Computer Audio Smackdown 2013 (Builtin/USB/PCI)

[ThorBuildingLegos]

So I've recently bought a new computer, and before that a Logitech Z906 surround system (I bought the Z906 because it has a 500W internal power supply and standard speaker wiring meaning it extendible outside of Logitechs ecosystem - great!) Now I'm considering buying an audio card due to me being sceptical to the builtin audio of my Asus Maximus IV EXTREME (which has Realtek ALC1150 - a pretty standard audio chip).

 

Then again, I can't fully qualify my self as being an expert audiophile. Oh yeah, I'm an AKG fanboy, prefer Shure mics and already have an external Steinberg CL1 audio card or recording. That being said I'm not sure I _need_ a new audio solution curently. It's only when I've actually decide to buy new speakers for the Logitech Z906 amplifier I might need to consider a ne soundcard. But is ACL1150 really sufficient?

 

What's your take on contemporary PC audio solutions (be it PCI or USB)? I'll be googling for stuff, but some feedback would be much appreciated

 

PS: what is an emperical way of testing and analyzing audio/surround systems? I want to know so I can show you guys some tests of the Z906.

[ShearMe]

Modern on board audio is audibly transparent, so you don't need anything other than on board.

[mr moose]

 

PS: what is an emperical way of testing and analyzing audio/surround systems? I want to know so I can show you guys some tests of the Z906.

 

Set them up in an anechoic chamber ( I heard a rumour the only real one worth using is in Canada somewhere), and get an FR graph and noise floor reading. Then run a resonance measurement to test the enclosures for Resonance distortion and harmonic interference.  All of this is highly precise work and probably very expensive .  So we just rely on people not being uppity about themselves and giving an honest appraisal of how it sounds in their home environment.

[MayflowerElectronics]

You really don't need a sound card. It won't improve much at all.

 

The chip that's in your motherboard is actually pretty good.

[ThorBuildingLegos]

Well then... since it's unanumous I won't upgrade ^^ I don't have a heavy harmon kardon speaker system anyways, and if I did I would need an amplifier which still means the chipset would be sufficient enough (especially while running 24bit sound at 92000Mhz - yowsa).

Thanks, guys