ALC650 vs SBLive 5.1

[FDTzeng]

I just got an IS7 and it has the ALC650 onboard but I have a SBLive 5.1 too. Im just using the ALC650 right now but is the SBLive better? Or should I just ebay it off? I play a lot of games and want my EAX support even if I dont really have any high end speakers.

Intel P4 2.4C @ ???, ABIT IS7, Stock Intel HSF, 2x Kingston HyperX PC3000 256MB, Radeon 9700Pro

 

[Syndil]

Both the ALC650 and the SB Live 5.1 support up to EAX 2.0, and the ALC650 also has a fairly decent S/N ratio at 90dB. I doubt you would notice any audible difference between your onboard sound and the SBLive.

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Armadillo<font color=orange>[</font color=orange><font color=green>TcC</font color=green><font color=orange>]</font color=orange> at Lanwar and MML

 

[DawnWolf]

I'd contest that. The ALC650 is known for sub-par audio quality. It does depend on board implementation too, true, but it's not a great codec.
There's a simple way to test: Run RightMark Audio Analyzer 5.1 on your Live 5.1 and on your on-board sound.

I tested my MSI K7N2 Delta, otherwise sweet board, which cripples its onboard sound with an ALC650 (common for NForce-2 boards, alas). In my tests, I get -60db Noise Level.
Results are here: http://www.shawnbehrens.de/rmaa-results/

 

[FDTzeng]

And I was going to ask about some way to test the cards too - thx! Ill check it out

Intel P4 2.4C @ ???, ABIT IS7, Stock Intel HSF, 2x Kingston HyperX PC3000 256MB, Radeon 9700Pro

 

[Syndil]

According to Realtek, the AL650 is supposedly capable of a 90dB S/N ratio, which is quite good. So either the implementation is not optimal, or Realtek is lying. Either one is quite likely. Its always nice to hear from someone with firsthand experience.

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Armadillo<font color=orange>[</font color=orange><font color=green>TcC</font color=green><font color=orange>]</font color=orange> at Lanwar and MML

 

[FDTzeng]

So..... it looks like its safe to get rid of the SB Live?

Intel P4 2.4C @ ???, ABIT IS7, Stock Intel HSF, 2x Kingston HyperX PC3000 256MB, Radeon 9700Pro

 

[Syndil]

Well I was basing my opinion on Realtek's quoted specification of the AL650. However Dawnwolf's post calls into question the validity of these specs. I would do a comparison of the two, and decide for yourself which is better, or if there is any difference at all.

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Armadillo<font color=orange>[</font color=orange><font color=green>TcC</font color=green><font color=orange>]</font color=orange> at Lanwar and MML

 

[Kronos]

I`ve used both thru a set of Inspire 5.3s. The difference is negligible. The fact that onboard sound has freed up another PCI slot is to be commended...especially considering there is no substantial penalty in sound quality.

I want to die like my Grandfather...in my sleep...not screaming in terror like his passengers.

 

[Crashman]

Considering my Live experience, I'd have to go with the onboard sound.

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