Sound card advice

[heineygoat]

Okay I don't know a lot about sound cards, I tried reading the "read before posting" but couldn't really find a clear answer.

 

My choice of sound cards range from $25 to $400. (http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=211&vk_sort=1)

There's so many different Xonars, DS, DZX, DG, DGX, D1, DX, they're all around $50

And theres the Essence cards for around $200.

 

What's the best for gaming? Would a simple $50 Xonar be a huge improvement from on board audio? (ga-p67a-ud3h).

Would I notice the difference between that and an essence?

 

What do?

 

[nishank93]

First and foremost, you ought to have a decent headphones (Sennheiser PC series for gaming, or the more expensive HD series if you don't need the mic). Now, assuming you have decent listening equipment, you will notice a difference between on-board audio, a 100$ sound card, a 200$ card and the Essence One DAC. It is had to describe, but you will know it even without having to compare side-by-side.

If you like your sound in general, not just for gaming, I'd say go for something like a Xonar Essence ST. If this is only for gaming, then cheaper will do.

[Koori]

Asus Xonar Phoebus (7.1 for gaming.)

Asus Xonar Essence STX (2.1 for music)

You will need a good headset/speakers to get the best of it.
You will definitely notice the difference IF you are not using something cheap like a 10$ headset/headphones.

 

What nishank93 said is a better choice for a normal user and not an audiophile :D

[ANIMAL_ORIGIN]

The answer is in the question really. You're buying a "dedicated sound card". So of course, A $50 dedicated sound card would indeed be a huge improvement over on-board audio. That said on-board audio has come a long way. On-board audio clusters on newer boards sound amazing. For gaming I think a Xonar DX would do but I prefer the STX.

[Gorgatron]

If your max budget is $400 you would be looking to buying a headphone amplifier. If you really want an internal sound card Asus Xonar DG or DGX would be fine for under $50. However if you wish to spend more I would seriously recommend a USB Dac/Amplifier like the Fiio E10 or something else. You would not be able to plug in a microphone with an amplifier but at that point I would recommend a USB desktop microphone if you need a mic.

[t0wer]

Out of that list, the audioengine d1 is the only thing I'd go with.

no drivers to futz around with and it has a physical volume knob.

 

the only problem I have with it is,

it's powered by USB, which may not be quite powerful for some of the more demanding cans out there,

and the power may not be as clean as something with it's own dedicated regulated power supply.

 

if you can import, you might have better options with brands like littledot or audio-gd.

 

as to what's worth it to spend. I probably wouldn't upgrade if you spent less than ~$150+ on cans.

[N7_Zer0]

Out of that list, the audioengine d1 is the only thing I'd go with.

no drivers to futz around with and it has a physical volume knob.

 

His list was referring to the Asus Xonar D1 lol

 

But yea, I'd go for the Audioengine D1 DAC. My internal soundcard phase is over, I'm going for higher quality external DACs instead. :D

[t0wer]

I was looking at the site, not his list in the post.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211&products_id=19169&zenid=8718da6987c2ea4a32d23b06a809e78a

[ShearMe]

Just get something that's known to be good with some headphones that are known to be good, and don't fret so much about it.