Crackling from onboard sound

[HarvardAce]

Now that I finally got my replacement Logitech speakers (sent in the busted Z-680 in early January, didn't get replacement Z-5500s until yesterday), I attached them to my new computer (attached to onboard sound on the DFI mobo). Every once in a while, and it seems to be at random (I've had it happen while changing BIOS settings, while idling at windows, or playing a game), I get some crackling, but it's a pattern that sounds identical every time it happens. It lasts for about 2 seconds, and is a series of pulsing crackles that get louder each pulse. Any ideas on what it could be?

Also, I haven't heard the crackling while using the headphones plugged into my front audio jack, but I haven't used the headphones enough to be sure it wouldn't happen at some point.

 

[Sp33d]

Onboard sound controllers have always been crappy. If you could afford Z-680s, I'm sure you could shell out $50 for a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 family member.

 

[Sp33d]

BTW, those speakers are very high quality, so lemme make an analogy. Using Z-5500s with an onboard sound controller is like wearing a great suit jacket with discount pants.

 

[Sp33d]

The headphones use lower quality and wattage and decibel amounts than the speakers.

 

[HarvardAce]

The Z-680s I was running before worked great with my NF7-S with soundstorm (using digital optical out). I was looking into getting a new sound card, but I've had all sorts of problems in the past with Creative, but I'm not sure what else is really available. Any suggestions? I'm not opposed to Creative if you guys think it's the best solution.

 

[Sp33d]

well, since its just me talking, i like the Audigy 2 ZS. But if you don't want creative, there is always the Turtle Beach company, the Catalina model for 7.1 channel and the Santa Cruz model for 5.1 . Either are good choices, but I like the Audigy because of the included firewire port and great service.