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Sound Card Choice

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  • Sony
  • Desktops
  • Components
  • Sound Cards
Last response: in Components
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November 1, 2013 1:35:37 PM

Hello,

I'd like some advice on a sound card. My current system is http:// I have a Sony STR-KS2000 receiver I am running my audio out thru my on board S/PDIF port. The receiver is 5.1 surround sound. Thank You.

More about : sound card choice

November 1, 2013 4:45:04 PM

It would seem that since you are running the sound through a decent receiver, then to your speakers, that the onboard sound chip would be o.k., and that you could make corrections for any "impurities" in the sound through that receiver. Thus avoiding the cost of a good sound card.
That being said, and I am assuming you are recording music or listening to audiophile quality music through the PC, I would look at one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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November 2, 2013 11:33:46 AM

nostall said:
It would seem that since you are running the sound through a decent receiver, then to your speakers, that the onboard sound chip would be o.k., and that you could make corrections for any "impurities" in the sound through that receiver. Thus avoiding the cost of a good sound card.
That being said, and I am assuming you are recording music or listening to audiophile quality music through the PC, I would look at one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...



I do listen to some music and at times movies/YouTube etc. Mostly I game BF3/4, FarCry etc.
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November 2, 2013 4:36:45 PM

O.k. But now I am at a bit of a loss. The 5.1 sound in games can be really good, made even better when run through a nice receiver to good speakers. But game sound is a long way from being audiophile sound where you want to hear every little note and transient etc.
I guess what I want to ask is Are you sure your need a sound card?

The sound chip on your board, RealTek ALC892, is pretty good as far as onboard sound is concerned; yes, a sound card would be a bit better, but you already have a "sound card" because of your receiver.
All of that said, and with you primarily gaming, one of these three would be a good choice. (I will list in order of preference)
Sound Blaster Z
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Creative 5.1 Sound Blaster Recon3D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Sound Blaster REcon3D Fatal1ty Champion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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November 2, 2013 4:44:15 PM

nostall said:
O.k. But now I am at a bit of a loss. The 5.1 sound in games can be really good, made even better when run through a nice receiver to good speakers. But game sound is a long way from being audiophile sound where you want to hear every little note and transient etc.
I guess what I want to ask is Are you sure your need a sound card?

The sound chip on your board, RealTek ALC892, is pretty good as far as onboard sound is concerned; yes, a sound card would be a bit better, but you already have a "sound card" because of your receiver.
All of that said, and with you primarily gaming, one of these three would be a good choice. (I will list in order of preference)
Sound Blaster Z
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Creative 5.1 Sound Blaster Recon3D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Sound Blaster REcon3D Fatal1ty Champion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

The Realtek chip set does not do surround sound. It's does 2.1 sound with surround emulation. I want 5.1 or better. Hence the need for a sound card. Also the receiver can not do this. I was looking at the Realtek sound cards but they have red lights and my case theme is blue. It would be visible because of the large window.
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November 2, 2013 5:48:44 PM

yawa77 said:
nostall said:
O.k. But now I am at a bit of a loss. The 5.1 sound in games can be really good, made even better when run through a nice receiver to good speakers. But game sound is a long way from being audiophile sound where you want to hear every little note and transient etc.
I guess what I want to ask is Are you sure your need a sound card?

The sound chip on your board, RealTek ALC892, is pretty good as far as onboard sound is concerned; yes, a sound card would be a bit better, but you already have a "sound card" because of your receiver.
All of that said, and with you primarily gaming, one of these three would be a good choice. (I will list in order of preference)
Sound Blaster Z
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Creative 5.1 Sound Blaster Recon3D
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Sound Blaster REcon3D Fatal1ty Champion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

The Realtek chip set does not do surround sound. It's does 2.1 sound with surround emulation. I want 5.1 or better. Hence the need for a sound card. Also the receiver can not do this. I was looking at the Realtek sound cards but they have red lights and my case theme is blue. It would be visible because of the large window.


Ahh, I'm running 5.1 through my realtek ALC892, it goes to my Logitech Z5500 speakers. I found the setting through the control panel, Realtek HD Audio Manager; in here I simply selected 5.1 speakers. UNTIL I did that (and I have to do it everytime I switch to/from the speakers or headphones) i had stereo/2.1 only.
If you have already done that, or if the s/pdif negates having to do that, then one of those three cards will suit you well.
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November 2, 2013 9:13:07 PM

Thats because your running to 5 different speakers in simulated surround sound. If you use a sound card and true surround sound you will hear a world of difference.
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Best solution

November 13, 2013 9:00:04 AM

yawa77 said:
Thats because your running to 5 different speakers in simulated surround sound. If you use a sound card and true surround sound you will hear a world of difference.


Thanks for that information. I found a little more info this morning in another post and, for me, it has a bearing on what I have said, and apparently I was a bit misinformed about the on-board sound, as you pointed out.
That being said, one of the sound cards I have listed should work out; and there are a few more out there that are a bit more expensive but probably worth your time to check out.
Please repost and let us know how you finally solved the problem.
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November 13, 2013 12:11:03 PM

I re-downloaded and installed my drivers and software. Its not 5.1...simulated..but its a good 4.1 maybe...dunno but I'll just keep this..Thanks
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