DO sound cards make a notable diffrence

[MATT The Geek]

Do they

[Fatih19]

Depends on the speaker or headphone you're using.

[The Flying Sloth]

If you don't have any noticeable hum or interference and you're using basic headphones, no, there's no difference.

[Vitrifaction]

if you have $2 headphones then maybe.  but it would be better to just get better headphones

[rice guru]

yes . but entirely depends on what soundcard and mother boards your are comparing , and what headphones or speakers you have hooked up

[RejZoR]

If you buy some cheap 20€ generic soundcards, then no. If you invest a bit in some better, then yes. I have general experience with onboard soundcards to sound dull and flat (and not in a flattering way) compared to higher end soundcards. Also they usually give you more control to tailor output audio the way you want it, be it more aggressive and detailed, more bass, the way surround works etc. You also need somewhat decent headphones or speakers to use that soundcard well. There is no point in going to absurd levels like 1500€ soundcards or anything that silly. My 250€ Sound Blaster AE-9 is already bordering absurdity, but I'm into this stuff so I give myself a pass. For 100-150€ you get some really good soundcards. Speakers too though speakers tend to actually be better at 250 or 300€ than 150€ and below. Again, no point in going to "audiophile" levels coz that's a pit without a bottom for your wallet...

 

Sound Blaster AE-5 is a good start for a quality soundcard for general use from music, movies to games.

[Tigerleon]

11 minutes ago, RejZoR said:

If you buy some cheap 20€ generic soundcards, then no. If you invest a bit in some better, then yes. I have general experience with onboard soundcards to sound dull and flat (and not in a flattering way) compared to higher end soundcards. Also they usually give you more control to tailor output audio the way you want it, be it more aggressive and detailed, more bass, the way surround works etc. You also need somewhat decent headphones or speakers to use that soundcard well. There is no point in going to absurd levels like 1500€ soundcards or anything that silly. My 250€ Sound Blaster AE-9 is already bordering absurdity, but I'm into this stuff so I give myself a pass. For 100-150€ you get some really good soundcards. Speakers too though speakers tend to actually be better at 250 or 300€ than 150€ and below. Again, no point in going to "audiophile" levels coz that's a pit without a bottom for your wallet...

 

Sound Blaster AE-5 is a good start for a quality soundcard for general use from music, movies to games.

I have the AE-9 aswell. Kinda overpowered really. But you really gotta pay for some good audio.

[RejZoR]

45 minutes ago, Tigerleon said:

I have the AE-9 aswell. Kinda overpowered really. But you really gotta pay for some good audio.

I also bolted some 150€ worth of highest end MUSES op-amps on top of it. But really, there is a point where audio benefits are only in users head.