Soundcard recommendation

[and_who]

Average users don't even need a soundcard/DAC. Only those who think they need an upgrade "need" them.

I just upgraded- using z906 with soundblaster z's - my take - have not fully tested yet, but sound and dialogue are noticeably crisper, punchier and clearer.

However, it is not a "heaven and hell" kinda difference. That said, z906s are not exactly audiophile speakers, and I wonder what a set of audio engines will sound like.

Conclusion- get a budget but well rated soundcard to test first- don't start off with titanium hd or zxr. Maybe the asus xonar dx / dgx or even the sound blaster z if you can find it for 60usd on amazon. At the end of the day hearing is subjective. In my case, definitely no regret going for the soundblaster z.

 

[Felfirez]

Average users don't even need a soundcard/DAC. Only those who think they need an upgrade "need" them.

Need or want, can afford to or not. Up to each one to decide. However it is recommended to go and listen to the differences between the two.

I, for one, for those who are willing enough to explore, would definitely recommend an external DAC.

 

[Swordsman]

I just upgraded- using z906 with soundblaster z's - my take - have not fully tested yet, but sound and dialogue are noticeably crisper, punchier and clearer.

However, it is not a "heaven and hell" kinda difference. That said, z906s are not exactly audiophile speakers, and I wonder what a set of audio engines will sound like.

Conclusion- get a budget but well rated soundcard to test first- don't start off with titanium hd or zxr. Maybe the asus xonar dx / dgx or even the sound blaster z if you can find it for 60usd on amazon. At the end of the day hearing is subjective. In my case, definitely no regret going for the soundblaster z.

Can i see your profile settings ?

can it be saved and let me to import.

cos sound and dialogue , background music becomes so muffled, weak unnatural.

i use it for gaming and movies.

 

[Swordsman]

Soundcard, DAC, external DAC. They're all the same thing; converting digital to analog. In short, audio interfaces.

Not all external audio interfaces are better than internal ones. Those gaming DACs emphasize on what gamers would want; surround/large staging, sub-bass punch, etc. Whereas other normal DACs emphasize on clarity, neutrality (which not many will appreciate). For an average user, something like a Fiio e17, Creative Titanium HD, etc. are more recommended.

depends on the games you play,

if you are heavy playing fps game, where surround sound, positional system and bass are more important for you.

i playing rpg mainly, heavy dialog, so clarity is more important to me.

the background music/soundtrack also important to me and also sound effect.

 

[Swordsman]

Is this the best sound for gaming and movies ?

ROG - ROG Xonar Phoebus

 

[UptheToon]

I second this. A good DAC is better than a sound card

i didn't even know stuffs like this existed. but it's more for music than for movies and gaming i s'pose..

 

[Mach3.2]

i didn't even know stuffs like this existed. but it's more for music than for movies and gaming i s'pose..

Amazon.com: Astell&Kern AK120 Mastering Quality Sound Portable Dual DAC Hi-Fi Audio System: MP3 Players & Accessories




Can bring out use a DAP, can plug to computer use as external DAC~

 

[Felfirez]

depends on the games you play,

if you are heavy playing fps game, where surround sound, positional system and bass are more important for you.

i playing rpg mainly, heavy dialog, so clarity is more important to me.

the background music/soundtrack also important to me and also sound effect.

Yup, it varies between users too. I'm a SC2 player and I prefer clarity, but when I play FPS i won't want my output to lack the kick in sub-bass. That's where external DACs come into play.

For movies and FPS gaming I use my modded Aune T1. For music editing/recording/listening, I use my Presonus Firebox for a more neutral sound.

Same goes for speakers. Audioengine A5 for gaming and movies, Genelec 8020C for music and work.

 

[Felfirez]

Amazon.com: Astell&Kern AK120 Mastering Quality Sound Portable Dual DAC Hi-Fi Audio System: MP3 Players & Accessories




Can bring out use a DAP, can plug to computer use as external DAC~

Might as well go for Fiio x5. Cheaper too.

 

[applebig]

Is this the best sound for gaming and movies ?

ROG - ROG Xonar Phoebus

i rather u get essence stx ah bro. heard from many ppl that this is a gd card but whatever it does, stx seems to be better.

 

[and_who]

Can i see your profile settings ?

can it be saved and let me to import.

cos sound and dialogue , background music becomes so muffled, weak unnatural.

i use it for gaming and movies.

Default settings bro. If you want to come to west side and audition you are free to do so

 

[t258jgn]

Change your speakers 1st.
See any improvement before getting a sound card

 

[Gondon72]

At the end of the day, just think yourself most of the time what will you be using your computer for? more gamings or movies?

 

[Piezoq]

THis is a general guide I follow:

The sound card/DAC should cost less than the speakers/headphone it will feed. Personally, I'm comfortable with a 1:2 price ratio.

DACs deliver better music. Sound cards better gaming experience.

Onboard sound is good enough for most consumer-grade speakers selling in the under 2-300 bracket.

Software tuning does wonders to the sound. Crappy speakers can sound decent with some post-processing.

There's a world of different combinations possible, so take the time to pick and choose a matching config.

 

[Mach3.2]

Change your speakers 1st.
See any improvement before getting a sound card

Then i'll need to get a DAP liao~

 

[shadow84]

Then i'll need to get a DAP liao~

Just get ur DX50 la.... E1audio, song brothers @SLS, connectit.. all bo stock?

 

[Mach3.2]

Just get ur DX50 la.... E1audio, song brothers @SLS, connectit.. all bo stock?

Eh, mai gan jiong..

Budget really tight man, food comes first.

Have no interesting on being a vegetarian currently..

 

[shadow84]

Eh, mai gan jiong..

Budget really tight man, food comes first.

Have no interesting on being a vegetarian currently..

Heng, i dun eat veg... So die die mus cater budget to food.

 

[Swordsman]

Default settings bro. If you want to come to west side and audition you are free to do so

i live in the west too.

 

[Swordsman]

i rather u get essence stx ah bro. heard from many ppl that this is a gd card but whatever it does, stx seems to be better.

cos i soundcard phobia liao..

after spending so "much" on sound blaster z that gives me muffled sound that is much worse than onboard audio.