Should I get a sound card?

[Peteman100]

I would use it mostly for music, movies and a little bit of gaming. Mostly music though, so I am looking for sound quality. I have Creative Inspire T3030 speakers, which are a 2.1 setup. Think I would get a noticeable improvement, coming from Realtek onboard sound, by getting a sound card? If so, would the Asus Dx or HT Omega Striker be better for my needs? Thanks for your help!!

 

[ashmedai]

For "mostly music," you can get better sound quality for roughly the same money by going with a device like the Zero DAC or the EMU 0202 USB.

Although if you're driving these, it might be largely a moot point...

 

[Adreneline]

It might be a bit of an improvement, but overall, I'd suggest you invest in a better pair of speakers.

If you live in Canada you could get the Edifier S330D for $92 , 3 more bucks than the Xonar DX.

It will help, but I just don't think it would be enough to justify the purchase. Between those two, the Xonar DX definitely wins though.

(or look at ashmedai's suggestions )

 

[Peteman100]

Yup. Those are them. Do you have recommendations for a better speaker setup for me? Probably would be best to keep it under $100. Thanks!

 

[ashmedai]

Upgrading the output stage will probably help more at that point, though. The best source in the world through itty bitty speakers is still going through itty bitty speakers. The drivers just aren't large enough to push enough air without distortion.

These are decent, but still a bit small. They do fit under $100, though.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studi...8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1222065854&sr=8-3

Nearer $150, I would say Behringer MS40s. They have an integrated DAC in addition to the integrated amp, so your onboard audio quality won't matter so long as you can do a digital output for them.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHMS40

 

[Peteman100]

I just bought a motherboard with S/PDIF-out. That counts as digital output, right? (Sorry, I'm a super noob when it comes to audio)

 

[ashmedai]

Yes.

S/PDIF outputs come in coax and optical varieties. The coax jack looks like a standard RCA jack often used for A/V signals on TVs and such, while the optical jack is a blocky affair with a hinged cover or possibly a plug to protect it. Either is equivalent for audio purposes, and the Zero or the Behringers can take either. Coax is more forgiving if you bend it, optical can run further and is immune to EMI (electrical interference from being near TVs, speakers, power cables, etc). You can get a cable for either extremely cheaply, for example from Monoprice.

 

[Peteman100]

Looks like the Behringer MS40s can be had for nearer to $100 at quite a few retailers. That's quite a deal considering it is essentially takes the place of a new sound card and speakers!