New Soundcard spec

bignev72

bignev72

bignev72

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Yep another spec me thread!

So currently I am using my on board sound card but I have been considering asking for a sound card for Christmas (exciting huh?)

My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H so the on-board sound is a Realtek ALC898.

I currently use either my Logitech Z333 2.1 PC Speakers or my Speedlink Medusa NX 5.1 Headset for sound depending on the circumstances.

If I get a soundcard will I see much improvement with the above? If so then what should I be going for?
 
I've been looking at the Creative Sound Blaster Z or the Asus Xonar DX 7.1.

Anyone have any thoughts on either of these? They both seem to have good reviews.
 
^+1

The components that make by far the most noticeable difference to sound quality are the speakers and headphones.
 
PapaLazaru said:
I personally would not spend too much on a soundcard. The improvement over the cheaper Asus Xonar DG and the more expensive cards you are looking at will be negligible with what you have.
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That's fine. I'll probably just go with one of them then.

I'm guessing i'll still see a noticeable difference with the DG over the onboard card?
 
TwsT said:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-088-CL
Click to expand...

Is the Creative Sound Blaster Z a decent upgrade from the X-Fi XtremeMusic?

I've had the latter for many many years and after doing some reading around the subject recently, I am not convinced it is powering my DT770 250s properly.

I notice that the SB Z has a dedicated headphone jack supporting up to 600 ohms.


Edit: I've just read that it doesn't have an better DAC over the XtremeMusic...
 
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Debatable. Some think it's an improvement, others find it's not that much better and in same cases, not as good.

One thing for certain, is that the Xtreme Music while still a very good sound card, really isn't going to drive the 250 Ohm DT770 to their potential. Z, will do a better job of driving the headphones, but whether it's a better over all depends. If you use CMSS 3D, then you may not like the replacement the Z uses (SBX). I don't think I've seen anyone say they find SBX to be better than CMSS. Most comments I've seen say SBX is poor in comparison.

For basic stereo with no DSP effects, then the Z might be a good replacement for you. If you use CMSS 3D for gaming, then maybe adding a headphone amp to the X-Fi may be the better choice.
 
Sorry for thread hijacking...

But thanks Marsman, that pretty much echoes what I've been reading. I'll have a look in to that. Should I be too concerned about the DAC? I've read the one on the XtremeMusic and the SB Z are not the greatest
 
topgun06 said:
Sorry for thread hijacking...

But thanks Marsman, that pretty much echoes what I've been reading. I'll have a look in to that. Should I be too concerned about the DAC? I've read the one on the XtremeMusic and the SB Z are not the greatest
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You could always consider spending a little more and getting the Asus Xonar U7 as it is meant to be very good and is also external, so you also get a volume knob which is always a winner, though you lose the Asus audio control panel.

Saying that, I use an external DAC for gaming and music and I have not missed any of the features.
 
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I do like the idea of external (looks cool on the desk if nothing else :p).

Even if I was to loose the features, I'm not sure id notice. It's not something i actively use.

I'll have a look around and do some research on an external solution.
 
The Schiit combo looks interesting. So they would plug in via USB, bypassing the sound card, which I could then use for my speakers.
 
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topgun06 said:
The Schiit combo looks interesting. So they would plug in via USB, bypassing the sound card, which I could then use for my speakers.
Click to expand...

Yes, though there are external DAC's that are an all-in-one solution. I've got an Arcam rPAC which is a DAC with a built in amp for the headphones. Headphone jack at the front and RCA outputs at the rear, which feed to my speakers.

bNQiRAG.jpg


The Schiit gear is meant to be very good though.
 
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The Arcam looks pretty tidy.

I could split the RCAs which would come out of the DAC. Send one set to the amp, and the other to my speakers.
 
After a little bit more research, I may be able to hook up a SPDIF optical out to my XtremeMusic. I could then buy an optical DAC and still have to option to use the soundcard features. I'll have to do more research into this though.
 
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