Hooking up headphones (front input or through speakers?)

[MBrown]

Is it better to hook up headphones through the desktop speaker volume and input dock than the front input jacks of a PC?

Edit: I will say it sounds better to me. I just want to know its not placebo effect or something. I'm using Audio-Technica ATH-M50 hook up to my Logitech Z-2300's.

 

[mfenn]

The path out the back of the PC through the speakers is better shielded (not to mention less noisy in the first place) than the path from the FP audio header to your case's front panel. So I'd say yes it is very plausible than you could hear a difference.

 

[slpaulson]

I'd just do whatever sounds best to you.

On my machine I have a really bad problem with interference through the front headphone output when there is CPU activity. My headphones end up picking up an annoying hiss sound.

My problem is pretty extreme though, I faintly pick up this interference through my digitally connected stereo system even when the stereo is powered down. Something is actually audible inside my PC, and it seems to come from the power circuitry near my CPU.

 

[piasabird]

I use a USB Headphone. It is a cheap Microsoft Skype headphone but it is old and has lasted a long time. My daughter has a USB Microphone and she says it is really good for Skype. Looks like one of those stereo microphones and is shaped like big cold capsule.

Looks like this: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphon...USB+MICROPHONE

 

[piasabird]

Some motherboards are also using DAC USB connections to cut down on noise.

 

[PaducahPhil]

Some motherboards are also using DAC USB connections to cut down on noise.

Interesting. Are there particular motherboard manufacturers or models you know of that are doing this?

I would not have a clue how to find these on, say Newegg

Thanks