Ok, so at long last I upgraded my computer sound from Realtek ALC889a to HT Omega Claro after doing some research and sifting through tons of very positive feedback.
Compared to my onboard audio, there definitely is some difference in SQ, atleast with my phones (senn hd280 64ohm), and I am pleased with it. The high end is far more robust- the overall response in the highs is very much boosted and detail is much greater as well. Midrange differences are more subtle. The midrange has a lot more separation then before- I could hear some smaller details that I couldn't hear with the onboard. As for low range, I can't rly tell much of a difference because the perceived bass volume has gone down (due to the sudden boost in the highs). The sound is a little harsher and more analytical then my onboard audio but I'm sure some the audio properties can be changed with other op amps.
However, I do have few concerns with my new soundcard. The biggest gripe is that it makes popping noises whenever I perform various tasks such as taking an idle web browser and loading a youtube page, for example (kind of like my old P4 comp with dying PSU did). It is made even more nuisance because the popping only comes out of the left driver on my headphones.
Although I'm pleased with the SQ I don't like the popping noises at all! Is it normal for a Claro Halo to do this? Because I didn't get that impression when looking up audio cards. . thx!
