Sound Quality

[Abius]

Hi,


I was just wondering if there is any difference in sound quality between plugging in headphones directly too the sound card, into some decent speakers (Z-2300), or some POS generic speakers.

Sound card is a SB X-Fi Xtreme Music.

Which setup would give the bets sound quality

Thanks
Abius

 

[oynaz]

Of course there is.

 

[Slugbait]

If you have cheap headphones, then the Logitechs will give the best sound. If you're using decent cans like Sony MDR-V6 or better, then the best sound quality would be headphones. And POS will sound like POS, regardless if you're using the X-Fi or an SB16.

 

[Abius]

Wait I might not of got my question through. I mean is there a difference in sound quality from the headphones. Like your always listening through the headphones, just its plugged into either the soundcard directly, some OK speakers, or some crappy speakers.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Abius
Wait I might not of got my question through. I mean is there a difference in sound quality from the headphones. Like your always listening through the headphones, just its plugged into either the soundcard directly, some OK speakers, or some crappy speakers.

Yes there will be.

 

[Abius]

IM guessing


Directly to sound card > OK Speakers > POS speakers?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Abius
IM guessing


Directly to sound card > OK Speakers > POS speakers?

Directly into soundcard will always be the best. How much better depends on how crappy the speakers are put together...so generally that would be correct...however...connecting them into speakers can be just about as good if done well by the company.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Abius
IM guessing


Directly to sound card > OK Speakers > POS speakers?

Directly into soundcard will always be the best. How much better depends on how crappy the speakers are put together...so generally that would be correct...however...connecting them into speakers can be just about as good if done well by the company.

Wouldn't connecting headphones to speakers make the sound signal go through the speakers' built-in amp? Or does the headphone jack bypass that?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Abius
IM guessing


Directly to sound card > OK Speakers > POS speakers?

Directly into soundcard will always be the best. How much better depends on how crappy the speakers are put together...so generally that would be correct...however...connecting them into speakers can be just about as good if done well by the company.

Wouldn't connecting headphones to speakers make the sound signal go through the speakers' built-in amp? Or does the headphone jack bypass that?

It should normally bypass the internal amp