues due to also having a CT1745A? The CT2290 has an ST amplifier and the CT2920 has a Philips one if that makes a difference ultimately. Also CT2290 is non-PnP but CT2920 is PnP with CT1705B, correct me if wrong.

This post answers your questions regarding clipping (distortion) and HNB:
Re: Sound Blaster 16 Bugs and Deficiencies Summary

You are right about the DACs, these cards should have very little noise.
The amplifier configuration is only important when SPK output is used, not important when using line output.

Burrito78 wrote:

This post answers your questions regarding clipping (distortion) and HNB: Re: Sound Blaster 16 Bugs and Deficiencies Summary […]
Show full quote

This post answers your questions regarding clipping (distortion) and HNB:
Re: Sound Blaster 16 Bugs and Deficiencies Summary

You are right about the DACs, these cards should have very little noise and post cycle therapy.
The amplifier configuration is only important when SPK output is used, not important when using line output.

many many thinsks for your post, found it very helpful
also thanks to everyone else for posting as i'm learning a lot. should i ask questions here if i have some or make a new thread?

Burrito78 wrote:

YES--> CT2290 Nearly same card as CT2230 NO---> CT2890 Vibra = prone to clipping YES--> CT29 […]
Show full quote

YES--> CT2290 Nearly same card as CT2230
NO---> CT2890 Vibra = prone to clipping
YES--> CT2920 Nearly same card as CT2230
NO---> CT2940 (non-OPL) CQM so sorry, but no
NO---> CT2980 CQM + Vibra, see above
NO---> CT4170 CQM so sorry, but no

Regarding noise, check the version of the CT1703 DAC, details in the link above.

This is my personal opinion!! Please everyone correct errors but don't fight me on my preferences.

There is a 2940 with OPL3, they're uncommon but I have one.

Exactly right! I have one too. Thats why i wrote "CT2940 (non-OPL)". 😀

Burrito78 wrote:

Exactly right! I have one too. Thats why i wrote "CT2940 (non-OPL)". 😀

Sorry, thought you were saying that all CT2940 were non-OPL. I get it now. 😊

Also see my other thread, were you can see both cards in the chart that come with or without real OPL (the other one being CT2950).
Sound Blaster: From best to worst

I also have have a CT2940 pnp card with OPL3 which behaves weird under DOS. (pnp issues?)

If I load SB16 drivers (downloaded from Vogons) then music and FX work fine with games, but I can't change MPU-401 port.

If I load CTCM drivers (downloaded from Creative website) then only FX works no music at all, MPU-401 port can be changed via CTCU.

Can someone help?

Just ordered a CT2910 for my Pentium 1 Win95 / DOS machine. probably one of the best soundblasters out there