Sound Card VS MB Onboard

Shaddow1086 · 8 Dec 2015 at 13:07

Looking to build a fairly well spec'd PC and wondering if there would be a noticable difference between sound quality coming from a £70 - £100 sound card and that found onboard of a high end MB? (Asus Z170 Delux MB)

Plan on running standard 5.1 (Nothing overly special)
Not planning on spending big ££ on speakers as that money is reserved for my TV AV Receiver.

I have budget for the Creative Sound Blaster Z, Asus Strix or maybe ROG Xonar cards, but if there is no big improvement over onboard sound, then its just wasted money really.

:confused:

Cookeh · 8 Dec 2015 at 13:51

Yes there is an improvement. Whether or not that improvement is significant depends on your ears, your source, and what peripherals you use fro audio - more info required... What speakers/headphones/quality music do you have/etc

Shaddow1086 · 8 Dec 2015 at 14:26

Thanks,

Speaker I am looking at are:
Logitech Z506
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/logi...nd-speakers-75w-rms-980-000432-sp-096-lg.html

or Microlab M1910
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/microlab-m1910-64w-rms-5.1-pc-speaker-system-sp-009-ml.html

Music wise, running standard MP3's through itunes and then whatever audio comes with games and blu-rays.

Cookeh · 8 Dec 2015 at 17:04

What bitrate are your mp3s?

To be honest, you will see a benefit with a soundcard, but it wont be huge with those speakers. Something like a SB Z will give you the best of both worlds and still have decent capabilities if you do decide to upgrade your speakers/get some decent headphones etc.

Marine-RX179 · 8 Dec 2015 at 17:16

Also the Dolby Digital Live function would be good to use with the receiver if you are planning on gaming on your TV and you hi-fi setup as well.

Shaddow1086 · 9 Dec 2015 at 07:24

Thanks,
So for SC, I assume form comment above the recommended one would be SB Z. This would be my first choice anyway as I have always had SB soundcards.