Speakers: Logitech x-540
Onboard sound: Realtek HD audio, it supports 7.1, but not sure on the tech details of the chip.
Ok, i was wondering, if i get a new and better sound card will i see much of a difference if sound quality? The speakers are great, but i just think they could do more.
Can anyone recomend any cards? I’ll spend about $100, but there isn’t much point if i’ll only notice a tiny increase. Thoughts?
I have an X-Fi, but that’s mainly so I can continue to have proper 3D sound with old DirectSound-based games on Vista. The audio quality is good (I have the same speakers) but I don’t know how it compares to a Realtek chipset. One thing I would say about Creative cards is that they’re mostly very good but the Vista drivers were a bit flaky for a long time. It all seems to be sorted now though.
I might have a look at an XFi card then.
When i force souround sound on these speakers on a 2 channel source (I.E using the matrix button) I notice that on some of the real speakers, the sound is reall flaky and distorted. Its even worse if i use the force 5.1 in the realtek software.
When i try a true 5.1 source, like saving private ryan on DVD, the sound is amazing. Do you have any of the same issues?
The X-Fi is much better at upmixing stereo sound to 5.1, it has a feature called CMSS-3D for doing that. It generally separates out the really wide stereo stuff to the satellite speakers; I find it works well for me. YMMV, of course.
Right now, for instance, i’m listing to In Flames - Man Made god.
Now, the two rear sats aren’t outputting that loud with decent quality, but if i’m on a true 5.1, there fine. So i’m gonna put it down to the soundcard. I think. Haha.
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