KT3 Ultra vs KT3 Ultra2 (new sound chip)

[you2]

This question is only relevant to the ultra vs ultra2 (not aru versions):

It appears from Newegg specs for the two systems that MSI has changed sound chip -- from AC97 to ALC650. The old board received decent reviews for sound quality (above average compared to other boards with on board sound). Does anyone know factually (or speculatively) if the Ultra2 will have better or worse sound then the old Ultra board (I've no idea how the AC'97 compare to the ALC650).

thanks,
you2

 

[Torghn]

I thought the KT3 Ultra2 was the exact same board as the KT3 Ultra, but with via's new south bridge. I'd go with the new board as you'll get native USB 2.0, ATA133, and bluetooth support thanks to the new southbridge.

 

[RagingGuardian]

As far as I know the non ARU version of the Ultra2 has USB 2.0 built in while the original Ultra doesn't. Also I'm assuming that the Ultra2 is guaranteed to read the internal diode of the Xp chips since it was released after the deadline AMD made for manufacturers to ensure that boards monitor temps correctly.

 

[HelzBelz]

The ALC650 (from Avance Logic, a subsidiary of Realtek) actually improves on the AC97 codecs (that's the whole purpose of adding this chip). It's not a full hardware chip (like a CMI8738), so it does take a few more % of CPU time.

However, with today's fast CPUs, the ALC650 sounds smooth, and it's free on your board.

Note : it won't beat a separate PCI card from Hercules, Turtle Beach or Philips (Creative being highly overated, in my opinion, as far as audio quality is concerned).

So yes, better onboard sound on the Ultra2 compared to the Ultra.

 

[stuman74]

Has anyone compared this new board's (KT3 Ultra2-R) integrated audio to that of the SB Live? I just ordered this mobo and am wondering if I shoudl install it with the SB Live card that I have used for a few years or just go with the integrated.

 

[CorCentral]

I'd also like to know how the onboard audio of the new MSI Kt3 Ultra/2 motherboards compare to the SB series of sound cards ...................... Need a review in that area .

I've been using the onboard audio on my MSI K7t266 Pro2 for about a year. I have it hooked up to an older RX515 JVC reciever & 2 nice Optimus Pro LX-5 speakers .................Better than any 2 piece "pc" speaker set you can buy & it sounds GREAT

I'll probably go with an Audigy when I upgrade at the end of the year . I'll post my findings on how both the Audigy & onboard sound compared soon after .

 

[InsaneMorphius]

stuman74,

The ONLY way is to hear it for your self. Folks differ in their interpertations conserning sound in general. Like me for instance, I have two KT3 Ultra-ARU boards and am using the intergrated sound on both, even though I have a TB Santa Cruz in one and a Audigy in the other. For me, I can barely tell the difference.