Revised Audio Setup

[TheCaptain53]

So I'm currently using a cheapy gaming headset that I got in a bundle (http://www.novatech.co.uk/products/peripherals/keyboards/gaming/ekm806regb-iu.html) plugged into my motherboard's (MSI Z97S SLI Krait Edition) on board sound. I think I would like a better aural experience, especially in video games.

From what I've read, the Kingston HyperX Cloud headset seems like a good shout. They're well priced at just £50 in my local hardware store, so I will probably go for those (unless someone has suggestion for a similar priced alternative). The thing I'm hesitant on is whether to get a sound card or not. I'm not sure how good the on board sound is on my motherboard (I've not tested enough to know the difference), so would a sound card be a good shout? Or is my on board audio good enough?

As a side note, I'd get a sound card over a DAC for aesthetic purposes. I know it's more prone to electrical interference, but DACs look a little sloppy just sort of sitting on the top of a case.

[ZetZet]

sound cards are absolutely useless. dac or onboard.

[TheCaptain53]

sound cards are absolutely useless. dac or onboard.

Is there any reason for this? Are they just inferior in terms of sound quality to DACs? Or does the interference really make that much difference?

[pas008]

sound cards are great for their surround software pretty much now days

 

like sbx studios

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BxO9cd-sYA#t=0

[ZetZet]

Is there any reason for this? Are they just inferior in terms of sound quality to DACs? Or does the interference really make that much difference?

they provide 0 or negative amount of benefits.

[Fluffinator]

they provide 0 or negative amount of benefits.

Not true, there great for more outputs and easy switching between said outputs.

[ZetZet]

Not true, there great for more outputs and easy switching between said outputs.

what do you mean more outputs? 7.1 and such?

[Fluffinator]

what do you mean more outputs? 7.1 and such?

Yeah, say you had a surround setup, and headphones and you wanted a port for 5.1, 7.1, and a port for you're headphones you could do that. That's the only benefit I can see from them, that's why I got a soundcard, of course I also upgraded to a new usb dac, but eh..

[ZetZet]

Yeah, say you had a surround setup, and headphones and you wanted a port for 5.1, 7.1, and a port for you're headphones you could do that. That's the only benefit I can see from them, that's why I got a soundcard, of course I also upgraded to a new usb dac, but eh..

surround headphones is your argument let me go kill myself

[Fluffinator]

surround headphones is your argument let me go kill myself

No, 7.1 isn't reserved just for headphones, it's for speaker's as well. Which is what I was trying to talk about, like this is a 7.1 home surround setup.

[ZetZet]

No, 7.1 isn't reserved just for headphones, it's for speaker's as well. Which is what I was trying to talk about, like this is a 7.1 home surround setup.

yeah so? if you have 7.1 speakers you can use front audio for headphones, if that sucks buy a dac.

[johnt]

Let me clarify a few things for everyone here.

 

If you want surround sound from your computer, you need a receiver and an HDMI cable for audio. A sound card is not really going to help you. End of discussion. Can you use other connections? Sure. But you don't want to. There are many threads on this forum where I discuss the advantages of HDMI over other digital connections. But the fundamental fact is that you don't want surround sound from 3 to 4 different headphone jacks. That is an old school setup.

 

With that said, if you insist on using an old school setup, a dedicated sound card help improve the noise quality, but only if you have good speakers.

 

Guidelines:

Surround sound from a PC: Get a receiver

Reduced interference: Get a receiver

Headphones: Get a USB DAC

Surround headphones: They are typically USB anyway so no need for additional equipment

 

 

 

surround headphones is your argument let me go kill myself

 

Haha pretty dramatic   This is when you find another thread to troll

[ZetZet]

Haha pretty dramatic   This is when you find another thread to troll

surround headphones though, seriously?

[TheCaptain53]

Let me clarify a few things for everyone here.

 

If you want surround sound from your computer, you need a receiver and an HDMI cable for audio. A sound card is not really going to help you. End of discussion. Can you use other connections? Sure. But you don't want to. There are many threads on this forum where I discuss the advantages of HDMI over other digital connections. But the fundamental fact is that you don't want surround sound from 3 to 4 different headphone jacks. That is an old school setup.

 

With that said, if you insist on using an old school setup, a dedicated sound card help improve the noise quality, but only if you have good speakers.

 

Guidelines:

Surround sound from a PC: Get a receiver

Reduced interference: Get a receiver

Headphones: Get a USB DAC

Surround headphones: They are typically USB anyway so no need for additional equipment

 

 

 

 

Haha pretty dramatic   This is when you find another thread to troll

Thanks for the help. I'll get myself a new headset and just stick to the on board audio, it's probably good enough.

[johnt]

Thanks for the help. I'll get myself a new headset and just stick to the on board audio, it's probably good enough.

 

No problem. It's probably your best alternative. On board sound is a lot better these days than it used to be, so improvements with a dedicated sound card minimal for headphones.

 

I do recommend looking for USB headphones. They usually have a DAC and amplifier built in. The output is much cleaner than regular headphones and you don't get any of the analog hissing and cracking.

 

 

 

 

surround headphones though, seriously?

 

I hear ya, it's a weak argument, but don't raise your blood pressure over it. This forum exists to help put people on the right path. Marketing speaks multiples louder over reality.

[ShearMe]

I do recommend looking for USB headphones. They usually have a DAC and amplifier built in. The output is much cleaner than regular headphones and you don't get any of the analog hissing and cracking.

 

That's the opposite of what every audiophile believes.

[Guest]

I do recommend looking for USB headphones. They usually have a DAC and amplifier built in. The output is much cleaner than regular headphones and you don't get any of the analog hissing and cracking.

 

Uh, no. Most USB headphones are junk. A USB DAC and amplifier might be a good idea to combat such things, in certain situations.