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Fungalberry   03-29-2006 at 03:31:21 AM

Does the purchase of a sound card substantially increase quality of sound? In other words, is the difference between the sound quality of integrated sound on a high end motherboard and a high end sound card very noticable?

Just wondering.

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Ian   03-29-2006 at 03:59:12 AM
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There are several other factors which you should consider first.

1. The quality of the music files you are trying to play.
2. The quality of your speakers. (very important, if not the most)

That being said, there most likely will be a slight difference in quality, but I wouldn't be surprised if most people couldn't hear it. If you are really picky about sound quality it might not be a bad idea. The current integrated sound cards are very nice though, especially in your motherboard. If you don't have high end speakers, I would suggest spending the money you are considering spending on a sound card and put it towards some nicer speakers.

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Aceprowler   03-29-2006 at 04:30:39 AM
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DJ headphones are the best. Sound cards don't give you a better quality as you may think. Unless you have a surround sound system that your intergrated sound can't stay up with. Or your a DJ, upgrade your sound, other then that. Upgrade somewhere else. imho

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turpit   03-29-2006 at 04:45:37 AM
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Quote :

Does the purchase of a sound card substantially increase quality of sound? In other words, is the difference between the sound quality of integrated sound on a high end motherboard and a high end sound card very noticable?

Just wondering.



Going back 3-5 years ago, there was a big difference, not to mention the driver compatability issues. These days, not so much. The MB manufacturers have gotton on board and done a lot to make the onboard audio a solid option. Not quite as good as top of the line $200+ gimicky sound cards, but if your not an anal retentive audio freak whose going to whine about ultra high frequency response ranges, than more than good enough.

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astrallite   03-29-2006 at 07:06:04 AM
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I think if you were starting at the bottom (bundled OEM speakers, onboard sound card), the first $100 of your audio investment will go much farther if you spent that on speakers rather than your sound card.

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Fungalberry   03-29-2006 at 07:26:23 PM
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Thanks all! I am getting pretty nice speakers, so I suppose that I won't have to worry about my sound quality too much then. I don't really have any wish to spend an extra $100 on my already $1700 rig, so going with integrated sound looks to fit the bill.

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sturm   03-29-2006 at 08:22:47 PM
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I always suggest to a person to listen to the onboard sound first. If you dont like the sound then buy a good sound card and see if it makes a difference.
Like a couple of people said, If your speakers arent that good to begin with then no sound card is going to make them better.
Speakers should come first then the sound card.
I use onboard sound and it is just fine. Compared to my other computer with a soundblaster live I cant tell the difference. Yea its an older card but its not onboard.

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turpit   03-30-2006 at 05:43:31 AM
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Quote :

I always suggest to a person to listen to the onboard sound first. If you dont like the sound then buy a good sound card and see if it makes a difference.
Like a couple of people said, If your speakers arent that good to begin with then no sound card is going to make them better.
Speakers should come first then the sound card.
I use onboard sound and it is just fine. Compared to my other computer with a soundblaster live I cant tell the difference. Yea its an older card but its not onboard.



Best advice posted

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