Does a soundcard really makes a difference?

[TheSimpsons01]

I was wondering if I should upgrade my onboard audio (Realtek ALC887 / mobo: msi b85-g41 pc mate) and put a soundcard in my rig. But is it worth it? I don't have a high budget ( was thinking about €50). But for that price, would it make a (slightly) noticable difference?

[The Official Czex]

B85 didn't have particularly great onboard audio solutions. If you think you are missing out on decent audio, a 50 EUR soundcard or DAC would do nicely in your rig.

[TheSimpsons01]

I do think my audio now is not that bad ( I do have decent speakers). So you think a soundcard will make a difference? Which soundcard do you recommend? What would be better: soundcard or dac? (I don't really know what the difference is betwees those two)

[salecar3]

I do think my audio now is not that bad ( I do have decent speakers). So you think a soundcard will make a difference? Which soundcard do you recommend? What would be better: soundcard or dac? (I don't really know what the difference is betwees those two)

You can get day and amp in 1 and there is a difference in use for bothhttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bPkJgiVb_C4

[Gofspar]

I do think my audio now is not that bad ( I do have decent speakers). So you think a soundcard will make a difference? Which soundcard do you recommend? What would be better: soundcard or dac? (I don't really know what the difference is betwees those two)

Fuck soundcards, get a Syba Dac.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-DAC63057-Stereo-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B009WN7QT4

[TheSimpsons01]

I do have class for the next three hours, but I'll try to keep answering here.

I really don't know what to get, there is such a wide variety of choices

[Guest]

Tra, la, NO.

[TheSimpsons01]

Tra, la, NO.

And why do you say no? [emoji14]

[Guest]

And why do you say no? [emoji14]

 

In that price range, you're not going to get a soundcard better than onboard, unless it obviously sucks.

[Tenelia]

No, it would not make a difference unless you improve every variable in the audio chain. To experience high quality audio, you'd need to optimize every section in this flow:

 

1. High fidelity sound file (16bit, 44.1KHz minimum)
2. File decoder that doesn't try to "enhance" your decoded audio stream (iTunes, VLC, etc)
3. Software driver that is capable of driving 16-bit/44.1KHz audio without trying to tweak your sound (such as "improve bass")
4. Digital-Analog-Convertor that accurately reproduces the sound (this is your sound card's chip)
5. Analog drivers capable of powering your headphones (i.e. your audio port)
6. Headphones that reproduce sound accurately. For best reproduction of sound, having 2 drivers help a lot. Your choice of earphones will be largely dictated by personal choice unless you are a sound engineer. My monitoring headphones will sound different compared to my casual listening earpiece.

 

Total cost would set you back almost $400-800.

[Guest]

No, it would not make a difference unless you improve every variable in the audio chain. To experience high quality audio, you'd need to optimize every section in this flow:

 

1. High fidelity sound file (16bit, 44.1KHz minimum)
2. File decoder that doesn't try to "enhance" your decoded audio stream (iTunes, VLC, etc)
3. Audio driver that is capable of driving 16-bit/44.1KHz audio
4. Digital-Analog-Convertor that accurately reproduces the sound (this is your sound card's chip)
5. Analog drivers capable of powering your headphones (i.e. your audio port)
6. Headphones that reproduce sound accurately. For best reproduction of sound, having 2 drivers help a lot. Your choice of earphones will be largely dictated by personal choice unless you are a sound engineer. My monitoring headphones will sound different compared to my casual listening earpiece.

 

Total cost would set you back almost $400-800.

 

Oh god.

[TheSimpsons01]

In that price range, you're not going to get a soundcard better than onboard, unless it obviously sucks.

That's what I thought [emoji14]

[aidanf123]

Honestly, if you aren't concerned about audio then it probably won't make much of a difference. It will also depend on your speakers/headphones, if they aren't very good you won't notice a difference. A DAC would also be a better choice, there isn't much reason to use soundcards anymore. 

[TheSimpsons01]

No, it would not make a difference unless you improve every variable in the audio chain. To experience high quality audio, you'd need to optimize every section in this flow:

• High fidelity sound file (16bit, 44.1KHz minimum)
• File decoder that doesn't try to "enhance" your decoded audio stream (iTunes, VLC, etc)
• Software driver that is capable of driving 16-bit/44.1KHz audio without trying to tweak your sound (such as "improve bass")
• Digital-Analog-Convertor that accurately reproduces the sound (this is your sound card's chip)
• Analog drivers capable of powering your headphones (i.e. your audio port)
• Headphones that reproduce sound accurately. For best reproduction of sound, having 2 drivers help a lot. Your choice of earphones will be largely dictated by personal choice unless you are a sound engineer. My monitoring headphones will sound different compared to my casual listening earpiece.

Total cost would set you back almost $400-800.

Thats way out of my budget. But I would like a really good audio setup, but it does costs lots of money. I'll do that someday though, but that will be when I start working and earning some money

[Guest]

Thats way out of my budget. But I would like a really good audio setup, but it does costs lots of money. I'll do that someday though, but that will be when I start working and earning some money

 

You don't need to spend $400 for a good audio setup. Christ.

[TheSimpsons01]

You don't need to spend $400 for a good audio setup. Christ.

My setup (just some hifi set from panasonic) now does cost about 200-250 euros, so i do think i have decent speakers.

[Tenelia]

Thats way out of my budget. But I would like a really good audio setup, but it does costs lots of money. I'll do that someday though, but that will be when I start working and earning some money

A speaker system will always cost around that amount. That's not even factoring the amount of technical expertise that you need to set up the system correctly. The last time I helped to set up a recording studio, it took almost 6 months of constantly measuring sound waves and then making adjustments to the walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent the sound from resonating or bouncing all over.

 

It's gonna be much easier to just buy a good sound card (costs around USD$80 these days) and then get a relatively decent earphone. I'll list some of the products I've tried, so you don't have to wade neck-deep into the mess:

 

1. Sony MDR-7506: I had it for SGD$65 where I am. Decent. Not too bad. Requires a headphone amplifier to get good sound. Lacks accurate bass reproduction though. The earpads rotted away very quickly. Ugh.
2. Ultimate Ears 700: Bought for SGD$125. This is a really great earphone. I'm still using it now. Doesn't require any special amplifier, and works wonderfully with a great passive crossover for both highs and lows.
3. Monoprice 108320: Honestly, the biggest surprise of my life. I bought this off a reseller for SGD$10 so that I could have a backup pair of earphones, and they were surprisingly decent. Amazon currently sells these for USD$11.33, and it's proof that you don't need something expensive for decent sound.
4. BeyerDynamic DT770 Pro: One of the best monitoring headphones I've used at work. Also one of the best ways to break your bank for USD$300. It also needs an amplifier because of the 250ohm impedance.
5. BeyerDynamic DT990 Pro: In the same class as the DT770. I only used this at work and not at home, so I don't know the price. If you can try this on, you will notice that it has a distinct sound signature compared to the DT770. Less bass, much wider sound stage, and you can wear this for much longer without fatigue.
6. Sennheiser HD598: A friend lent me this, so I have no pricing for this. It fits on your head in a strange way, and I didn't like the fit. The sound signature was also weird. Bass did not sound accurate, and it seems like vocals were artificially enhanced.
7. AKG K712: Not a good choice. I understand why people love this, but its bass sounded too strong for me. Also way too pricy for what it offers.

 

In each of the headphones listed above, I have a series of reference sounds, which I listened to extensively in a recording studio. So do bear in mind that I've tried to be as objective as possible. I won't tell you which one I prefer, but at least you'll get at idea of what price ranges to expect out there. Just keep in mind that while price is a poor indicator of quality, you also don't want to cheap out and gamble with your money. Consider getting the Monoprice 108320 if you want to get started, and then grab a portable DAC or sound card for around $40-$90. Nothing more than that unless you're also willing to splurge a proportionate amount of money on your speakers/headphones/earphones.