CarPC Audio

[nitefallz]

I'm looking for a 2nd set of opinions for my CarPC. I've been using the onboard Realtek audio and virtually everyone has stated at mp3car.com to switch to a PCI solution, however as for recommending a good replacement they're kind of silent on that.

CarPC Specs:

2x Infinity Kappa 692.9i (6x9 in the rear)
2x Infinity Kappa 63.9i (6.75 in front)
JL 300/4 powering all 4 speakers.
Intel D945GCLF2D
Using Winamp w/ RideRunner.

So given my specs, is there going to be a PCI solution that is overkill? I'd hate to end up buying a card that far exceeds the quality of my speakers/amp because I don't see myself upgrading those in the short or long term.

Should I be looking for an Audigy 2, or a X-Fi? Xonar?


edit: I did try a Creative USB sound card and it was... horrible. Worse than the onboard Realtek stuff.

 

[obobski]

honestly unless the unboard is bleeding noise, why are you even questioning the change?

I'm assuming this system is setup as stereo only, not 4.0, yet another reason I wouldn't bother upgrading

as far as "something higher quality than my speakers", you need to stop listening to internet audiophiles, you've got a modern mainboard, which means that the BEST consumer-esque soundcards will measure maybe 35% "higher quality" at most, and thats by numbers, not by what you could actually hear, and the real world is basically a nonexistant difference

again, unless its bleeding noise, don't bother with it

 

[bobdole369]

I'm looking for a 2nd set of opinions for my CarPC. I've been using the onboard Realtek audio and virtually everyone has stated at mp3car.com to switch to a PCI solution

P'shaw.


I'm intending to use the onboard sound. HD audio has come a long way and the folks on mp3car are a bit old fashioned.

So why replace it? Do you hear noise?

obobski is exactly right. Are you an SQ setup? (i.e. custom filters and measuring with RTA's and scopes and calibrated mics to get everything exactly right?)

Here is one that'll blow your mind according to the internet audiophiles:

http://www.hippohifi.com/products/bloat/bloat.html

THis one is excellent, used very often for it's ASIO stuff, which could conceivably make your carpc into an EQ, crossover, time delay, phase shift, etc.

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=505&subcategory=491&product=10447

Supposedly very nice:
http://www.floridamusicco.com/proddetail~prod~prodigy_hd2~partner~googlesoundcards.htm