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Dedicated Soundcard?

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  • 23-10-2014 2:48pm
    #1
    Canis Lupus
    Registered Users Posts: 9,893 ✭✭✭


    Do you guys use one? I was sitting there last night thinking about upgrading bits n bobs and realised I still use my Audigy 2 which is now 12 years old give or take.

    Having a quick look about there are now Asus cards etc but will I get any benefit from investing in one or is the Audigy 2 still good enough? I have 5.1 logitech speakers, nothing flash but they're old enough themselves now as well...

    I've just been pondering whether or not sound has been getting progressively better but I just haven't noticed because of using old tech.


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    #2
    Serephucus
    Registered Users Posts: 7,179 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    Having used a few dedicated cards myself - some old, some new - I've come to the conclusion that you're better off investing in speakers or headphones, rather than a sound card. You just get more for your money, to be honest, unless you want effects like stereo upmixing to surround or something.

    I'm in the process of saving for a pair of passive speakers, new sub, and amplifier, to replace my Logitech Z906 set. Having had the change to hear a couple of different high-end sets, I don't think I'll be going back to "high-end" mainstream stuff.

    TL;DR - It depends. What speakers/headphones are you currently using, and what are you using them for?


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    #3
    Canis Lupus
    Registered Users Posts: 9,893 ✭✭✭Canis Lupus


    Gaming primarily which is why I put this is pc gaming initially.....

    Speakers I currently have are logitech x530 which are in fact as old as the card.

    EDIT: Don't use and probably wouldn't use headphones either.


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    #4
    Luck100
    Registered Users Posts: 878 ✭✭✭Luck100


    Speakers haven't really improved much in the last 10 years. I wouldn't bother upgrading unless you intend to move up to a more expensive surround system. The other option is to forget about surround and get an external USB DAC and a pair of stereo studio monitors. That's what I use and they kick the pants off any computer speakers.


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    #5
    SpannerMonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 2,106 ✭✭✭SpannerMonkey


    i have had the ASUS ROG Phoebus sound card
    http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-017-AS&groupid=701&catid=11

    and the

    ASUS xonar Essence STX http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-005-AS&groupid=701&catid=11

    both are excellebt and do make a serious difference but you have to listen for the difference, while gaming you will notice a LOT more backround noise small things like richochets in shhoting games or dust falling and hitting the ground during exlosions . i love it it makes games really immersive . i use a headset gaming though purely because i cant have the noise in the house


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