[m4rtin]

What determines sound output quality of a sound card? I guess:
 

• sampling rate supported by DAC
• bit resolution used for samples
• quality jacks(both materials and physical characteristics)

 
What else? 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

What determines sound output quality of a sound card? I guess:
 

• sampling rate supported by DAC
• bit resolution used for samples
• quality jacks(both materials and physical characteristics)

 
What else? 

I'm guessing sample rate has nothing to do with sound quality.
I'm sure (guessing) there are quality 24-bit/96Khz DAC chips that sound better then a cheap 24-bit/192Khz DAC chip.

 

[proton007]

I don't think sampling rate and resolution are a measure of quality. They're features, and they can be implemented in both good and bad ways.
Mostly the metrics associated with sound quality will also apply to sound cards. THD+N, low jitter, frequency response etc.
 
That, and any other sound effects and features that can be found in the better cards out there.

 

[cssarrow]

Quote:

I don't think sampling rate and resolution are a measure of quality. They're features, and they can be implemented in both good and bad ways.
Mostly the metrics associated with sound quality will also apply to sound cards. THD+N, low jitter, frequency response etc.
 
That, and any other sound effects and features that can be found in the better cards out there.

This.
Sound Card | D/A with good EMI/RF rejection and a well designed multiple layered pcb to prevent crosstalk is also ideal.
 
The amplifier, for me, has always been the more important part of a system.
 
Tim