Sound card query

[Drumroll]

Just checking but when you use digital out on the motherboard to amp, this is all irrelevant, right? Ive been using digital out for about 20 years now, its fine?

Yes, no drop in performance, as digital either works or don't.
The difference is when the onboard or the dedicated sound card will be pushing the headphone/speakers.
But if an amp is doing it, and the signal is being sent either by optical or HDMI, the determinant factor for performance will be the amp used.
But I must mention that it is valid if, only if, the signal is digital.
Just as a test, using the Soundblaster G6 feeding from the speaker output, and the end result is far worse than any other scenario.
The G6 acts as a Sound Card/amplifier for headphone.
Feeding from onboard speaker output and it will only amplify the so-so signal.
Feeding from the optical, the same performance as from USB.
Particularly I use USB, as the PC can "boot" the G6 only when required, instead leave it on all the time or using a separated power source.

 

[JasonM]

Yes, no drop in performance, as digital either works or don't.

Your 99% correct.

There is however driver differences between the sources that can change the sound.

So on my Asus ST's / STX II. If I connect the SPDIF out (or the optical) into an external DAC, the card sounds different than Realtek connected to same external DAC. This testing was done with all the effects off, graphic set to neutral etc. These differences are subtle, however they can be heard.

I also expect less jitty from the Asus ST / STX II as both these cards advertises ultra-low jitter clock source, however I could never hear any timing issues between the Asus ST and Realtek. The differences I did hear were tonal and different levels, I remember that in movies the Realtek highlighted more midrange (vocals). Most people would not realise differences unless they were switching between different digital outputs and comparing.

 

[Guest2]

Yes, no drop in performance, as digital either works or don't.
The difference is when the onboard or the dedicated sound card will be pushing the headphone/speakers.
But if an amp is doing it, and the signal is being sent either by optical or HDMI, the determinant factor for performance will be the amp used.
But I must mention that it is valid if, only if, the signal is digital.
Just as a test, using the Soundblaster G6 feeding from the speaker output, and the end result is far worse than any other scenario.
The G6 acts as a Sound Card/amplifier for headphone.
Feeding from onboard speaker output and it will only amplify the so-so signal.
Feeding from the optical, the same performance as from USB.
Particularly I use USB, as the PC can "boot" the G6 only when required, instead leave it on all the time or using a separated power source.

I dont get this bit “Just as a test, using the Soundblaster G6 feeding from the speaker output, and the end result is far worse than any other scenario.”
I have a G6 and connecting active speakers (and headphones) sound fantastic. As good as my old Xonar essense but i am no longer using a Nad amp and B&W speakers.
Do you mean connecting passive speakers from the G6 or something on those lines?

 

[Drumroll]

Sorry for the late reply.
I meant using the motherboard's onboard output to feed the G6 (the G6 would only work as an amplifier), then one realizes how much more than an amp the G6 is.
Using the motherboard's optical would be better, but unless in a very specific scenario where the G6 has to be powered from a USB charger to allow other sources to control it without the PC interference, always PC - USB - G6 and the G6 runs the show.
Yes, the G6 is great. Can't imagine simpler/cheaper solution at the same price range.
Using uncompressed audio and good speakers or headphones allow to notice how muffed the onboards normally are, but even some half-decent mp3 can be enough.
Almost like when you try a proper car audio setup with a beefy amplifier, every speaker at the correct range, and compare it to some poor "upgraded" audio, which would sacrifice (normally lows) to deliver a loud and usually clipping sound.

 

[Drumroll]

Your 99% correct.

There is however driver differences between the sources that can change the sound.

So on my Asus ST's / STX II. If I connect the SPDIF out (or the optical) into an external DAC, the card sounds different than Realtek connected to same external DAC. This testing was done with all the effects off, graphic set to neutral etc. These differences are subtle, however they can be heard.

I also expect less jitty from the Asus ST / STX II as both these cards advertises ultra-low jitter clock source, however I could never hear any timing issues between the Asus ST and Realtek. The differences I did hear were tonal and different levels, I remember that in movies the Realtek highlighted more midrange (vocals). Most people would not realize differences unless they were switching between different digital outputs and comparing.

My issue is that there's some different apps available for the same thing, not versions, but apps (or should I call them drivers?): ASUS and Realtek.
I would expect a single install for the whole audio to work, as with every other onboard feature requires (Network, chipset, etc).
One of the drivers, can't remember if it was the ASUS or the Realtek one, when plugging the headphone would mute the speaker but the headphone would stay mute, at least 50% of the time.
The other simply won't change sources.
Using the 3.5 for the speakers would allow to change sources without issues, but then, regardless of which driver used, anything but the optical would sound bad.
For the speakers need a bit more attention to notice. Maybe a simpler/cheaper speaker won't highlight that, but the headphone... oh boy, it is appalling.
Very similar to when using my headphones with my phone.
No lows, not too much detail.
Works, but not a great experience.