Is integrated good now? (Aorus amp-up vs x-fi titanium)

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Gawd
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Jun 11, 2018
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It's that time of the decade for me to upgrade (every 5 years). For my last two builds I have reused my Creative SB X-fi Titanium pro fatality card due to it's superior analog output - which was vastly superior to the integrated audio on my z97-pro

The X570 Aorus Elite im ordering boasts about its amp-up audio, but as usual I'm skeptical.

Should I plan on using my sound card again or is integrated finally adequate?

Can't afford a usb dac/amp atm unless something incredibly cheap will be significantly better than the x-fi (still using senn 595s)
 
I figured as much. Was hoping to free up some room for a 10gbe card soon so I suppose I have to start saving for a USB dac..

I'm so far behind in PC audio, I have no idea what's available. Not willing to spend over $300 on that new SB card. Just way too expensive for me.
 
I would strongly lean toward continuing to use the X-Fi personally. That being said, you will be in a position to be able to try both with no additional money spent. I would suggest trying both and seeing what your ears tell you and what actually works best with the gear that you have.
 
It's that time of the decade for me to upgrade (every 5 years). For my last two builds I have reused my Creative SB X-fi Titanium pro fatality card due to it's superior analog output - which was vastly superior to the integrated audio on my z97-pro

The X570 Aorus Elite im ordering boasts about its amp-up audio, but as usual I'm skeptical.

Should I plan on using my sound card again or is integrated finally adequate?

Can't afford a usb dac/amp atm unless something incredibly cheap will be significantly better than the x-fi (still using senn 595s)

Integrated audio has improved considerably in the last five years. Whether or not its good enough for you is hard to say. Regardless, I'd probably keep using the X-Fi. It's going to be better anyway.
 
I'm so far behind in PC audio, I have no idea what's available. Not willing to spend over $300 on that new SB card. Just way too expensive for me.

USB DAC/Amp ---> done, if what's built-in doesn't fly.The HD595's are easy to drive so that likely won't be an issue.
 
USB or spdif dac and amplifier works fine, as does an audio/video receiver plugged into your graphics card's hdmi out.
 
I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're listening to music, or producing it, a USB DAC will most likley be better.

If you're gaming, the X-Fi with a decent set of head phones will be better than onboard, IMO.
 
USB or spdif dac and amplifier works fine, as does an audio/video receiver plugged into your graphics card's hdmi out.

I use an optical out from the motherboard to a receiver. This works very well.
 
I use an optical out from the motherboard to a receiver. This works very well.
Yeah I'd do that but my spdif is occupied by the DAC at my desk. mini trs for 5.1 at the desk, spdif for dac and amp/cans, hdmi for the receiver. I love desktops very much.
 
Yeah I'd do that but my spdif is occupied by the DAC at my desk. mini trs for 5.1 at the desk, spdif for dac and amp/cans, hdmi for the receiver.

Get USB to SPDIF? I get the HDMI, but analog out of the motherboard at the desk? Yuck :)
 
It's the optical cable/port to the DAC, it works fine. WTF do you care about optical or USB for this? Both are just pushing bits to a digital to analog converter. the 5.1 is cheap only for positional crap in the videogames.
 
hdmi out to a avr and a rbh 7.1 system in 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 with a rythmik 15" for couch gaming and things. the mini trs is fine for hearing if some dipshit is about to shank me in the back.
 
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