Soundcards - Internal or External?

[Homicidium]

Hey Guys! 

 

Since I'm pretty unsatisfied with my onboard sound card (what a surprise, lol), I'm currently looking into buying an either internal or external soundcard. 

I've done some basic research, but really haven't found really comprehensive reviews, because quite frankly I do not have the knowledge to really understand everything.

 

Of course through watching Linus' videos, the Asus Xonar Soundcards are his personal favorite, and some of them are reletively cheap. But I also remember him saying, that especially the lower end cards are more suited for the use of headphones. But since I'm 90% of the time not using headphones on my PC and listen to music/game over my Logitech Z523 2.1 system, I figured that these are not the right ones for me.

 

So now I'm kinda lost, because I have no clue what card really suits my use. I've also seen that there are USB Soundcards, which are pretty cheap as well, and was wondering if they're anywhere near as good/equally good as internal PCI(e) Sound Cards?

 

Can you guys recommend me any soundcard? I'm looking at a budget of 60€/80$, max. 75€/100$, I'm pretty sure that there are some decent products avaiable. 

I'm using a Logitech Z523 2.1 Soundsystem and rarely use a headphone, I'm not looking for anything high - end, just want to improve my sound quality for listening to music and especially gaming :) 

 

Hope you can help me,

Homicidium 

[mvitkun]

honestly to the best of my knowledge with soundcards it's all or nothing.

 

you should either buy something like the Xonar Essence,or nothing at all.

 

as to external sound,they're TYPICALLY intended for laptops with bad sound quality in order to bring them up to half decent desktop integrated sound

[t0wer]

better speakers would make more of a difference than a new sound card.

[Homicidium]

better speakers would make more of a difference than a new sound card.

 

Yeah, but why should I upgrade my speakers (which eventually cost more than a soundcard), when the onboard sound doesn't really have the "performance" to really back this system up. 

Plus, I'm currently very happy with my speakers.

[Eljiyx]

Well I don't know much about soundcards either, but i have been looking at the ASUS Xonar DGX soundcard, as it seems fairly decent for the price, and have a headphone amp, but I also use my headset almost all the time so I can actually use it for something.

[Virtax]

Generally speaking external soundcard pickup less (if at all) electronic noise ( such as Graphic card, HDD) altrough they are driven via a USB cable (most likely) and do have some electronic noise, very little though. 

 

Because your using a 2.1 sound system and need to have the sub-woffer I dont really think there is a good enough external soundcard that can provide top tier quality to a 2.1 sound system, an Internal soundcard is better for your case, something like the Asus Xonar DG? (I have it, it's really good overall, i'm using it with my headphones and i'm really enjoying it, and from time to time I hook my Creative A320 to it and listening to some music),

 

Sorry for a very confusing answer :/

[stevv]

The ASUS Xonar DX ($89) has the same audio chip as the higher model, Xonar Essence STX ($180) which is the next step up and far from your planned budget.  

 

I prefer external being it's not locked down to one thing and more versatile. I have a Fiio E17 external DAC.  Has multiple types of inputs (usb, optical, stereo jack, coax) and portable if needed.  I also run the optical out from my motherboard to my receiver powering my speakers and headphones.

 

Your speaker system has it's own amp, which will be the limiting factor here.  I'd be surprised you will hear any notable difference across the board other than volume boost, or could be fixed for free with equalizer on your motherboard's card.  Your headphone on the other hand should get a clarity boost since the card IS the amp.  

[h264]

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