Personal computing discussed
Moderators: renee, mac_h8r1, Nemesis
kumori wrote:For a long time I relied solely on onboard audio and never gave it much thought. One the Xonar started showing up on system guides I bought the cheap Xonar DG and gave it a try. I was very impressed by the difference in sound quality even though I was only listening through Logitech z2300.
Recently I've gotten a cheap external Chinese made DAC (a Topping D20) which sounds dramatically better than the Xonar and only costs a little over $100. The Xonar DG has now been passed down and is being used (with much success) in my secondary computer.
I don't think I'll ever go back to Realtek on a future system.
confusedpenguin wrote:It's all about the DAC, and how clean the signal stays the rest of the path once it is converted from digital to analog. I doubt onboard audio will ever be as good as a dedicated card, as long as we are talking about analog. I think onboard audio is ok with sending out a digital signal, such as SPDIF or HDMI, since from there, the quality is up to the device you are sending it to, such as a receiver. That answer is probably too simple, and there may be an advantage to using a discreet card to send out a digital signal, although I can't think of any reason. If anyone else has any more info, enlightenment would be appreciated. I would say either go with a good discreet card, like a Xonar Essence or Hammerfall RME, or just send out the signal via SPDIF or HDMI to a good high-end receiver.
optional Dolby PCEE program, SRS TruSurround HD, SRS Premium Sound, Fortemedia SAM, Creative Host Audio, Synopsys Sonic Focus, DTS Surround Sensation | UltraPC, and DTS Connect licenses
PenGun wrote:On board audio is useful to deliver a digital stream to a stand alone DAC. The environment in a computer is pretty nasty with even a good sound card challenged by stray electromagnetic radiation at many frequencies and levels.
I would be interested in a comparison of digital out from both a sound card and the modern on-board setup, but I suspect it won't make much difference as any modern DAC will re time the signal anyway.
Waco wrote:Generally if the output isn't noisy (the analog output that is) I don't really mind onboard audio.
My HTPC just uses the standard Realtek crap and since there's no audible hiss at the maximum gain I use on my receiver there's nothing to really complain about.
PenGun wrote:Funny, I prefer the sound from a good cassette deck, hiss and all, compared to many CD players and probably all of compressed audio. A Teac V8000S will murder most digital sound.
PenGun wrote:Funny, I prefer the sound from a good cassette deck, hiss and all, compared to many CD players and probably all of compressed audio. A Teac V8000S will murder most digital sound.
AbRASiON wrote:95% of people need better speakers, 5% of people need better soundcards.
AbRASiON wrote:95% of people need better speakers, 5% of people need better soundcards.
PenGun wrote:Funny, I prefer the sound from a good cassette deck, hiss and all, compared to many CD players and probably all of compressed audio. A Teac V8000S will murder most digital sound.
AbRASiON wrote:Speakers, speakers, speakers, speakers
(dances around stage)
Speakers, speakers, speakers, speakers
(dances around stage)
....... and so on.
95% of people need better speakers, 5% of people need better soundcards.
Nec_V20 wrote:I wouldn't say I was tone deaf, but I don't have an absolute ear - or anywhere close to it - so I am perfectly happy with the on-board sound on my Gigabyte X58A-UD3R.
just brew it! wrote:The problem with badly implemented onboard typically isn't a pitch issue; it is noise and/or distortion. But (as with artifacts from lossy compression algorithms like MP3), some people are more bothered by it than others.