Advice on a decent/top gaming sound card

[turbo1]

i think i understand it now. So because my sound card is connecting to my Denon via SPDIF, its sending raw data to the Denon which decodes it to a analogue signal, so my speakers can re-produce the sounds?

Yes,in general,that would be the process & of course there's alot of circuits
Involved in Digital Processing System

• Processes digital signals converted (using an Analog-to-digital converter (ADC)) from analog signals. Output is then converted back to analog form using a Digital-to-analog converter (DAC)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as my Denon is doing all the decoding, a newer, better sound card wont make any difference to me, as it will do the same job as my current sound card (which is just send raw audio files to the Denon)

Yes,that’s correct in terms of audio quality….unless you still want some more audio effects that your current AV receiver don’t have,like reverberation amplification (depends on the software that comes with the PCI sound card).

On the other hand, if i had normal PC speakers which connected via analogue cables straight from the back of the sound card, a better sound card would be beneficial, as it is actually decoding digital to analogue so my speakers re-produce the sounds? (As there is no Hi-fi involved to decode anything)

You got it… :grinthumb

 

[deeps1987]

Thanks "turbo1" for taking the time to explain it all
regarding the ADC, which i assume the sound card does, would upgrading to a better sound card somehow improve this at all? :S (i.e speed up the process, as it takes load off other components, in favor off a dedicated ADC processor), if it just uses my CPU, it wont matter, seeing as i have 4.0Ghz times 4 Cores lol)

 

[turbo1]

regarding the ADC, which i assume the sound card does, would upgrading to a better sound card somehow improve this at all?

By all means,your onboard sound has a digital output,it's an electronic device that
have digital signal processor or digital audio processors built into them to simulate
surround sound from stereo sources.

A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor designed specifically for digital signal processing, generally in real-time computing.

So,the speed is not an issue with your onboard sound using that SPDIF
connections.

same as high-end PCI sound cards with SPDIF outputs have that too,
the only thing that matter is that,it has a lot more components,functions,audio
outputs/inputs,features built into another PCB board than an average onboard sound card & also can add more consumption in terms of power to
your PSU....

 

[gamerex]

Well, yes, that's all the same in terms of quality. However, audio capability is still adjustable, a max-end sound card can do many more things, such as bridging gaps in audio in terms of speaker distance, or upmixing audio channels.

In short-wait a second, are you ppl saying that in a digital signal, the speakers will sound the same no matter what the sound card, in terms of -- what?

EDIT-I think deeps is trying to tie this thread off...

 

[djkidrich]

yep

X-Fi's cards are pretty good too if you are still considering buying one =D

That's what I use and I am very happy

 

[turbo1]

In short-wait a second, are you ppl saying that in a digital signal, the speakers will sound the same no matter what the sound card, in terms of -- what?

> In terms of the connections used or will be used (coaxial/optical fiber).

less-loss or loss-less signal transmission.

No "Hiss" sound or crackling noise like the cassette tapes or vinyl records (LPs).

 

[gamerex]

Ahh, yes, unless the cable is frayed. In analog, the Cables really depend on oxygenization an' material and whatnot. So you ARE saying the quality of sound can change such as the audio frequency reproduction.

 

[turbo1]

Hmmnn.....we're getting off the subject now (i feel this thread is nearing to be closed )

You said “frequency reproduction”

This one you’re referring to is about speakers or transducers
(subwoofers,loudspeakers,instrumental speakers,etc.)

Depends on the brand/model of a particular speaker,

And there are too many things to consider in terms
Of quality sound produced by a speaker:

 frequency,ie 40Hz to 4000Hz
 response
 SPL
 Wattage (RMS or PMPO,Max????)
 Voice coils (dual or single)
 Enclosures (bandpass: 4th,6th,8th order or a Transmissionline system)
 Internal volumes
 Size (6/8/10/12/16/...xx inches?)


(thread closed .. )