Sound and NForce2 boards

[Kung Lau]

I've been thining about getting a SB Live value for my mb, then I reconsidered after seeing all the hype about the sound on the nForce2 boards.
So, after reading some of the posts regarding the nForce2 boards, I think I'll upgrade my poor K7S5A to an nForce2. Although I'm not an audiophile, I would like to know which has the better sound onboard.

I've heard of Asus reliabilty and I've heard of Abit's overclockability. Now I see there's a huge Epox crowd too, especially for the extreme overclockers.

I figure I can't go wrong with any of these, but was wanting opinions as to the sound quality of these or any other nForce2 boards.

My priorities are:

1. Stability
2. Speed
3. Sound
4. Overclocking

Thanks

 

[Hikari]

I love the sound quality to my Z-680s... IF I use the SPDIF (digital) output. The onboard codec has pretty poor analog output. If you are doing analog only, you may want to consider an Audigy 2 perhaps. But again, I really like the digital output.

I have the A7N8X Deluxe, personally (soundstorm). But, all of them use the same poor codec for the analog out...

 

[Kung Lau]

I also hear the analog out is not that great.

So, to take advantage of these nForce2 boards, I need speakers that support digital?

Man, my old Altec Lansing ACS 48's won't cut it any more then


It seems a shame I'd have to get a SB live or other card to go with a new nForce2 board.

 

[SpideyCU]

Where'd you hear that the analog-out is not that great? Maybe on the boards without the MCP-T southbridge, but, my 8RDA+'s output sounds superior to my old SB Live! (used the same speakers for both). At least, it sounds that way to me.

 

[Hikari]

I have the MCP-T south bridge. Crackling is a rather common problem from what I've read. It is better than my old SBLive though, even on analog. And as I said, the digital is fantastic. Do a search for nforce2 codec analog on arstechnica or the nforcershq boards...

Originally posted by: SpideyCU
Where'd you hear that the analog-out is not that great? Maybe on the boards without the MCP-T southbridge, but, my 8RDA+'s output sounds superior to my old SB Live! (used the same speakers for both). At least, it sounds that way to me.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

reasons I prefer even the ALC650 sound to an old SBlive

(1) No Creative crap drivers on my system can't put a price on that!
(2) Not on the PCI bus
(3) see reason 1

Haven't had the crackling issue either so I like the integrated since I'm obviously no audiophile to begin with.....

 

[floccus]

Crackling is a rather common problem from what I've read

The issues with that, i.e. crackling, were fixed by simply muting the line in and mic. My theory on that is an EMF just created noise that the input jacks responded to.

Using the digital S/PDIF connector will give you better sound, theres really no argument against that. But if you have low quality speakers and aren't really able to descriminate between a 128Kb mp3 and the cd then its a moot point. I could get the best sound system on earth but it doesn't mean I'll experience better quality than with what I ahve now.

Also, the SB Live is more sub-par than most boards with Soundstorm. The APU on the board can really dictate this, but for the most part you still get better sound.

 

[Killrose]

I have the 8RDA with the lowly 2-channel sound, but I have to tell you it actually is'nt bad if you are a simple 2-speaker/ 1-sub woofer type of person. Far better than the KT266a on-board which is terrible. And better than my old Aureal SQ2500, IMHO.

 

[Kung Lau]

I just ordered the 8RDA+

I'm assuming it's got better sound than my 5 year old Diamond MX300.


Thanks for the help.

 

[SpideyCU]

Originally posted by: Kung Lau
I just ordered the 8RDA+

I'm assuming it's got better sound than my 5 year old Diamond MX300.


Thanks for the help.

I'd say that's a safe bet.

 

[Vette73]

A freind has the Abit NF7-S board with some 640 speakers and it sounds awesome.

Abit has the Digital output also

 

[Hikari]

I'm sure you'll be happy! I wasn't trying to make it sound bad, I love the sound and all. Just wanted to do an FYI that some people complain (and not me ).

Originally posted by: Kung Lau
I just ordered the 8RDA+

I'm assuming it's got better sound than my 5 year old Diamond MX300.


Thanks for the help.