[Matth3w]

I have the standard HD audio device on the board in my signature, and really it sounds decent with my Logitech sound system and subwoofer. It's just a two speaker and subwoofer setup, but it sounds nice. I also have some gaming headphones but I rarely use them. Anyhow, how much can you really notice of a difference? Not sure without a five speaker setup how much of a point there would be.

Honestly the only reason I ask is because the new MoH sounds so damn awesome, and just wondering if I am getting the full experience.

 

[billbartuska]

Most any aftermarket sound cards are superior to onboard sound, some far superior.

The idea is to have a "balanced" sound system, with sound card, amplifier and speakers all of equal quality. Adding a high end sound card, while sounding "better", won't take advantage of all the card has to offer.

Putting a Ferrari motor into a Ford escort, while making it faster, in no way makes it a Ferrari.

 

[ljason8eg]

Yeah a sound card is going to be much better than onboard, but if you don't have the quality speakers to take advantage of it, you won't notice a difference.

 

[ThumperSD]

TBH I noticed very minimal improvement after getting the Xonar DX. My onboard sound was quite good though as most should be nowadays unless you buy a prebuilt PC with a ****ty board.

I noticed a HUGE improvement from my current onboard sound compared to my prebuilt HP i7 I had last year though.

I tested this with both my Logitech G51 and AV40s. I dont think it's worth it unless you are really an enthusiast. If you think your onboard sounds good, I wouldnt bother. Save your money for something else.

Id recommend a DAC for music though.

 

[itsme9003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljason8eg Yeah a sound card is going to be much better than onboard, but if you don't have the quality speakers to take advantage of it, you won't notice a difference.

Well, this all depends on the sound card and onboard. Onboard sound these days are actually decent, and unless you're really picky about audio, you'd be spending a pretty penny to hear minimal gains in sound by upgrading to an average sound card. You'd probably be able to hear a pretty big difference with top soundcards with greater SNRs compared to typical onboard, but now you're talking spending enough money to upgrade other parts of your system. So if you're content with what you have and would rather save some money, don't get a soundcard quite yet.

And yes, if you do get really good headphones or speakers, do them justice and pair them with a nice soundcard or external DAC.

Hope that helps!

 

[ZFedora]

Quote:

Originally Posted by billbartuska Most any aftermarket sound cards are superior to onboard sound, some far superior. The idea is to have a "balanced" sound system, with sound card, amplifier and speakers all of equal quality. Adding a high end sound card, while sounding "better", won't take advantage of all the card has to offer. Putting a Ferrari motor into a Ford escort, while making it faster, in no way makes it a Ferrari.

What if you modify a Ford Escort, and put a Ferrari body on it? I think that would be pretty legit. I'd go for it.