2. pc-audio
  3. 1079514088

External sound device vs PCI soundcard

Hi all

I’m still feeling my way around the area of PC audio, so please don’t shoot me if I’m way off track.

After reading through many of the post on this site is seems the general consensus is that doing a D-A conversion inside to PC case degrades sound quality to much due to electrical interference.

One way I thought of getting past this problem was to use an external sound device like the M-audio Sonic Theater, USB. If the sensitive DAC process was kept away from the PC, wouldn’t the output signal be relatively good.

Any thought or experience with external sound devices vs. internal soundcard would be greatly welcome.

Cheers.
xs1

Showing 2 responses by xs1

xs1 OP
2 posts
 
If I need to provide more info get more responses let me know.

It's just that most other forums I've visited that deal with PC audio reason that a semi-pro soundcard is insulated against electrical noise and does not affect the DAC, which seems to contradict views on this site.
xs1 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks Rives

Yea, I looked into using an external/stand a lone DAC for 2.1 and 5.1 sound. But here in little old New Zealand it is quite pricey buy one new and there is little in the way of second hand.

I've carried on searching and from reviews I’ve come across I narrowed it down to four contenders. First is the M-audio Sonic Theater USB, second is the M-Audio Revelation 7.1 PCI, thirdly the Terrtac Sky 5.1 PCI and lastly the M-Audio Audiophile 2496.

Most theses cards are in the same price range $300.00 - $450.00 NZ, so if I weigh up the sound quality of the output signal from each card, is it most likely that the Sonic Theater will come out on top because its outside of the case?

Any thoughts.

P.s, just to clarify, the quality of the output signal is my sole measurement criteria. I know that usb sound devices can use added PC resources but with a high end HTPC it won’t be an issue.
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