ASRock Extreme3 Gen3 compatible sound card?

paliovouna · May 3, 2014

Hello.
I have the ASRock Extreme3 Gen3 motherboard. So far, i was using some cheap 2.1 speakers that came free with my computer. Now, i am buying a 5.1 speaker system, and i've read that even cheap sound cards are somewhat better than onboard audio.

So, along with the speakers, i thought i'd buy a sound card, Asus Xonar DS 7.1 .

Firstly, is this a decent sound card? Am i better off using on-board audio than it?

Secondly, is the Asus sound card compatible with my motherboard? PartPicker claims so.

Thirdly, will it provide true 5.1 sound? (not like stereo through 5 speakers)

Lastly, there is a 10€ difference between Bulk and Retail version. What does differ between these two?

Thank you in advance.

rolli59 · May 3, 2014

It is compatible. It is decent but many people use the onboard and unless you have quality speakers the sound card is a waste. Bulk is card only retail is with accessories if any. Yes it will provide true 5.1 sound.

paliovouna · May 3, 2014

Thank you. I've seen several reviews and read many articles of people who owned the Logitech Z5500 5.1 speaker system, and i think they're pretty good. Meaning one'll have to spend a lot more than 250€ to get something better than the z5500.

Nonetheless, what's your opinion? I can't really invest anything more than 300€ for sound right now, which leaves me only around 50€ for a sound card.
Is it, aforementioned speakers and sound card, generally speaking, a smart/good purchase? Should i even the prices- buy cheaper speakers and a more expensive sound card- or not?

rolli59 · May 3, 2014

I am using that speaker system with onboard with optical. works great but the soundcard will do better.

paliovouna · May 3, 2014

One last question. What type of cables will i need? Will the ones that come with the speakers do just fine?

rolli59 · May 3, 2014

I used the ones that come with the speakers but had to buy an optical cord to use that instead of the Analog inputs.

paliovouna · May 3, 2014

Great, thank you. In case you know, is there a difference between Digital optical and digital coaxial cables, regarding sound quality?

rolli59 · May 3, 2014

Not that I know of if the coaxial cable is well screened.

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