Realtek ALC892 vs. Sound Blaster Live 24-bit

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Biggrich76

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 16, 2005
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I am in the process of upgrading to an i7 setup, with a ASUS X58 Sabertooth. Realtek ALC892 is built in but I've always used a PCI card under the assumption that it was better to have a seperate sound card.

However, the new mobo only has 1 PCI slot and I'm wondering if it's even worth it to use the old Sound Blaster 24-bit card in it. Will I notice any difference between the onboard sound?

Thanks in advance.

Note: I am not an audiophile by any means, but I do have a 5.1 setup.
 
Last edited:
Bump.

Now I saw a deal on a Xonar DG for $20. Thinking about biting on that.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
 
Versus an old SB 24-bit? I'd stick with the Realtek...

The newer Realtek's, after ALC880, have been pretty good. The DAC's are solid (for value lines) and realistically they're as good as the cheap add-in cards.

The Xonar should yield a small gain though, what speakers / headphones are you running? They might limit you before your sound card does. Also how loud do you run your music? Amps could also be your limiting factor.

Regardless, save the PCI slot and stick with onboard for now
 
If you aren't picking up static/interference on your onboard, stick with that.
 
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