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I bought a set of Logitech Z560s a long time ago. These are wonderful speakers (IMO) and it makes little sense to get anything new. However, there are two issues. First, it's a "4.1" setup (well, technically it's just 4+subwoofer, with two stereo inputs using a crossover), which means no central channel. This is a bit limiting in this day of ubiquitous 5.1 audio in movies and games. Second, i have a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound card that i bought for its versatility and quality to feed the speakers long ago.
Now it's time for a new system, and for simplicity and space reasons (i will probably get a mATX mobo) i am considering jettisoning the sound card in favor of onboard sound. I have read some statements that the better implementations and integrated codecs now are better or comparable to the sound cards from five years ago. I used to read and trust 3dSoundSurge for great audio reviews, but it seems to be defunct. Someone who reviews hardware really ought to get together a slew of recent mobos representing different audio chips, and test them...
What i'm wondering is:
-Is it true that good integrated sound will be indistinguishable from my old TBSC?
-Will onboard solutions have the versatility to output 5.1 channel sound in 4 channels?
Finally, is there any reasonable way to add a central channel to my setup? I will probably be using a flatpanel TV as monitor, which will have its own speakers, so it's just an issue of managing the balance and outputs.
TIA for your comments and help.
Now it's time for a new system, and for simplicity and space reasons (i will probably get a mATX mobo) i am considering jettisoning the sound card in favor of onboard sound. I have read some statements that the better implementations and integrated codecs now are better or comparable to the sound cards from five years ago. I used to read and trust 3dSoundSurge for great audio reviews, but it seems to be defunct. Someone who reviews hardware really ought to get together a slew of recent mobos representing different audio chips, and test them...
What i'm wondering is:
-Is it true that good integrated sound will be indistinguishable from my old TBSC?
-Will onboard solutions have the versatility to output 5.1 channel sound in 4 channels?
Finally, is there any reasonable way to add a central channel to my setup? I will probably be using a flatpanel TV as monitor, which will have its own speakers, so it's just an issue of managing the balance and outputs.
TIA for your comments and help.