Onboard soundcard vs external soundcard

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jasper015

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Jul 24, 2014
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I've been thinking about getting an external soundcard for a very long time, for on my desk. I've heard it can improve quality quite a bit but it might as well be that my onboard audio is better. I have no way to test this, I cant borrow one from someone or something like that. So I'm asking this nice community for help :)
I currently own a Sony MDR-XB950B, my onboard soundcard is a Realtek ALC892 audiochip and I was looking for an external card with the likes of a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD.
If anyone knows more about stuff like this, could you please help me out?
Thanks a lot :)
 
Solution
photonboy
I didn't know what desktop speakers you had, or your budget so I didn't recommend any DAC's or sound cards.

Here's an example: https://audioengineusa.com/shop/components/d1-24-bit-dacheadphone-amp/

You can use the USB solution (CPU) or TOSLINK (ALC892) as the digital audio source, then STEREO (rear for desktop speakers, and a front headphone jack).
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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First of all, you need good SPEAKERS or HEADPHONES to see a big difference.

As for audio, there are TWO main reasons for good sound:

1) the digital processing, and
2) the amplifier/noise isolation

When you use a DAC that means you send out the DIGITAL audio. If it's a USB DAC there's a small overhead because the CPU is doing the processing. 5% on my i7-3770K?

If it's not a USB DAC it may have a TOSLINK connector, so you'd still use the ALC892 for example. Less CPU overhead but the ALC892 isn't as good as the better DAC's.

*I have the ALC892 and can tell you a good SOUND CARD or good EXTERNAL DAC solution are noticeably better with good speakers. Especially for:

a) noise separation, and
b) bass

It's hard to describe but it's a big difference. My sound card would be similar to a modern $100 to $200 card. Asus, Creative etc.

I've also used a good USB DAC which is built into my speakers. Audioengine HD3 (expensive).

My speakers are relatively small due to limited desk space. The best computer speakers (ignoring surround which is a hassle), are

a) 2.1 (stereo + subwoofer), and
b) 2.0 (stereo) ... *without a subwoofer it's best to get at least 4" woofers if you can afford the desk space.

THESE look similar to speakers I had before which had great sound: https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DJ-DM-40-PAIR-Excellent/dp/B01DW36BO0/ref=sr_1_4?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1506289160&sr=8-4&keywords=desktop+pioneer

(you want speakers with their own amplifier, not bookshelf speakers that need an amp)

Do you need desktop speakers?

You should also consider the CONNECTORS you need. If you use a sound card, can you drive both the desktop speakers and the headphones? (I can do both, but I just plug my headphones into the desktop speakers)

 
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photonboy

photonboy

Titan
Jun 20, 2006
21,567
13
85,015
I didn't know what desktop speakers you had, or your budget so I didn't recommend any DAC's or sound cards.

Here's an example: https://audioengineusa.com/shop/components/d1-24-bit-dacheadphone-amp/

You can use the USB solution (CPU) or TOSLINK (ALC892) as the digital audio source, then STEREO (rear for desktop speakers, and a front headphone jack).
 
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jasper015

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Jul 24, 2014
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I listed the headphones in the post (should've specified they were headphones, my bad), they're the Sony MDR-XB950B I got them for around 150 euros a while ago. The XB in there stands for (E)xtra Bass, so I guess that would go well with a soundcard or DAC.
I'm a noob when it comes to this stuff, so could you recommend me a decent DAC under 100 euros? Also, can DAC also affect the performance for microphones or are they solely for audio output?
Thank you for your help :)
 
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