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Panama Red
03-04-2005, 10:42 AM
Would there be a noticeable difference between onboard audio and a Creative Audigy Soundblaster 24bit sound card when the signal is going to be sent thru a stereo system tuner/receiver? I'm not familiar enough with stereo systems to know what happens to the input signal once it passes thru the amp.
TwoRails
03-04-2005, 11:03 AM
Hi PR,

It's somewhat subjective, and matters with variables like speaker quality, the stereo itself, etc., but in a word, yes, the Audigy kicks onboard sound in the butt. Especially for "home theater" sound.

TwoRails
Panama Red
03-04-2005, 11:10 AM
Thanx TR. I wasn't sure how it would effect sound quality since the speakers are connected to the stereo system instead of directly to the computer/HT.
TwoRails
03-04-2005, 11:34 AM
That's why I mentioned the variables. If the HT/stereo unit is on par with onboard sound, which a lot are, then that's the overall quality in the final sound, no matter if you run it thru an Audigy or not.
Panama Red
03-04-2005, 11:41 AM
Think I'll try it both ways and see if there's a noticeable difference. The sound card is just sitting in the parts cabinet anyway.
TwoRails
03-04-2005, 01:53 PM
Sounds like a good plan. Post back with your findings, OK?
Hi Ho
03-04-2005, 05:56 PM
When you connect your PC speakers to the PC the sound is still going through an amplifier. The difference between the PC system and the home theater system is that the amplifier is integrated in the PC system and the home theater has a seperate reciever. Like TwoRails said the quality of the reciever and speakers is the determining factor. If it's a home theater in a box system it may or may not sound better than your PC speakers. If it's a component system with well chosen good quality speakers and a good reciever it should blow away the PC speakers.

About the sound card, definetly use the Audigy. It is better than onboard and you should hear a difference on either system. I have Z640's and when I upgraded from onboard to an Audigy ES the difference blew me away. I also have my PC connected to my home theater system and that one blows the PC speakers away.