Sound quality difference between Audigy 2 and Realtek ALC850?

[archcommus]

I just installed Vista and am disappointed to see CMSS2 not an option in the Creative drivers for my Audigy 2, and sound quality in general seems slightly down (I've increased to 24 bit/48 kHz). I'm curious if what I'm hearing right now is really any better than what I'd get out of my onboard Realtek ALC850. I already have software do my DVD audio decoding, and EAX doesn't work in Vista for games anyway, so the quality question is really the only factor. Should I ditch the Audigy 2 or would you say the quality is still better than the ALC850?

 

[tcsenter]

How can we tell you what sounds better to you?

 

[postmortemIA]

you can have both installed, why don't you try? And do you really think that $5 thing can outperform $60 thing?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Noobs always associate higher output level to better sound. The frequency response and distortion from the pre-amp in any modern PC are much lower than the speakers. Therefore, the quality of the speakers will have a HUGE influence on the quality of the audio.

 

[Blain]

Audigy 2 cards can act up. :roll:

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Noobs always associate higher output level to better sound. The frequency response and distortion from the pre-amp in any modern PC are much lower than the speakers. Therefore, the quality of the speakers will have a HUGE influence on the quality of the audio.

nothings sadder than buying a soundcard that costs as much or more than your cheap speakers then talking about sound quality. some people think fake surround expander type fx are "sound quality" for instance.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: Blain

Audigy 2 cards can act up. :roll:

Yes, I know that happened before, could never explain why.

I can try the onboard audio myself, but I figured I'd have to disable or uninstall the Audigy drivers first, which would take a bit of time so I figured I'd ask to see if the decision was unanimous. My speakers are Logitech z-5500's. The only feature I really care about that playback software may not be able to do is the ability to hear music out of all the speakers instead of just the front two. Will this be possible if I use the onboard audio?