Realtek ALC889A or Audigy 1

[Aono]

My new motherboard (Gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R) has a Realtek ALC 889A soundcard on it, described as "7.1 HD Audio". Can't find much more info than that.

I also still have my old Audigy 1 (SB0090) PCI card.

What do you think would go better with my HD595s? Won't be using speakers, just the cans.

Sorry, probably a stupid question but I'm a noob.

I ask because I like the kxproject drivers for audigy cards, but I guess I will change if the Realtek is better.

 

[Seaside]

Usually soundcard is considered better than on-board. But On-board in these days are not that bad at all. Realtek 889 is way better than old on-board. Probabaly better than old soundblaster Live. To compare with Audigy... that's kind of tough call. So... Try both and see for yourself.

 

[Apocalypsee]

Use Audigy with kX driver, and use the rear channel since it have better dac and opamp

 

[Aono]

Thanks for replys.

I'll stick with rear chan on the audigy for now. kX are nice drivers.

 

[Rarach]

Almost for 1 year I have Gigabyte MA770-DS3 motherboard with Realtek ALC889A and just today I tried onboard audio to compare it with Creative Labs Soundblaster X-Fi xTreme Audio PCI card that is based of SB Audigy 2.
Results: With my Beyerdynamic DT880 there is NO DIFFERENCE in SQ. Seriosuly. Nothing I can hear. Bass, mids, highs, everything sounds same. Actually I think I could accuse onboard card to have LITTLE BIT (almost unhearable) more transparency. Only difference is in loudness: Realtek ALC889A on max volume sounds as loud as x-Fi at 33% but it's still good enough.

 

[punk_guy182]

Realtek ALC889A is bit-perfect capable and I'm using it.