[Necrolic]

I had to return my Auzentech Forte due to the buzzing issue that seems common nowadays, and now I have to decide whether or not to bother getting a new soundcard.

I will be using the digital output of either my mobo or soundcard as transport through coaxial cable to my Audio-GD Compass.

I'm wondering, will there be any SQ improvement between the two digital outputs, or will I not notice any difference? Also, while I do game, I don't use any of the X-Fi features such as CMSS-3D or EAX, so that isn't a concern, but what I am curious about is whether or not I will get better performance in games with a soundcard. I know you do when using mobo analog out vs. soundcard analog out, but what about digital?

If I would see an improvement with a soundcard, I have two options already picked out as PCI-E isn't an option due to space in case issues (the Forte BARELY fit), and those options are the Auzentech Prelude and the Asus Xonar D2. Which of these is a better card, and also does the Prelude have the same buzzing issue as the Forte?

 

[ujamerstand]

you would not see any difference between digital output output of your sound card and your mobo. Being digital, the two signals would be the same. So forget about the sound card and use that cash on something else!

 

[Mad Max]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ujamerstand /img/forum/go_quote.gif you would not see any difference between digital output output of your sound card and your mobo. Being digital, the two signals would be the same. So forget about the sound card and use that cash on something else!

x2

 

[Necrolic]

What about performance in games, or would the difference in FPS be negligible?

 

[stang]

Well if you are concerned about that, put the saved money from not buying another soundcard towards a better graphics card. I personally use my X-Fi Elite Pro for gaming and my onboard for my evga x58 classified to a Zero DAC to Qinpu A-3 amplifier

For gaming, the X-Fi obliterates on board audio. However, for digital, they will be the same.

 

[BoseFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about performance in games, or would the difference in FPS be negligible?

From what I recall, it might have made somewhat of a difference some 10 years ago, but the money can't be justified on 1 or 2 FPS in my my opinion.

 

[MomijiTMO]

Just make sure you have the right settings.

 

[somestranger26]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif I had to return my Auzentech Forte due to the buzzing issue that seems common nowadays, and now I have to decide whether or not to bother getting a new soundcard. I will be using the digital output of either my mobo or soundcard as transport through coaxial cable to my Audio-GD Compass. I'm wondering, will there be any SQ improvement between the two digital outputs, or will I not notice any difference? Also, while I do game, I don't use any of the X-Fi features such as CMSS-3D or EAX, so that isn't a concern, but what I am curious about is whether or not I will get better performance in games with a soundcard. I know you do when using mobo analog out vs. soundcard analog out, but what about digital? If I would see an improvement with a soundcard, I have two options already picked out as PCI-E isn't an option due to space in case issues (the Forte BARELY fit), and those options are the Auzentech Prelude and the Asus Xonar D2. Which of these is a better card, and also does the Prelude have the same buzzing issue as the Forte?

Possibly, since the motherboard output is likely very dirty and jittery. Though you might want to look into a dedicated USB->SPDIF converter instead of a sound card if you choose to go that route. I decided to get an m2tech HiFace based on reviews, and while it makes nowhere near the difference some proclaim, it does make a difference. Based on my experience: Hiface via Coax > USB direct into DAC > Optical from Prelude

 

[lxxl]

I had an Auzentech card previously and I had a lot of problem getting a clean feed through SPDIF, it ended up back to the store. Other factors are your power supply and EMI inside your computer, can affect your sound card to output a clean signal. This also applies to your motherboard, but in a much worse scenario (lots of other things attach to your motherboard, all the USB stuff for example).

USB transporter is ideal. But if you can get a clean feed from an old sound card, then there is no need to spend money on a USB transporter; get a better headphone/DAC/amp instead.

 

[Bojamijams]

The onboard digital out would probably have higher jitter but thats all.. unless you can use the onboard coaxial vs the optical.. coaxial will have lower jitter

 

[Necrolic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bojamijams /img/forum/go_quote.gif The onboard digital out would probably have higher jitter but thats all.. unless you can use the onboard coaxial vs the optical.. coaxial will have lower jitter

I intended to use the onboard coaxial, not optical.

So would it be worth the $160 to get an Asus Xonar D2 then, just to eliminate jitter, or should I just stick with the coaxial output of my mobo?

I'm gonna skip Auzentech regardless, as I don't know much about the Prelude and have heard a few bad things about it.

 

[Mad Max]

The onboard coaxial out to your Compass is what you should stick to. If you want to eliminate some jitter, the USB transport is probably the way to go, not a soundcard.

I would like to know, are there any optical-to-coax converters with reclocking circuitry?
I would prefer not to have to deal with USB altogether.

 

[swmtnbiker]

Personally I'd just stick with the S/PDIF coax output from your motherboard. There is no guarantee that the MB digital output will have more jitter issues than the Xonar D2. That's an assumption. What's a fact is that taking that assumption at face value will cost you $160.

 

[Bojamijams]

then definetly stick to just onboard and save the 160

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif I intended to use the onboard coaxial, not optical. So would it be worth the $160 to get an Asus Xonar D2 then, just to eliminate jitter, or should I just stick with the coaxial output of my mobo? I'm gonna skip Auzentech regardless, as I don't know much about the Prelude and have heard a few bad things about it.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Coaxial or optical is a different connection types for the same output. One uses electrical signals and the other uses optical signals.
If your just using digital I wouldn't worry about a card unless the options on the card are wanted or needed. What about the future your going to use digital always?
Many say you would be hard pressed to tell the difference but other say there is a difference from say a onboard digital output to a clean transformer coupled output.

Edit: You mention you have the card so why not do a A/B test and use your ears to decide?