ASUS P4P800 Deluxe Audio vs Sound Card?

[Mr Bob]

I have the ASUS P4P800 Delux MB with the 7 or 8.1 audio. I was wondering if I would get a lot better sound from an actual sound card. If so, at what price would I notice a difference?

From ASUS:

The ALC850 CODEC has eight channels of 16-Bit DAC, a stereo 16-Bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible multi-channel audio designed for PC multimedia systems. It also automatically detects and identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies users of inappropriate connection. No more confusion of Line-in, Line-out and Mic jacks.

 

[Mr Bob]

bump

 

[Vette73]

Like what kind fo sound?

If juts basic sound is all you need then onboard will be fine. If you want some great music sound then look at the Chaintech envy soundcard at newegg.com Less then $29 and it doe svery well for music.

 

[Mr Bob]

Yeah, but how much better is it going to sound? I see people paying money for $150 cards and can't hear a difference!

 

[Vette73]

^

well also depends on your speakers. but I had a Envy and used the digital output and could tell a great diff. bewteen it and a Realtek pos soundcard

 

[Mr Bob]

I have a mid range system. Denon receiver with Infinity speakers/sub. Paid around $1200 I think for it all.

If I send the digital coax from my computer to my receiver, will it still be in 5.1?

 

[Vette73]

If your Denon has a optical input then i would say yes it will be worth it to if you listen to a lot of music and/or watch a good deal of movies that have DD/DTS sound.

Envy sound card


Now if don;t have a optical input on your Denon, then just use the onboard sound.

 

[Mr Bob]

I do have optical IN. Would this be a good cable for that? http://www.cablesforless.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=79

 

[Vette73]

^

yea that would work BUT this card I think still comes with a optical cable. At least the pictures at newegg.com are still shoing it comes with one for the price.

 

[Mr Bob]

Any idea how long it is? Looks like a 6' to me, I would prefer a 12' +

I haven't been able to find ANYTHING regarding the included hardware. All I found was information on the card itself.

 

[Vette73]

yea it is probable a six foot one.

just do a google search for via envy and that will give you the specs, or check out Via site or even chaintechs.

 

[Fallengod]

I have the same motherboard. It actually has great sound for being onboard. However, I watch movies, game and stuff. So I bought an audigy 2 zs platinum and disabled the onboard sound. I partly bought it because it lowers CPU usuage for more FPS in games. Also, it has alot of different modes and stuff. Great sound for movies. Also, I got it for $74 so... If you arnt doing movies/games. Dont bother. The onboard sound is fine.