Xonar DG Sound Card vs Motherboard Sound

LukieBoy007

LukieBoy007

LukieBoy007

Soldato
Joined
4 Apr 2012
Posts
2,561
Location
England
Hi,

I have a Xonar DG in my rig currently (main part of it is 7 years old now, i5 3570k with Z97 motherboard), used in conjunction with some Beyerdynamic DT770's (80ohm version I believe). I also have some sub-£100 2.0 Creative speakers which I use every now and then.

I am planning on upgrading my PC this summer - will it be worth keeping the Xonar in a new motherboard? My current motherboard doesn't have as much power as the sound card when it comes to driving the headphones, are new motherboards any better for this? Or should I keep the Xonar?

Grateful for any help:)
 
Ok thanks, will probably try both.
With regards to the PCI slot, yeah you are correct. I haven't bought a motherboard yet (waiting for Zen 2), do most motherboards nowadays not have many PCI slots (if any)?
 
Ok, looks like I may have to buy a new one then.
I've seen a few DACs recommended (especially the Fiio E10k), anyone know if it would be wise to get one of those for the headphones and then just use onboard for the speakers? That way I can switch via Windows.
 
EsaT said:
If you play games forget dumb single purpose DACs.
DT770 is very capable for binaural sound for closed can of its price range.
If your head shape is close to average first minute of this is excellent test for headphones:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_20T8x_OI
(listen at stereo settings without any processing)

Also not sure what audio sources would like about playback device being completely changed on the fly.

Sound Blaster Z has line outs for speakers and separate headphone out and changing output between them is done through control software.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/search?sSearch=sound+blaster+z
Toggling output can be also automated to hotkey using SBZ Switcher.
https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/s...s-headphones-mode-switching-available.381416/
Click to expand...
Cheers mate:)
Yeah I do play games frequently, especially FPS games - you're saying that a sound card with virtual 5.1/7.1 will be better than a stereo 2.0 DAC?
I do listen to a lot of music as well.

Maybe a stupid question but what would the sound difference be between a new motherboard that supports 5.1/7.1 and a soundcard (such as the Sound Blaster Z)? I'm looking at motherboards around the £100 price mark btw.
 
Thanks for explaining, really informative. Definitely noticed a difference on those clips you linked. I think it's best if I go for a sound card replacement then.
Like the look of the Sound Blaster Z for the price, although Windows 10 driver support seems a little bit shaky for it according to reviews.
As for the AE-5, I'm assuming that also supports headphones & speakers connected at the same time, like the SBZ?
 
Ok thanks, nice one:)
Think I'll go with the AE5 when I get round to upgrading my PC, been watching a few videos on it and it seems impressive. I use my headphones a lot so the Xamp feature on the AE5 looks quite good.

Yep I made sure I turned off Dolby Headphone etc on my Xonar before listening to them, thanks for the heads up:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom