mp3 question regarding hardware

[FearoftheNight]

I like to listen to music on the comp. I have some dvds and some cds and a load of mp3s. How much of an effect does your soundcard have on the quality of the music? Currently I'm using onboard Soundstorm audio. Is it worth getting good headphones like Grado SR-60 for mp3s? Thanks.

 

[bjc112]

The on-board soundstorm is almost about equal with an TBSC, but it has to go through a decoder which degrades quality a TAD.

Yes, the headphones sound like a nice option, and the soundstorm will have no trouble making those mp3's sound wonderful.

 

[ProviaFan]

No matter what you do, a 128kbit/sec MP3 is always going to sound like crap (whether you play it on your integrated audio, or the most expensive professional sound card you can find). If - and only if - your MP3 collection is predominantly 192kbit/sec or VBR, would it be a good idea to consider expensive upgrades to improve the sound quality your computer is capable of producing.

 

[StraightPipe]

mp3 is encoded to take up less space, so your not going to get perfect sound quality, but most are happy with soundstorm.

just listen to it, see what you think

Edit: i would spend more on headphones/speakers b4 i upgraded my sound card.

 

[Workin']

i would spend more on headphones/speakers b4 i upgraded my sound card.

That is "sound" advice

 

[waylman]

Originally posted by: FearoftheNight
I like to listen to music on the comp. I have some dvds and some cds and a load of mp3s. How much of an effect does your soundcard have on the quality of the music? Currently I'm using onboard Soundstorm audio. Is it worth getting good headphones like Grado SR-60 for mp3s? Thanks.

as long as your mp3's are decent quality, good headphones make a huge difference. It's well worth the cash to buy high end headphones IMO.