Does anyone use a soundcard anymore?

[PapaLazaru]

As a note I game on a Stereo DAC

Same here i use a Cambridge Audio USB DAC. Removed any sound card modules from the past two motherboards I've had.

Use an Arcam DAC here for everything and am not missing any of the Dolby features in games.

 

[mikelkite]

So I know games use EAX (well some) but why would I need a soundcard for gaming if I am using optical headset and HDMI (for when i use 5.1 in front of the TV) This only applies to analogue signal does it not?

Why does AMD not have any sound software? It has driver but no control software outside of windows that I can see?

 

[rids57]

Why would you want two sound cards? You already have one, the external box your headset plugs into.

 

[TALON1973]

Loving my arcam irdac with headphone amp . No way in high heaven i'd go back to pc soundcards . My set-up allows multiple uses

 

[Sencha]

I use the Z as well. Love it. I wanted to try the ZXR but I don't want all the extras and they don't sell it on its own.

 

[foster grant]

Z user here too...( speakers via Toslink, AKG K550s cos the inboard sound sucks for speakers and headphones

 

[AMG]

Yes..

Tired using onboard sound once I built the machine in my sig but I landed up buying a X-FI Z wouldn't kick it out for nothing. Makes so much difference even with Edifers.

I also have AKGs powered by the on board amp it has.

 

[Edinho]

Xonar DX and audiophile 2496

Onboard sound is still pretty awful imo.

 

[Supernova]

I do, why wouldn't I?

The onboard sound from my motherboard isn't good enough, so I have a Creative SB Recon3D driving Audioengine A5 speakers, or my Grados.

 

[TwsT]

This man knows ^^

 

[Rozzy85]

I've used a soundcard for as long as I've had a PC but in my latest build (Asrock X99 WS) have been using the onboard since I couldn't carry over my PCI Xonar. It's pretty good and if I wasn't so bothered would stick to using it. No EMI and audio quality is easily on par with a budget soundcard. The main problem is low amplification and not being able to drive decent headphones. I'll get an Essence at some point but I can make do with it for now.

 

[Scougar]

Unless you are using a digital out (to an amp/receiver etc), then you will want a soundcard for decent audio quality. You really notice it when going back from having one.

Even with digital out the card may have additional surround or effect (EAX etc) features that are desirable.

 

[Zaim]

Yep, I'm currently using a Asus Xonar HDAV, HDMI audio ftw, got mine set to PCM 5.1 24bit 192khz.

Much better than my previous Xonar (D2X)

 

[CaptainRAVE]

Still using my old xonar d2x driving my z5500s. Haven't really thought about it, are there better alternatives?

 

[TwsT]

only if you use headphones