Hi, I have a new Dell XPS 8920 SE desktop w/Win10Pro.
I ordered my desktop through Dell & am not happy with the onboard soundcard/interface.
It shipped with an integrated Realtek soundcard & Waves Maxx audio Pro software (Dell didn't offer me a choice). I have Harmon Kardan HK695 2.1 speakers
The sound on this new PC sounds flat, muffled & like I'm listening through a wet blanket. It's not clean or crisp despite tweaking for over 2 weeks now.
These HK speakers rocked well enough on my old PC: a dell Dimension 8200 with a dedicated SoundBlaster Live! Value card, so not looking to replace speakers.
I'm thinking adding a dedicated soundcard may make the difference I crave. (I have both extra PCI & PCIe slots avail):
Here are 2 cards I'm considering.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
Creative Soundblaster Zx
I mostly listen to internet streamed music & MP3's through my speakers. I do a little gaming, but music playback via speakers is more important to me than gaming sound effects or headphone use.
I actually ordered the SB card but am now having 2nd thoughts as I keep reading the ASUS Xonar card is by far the better choice for playing music, whereas the SB Xz is probably best for gaming.
However, I also read the ASUS card requires a separate power connection from the PSU, whereas the SB does not: This true? (I'll be installing this myself) I chose the pricier SB Zx over the SB Z because of the ACM for ease of install (gives me a place to plug mic/headphones & bypass the header attachment) That said, I don't have endless $$ to spend, lol $100-$200.
Anyone have any suggestions on which soundcard I should choose, or suggestions of a more appropriate card to buy for my needs?
Appreciate any input...
Thanks very much!
I ordered my desktop through Dell & am not happy with the onboard soundcard/interface.
It shipped with an integrated Realtek soundcard & Waves Maxx audio Pro software (Dell didn't offer me a choice). I have Harmon Kardan HK695 2.1 speakers
The sound on this new PC sounds flat, muffled & like I'm listening through a wet blanket. It's not clean or crisp despite tweaking for over 2 weeks now.
These HK speakers rocked well enough on my old PC: a dell Dimension 8200 with a dedicated SoundBlaster Live! Value card, so not looking to replace speakers.
I'm thinking adding a dedicated soundcard may make the difference I crave. (I have both extra PCI & PCIe slots avail):
Here are 2 cards I'm considering.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX
Creative Soundblaster Zx
I mostly listen to internet streamed music & MP3's through my speakers. I do a little gaming, but music playback via speakers is more important to me than gaming sound effects or headphone use.
I actually ordered the SB card but am now having 2nd thoughts as I keep reading the ASUS Xonar card is by far the better choice for playing music, whereas the SB Xz is probably best for gaming.
However, I also read the ASUS card requires a separate power connection from the PSU, whereas the SB does not: This true? (I'll be installing this myself) I chose the pricier SB Zx over the SB Z because of the ACM for ease of install (gives me a place to plug mic/headphones & bypass the header attachment) That said, I don't have endless $$ to spend, lol $100-$200.
Anyone have any suggestions on which soundcard I should choose, or suggestions of a more appropriate card to buy for my needs?
Appreciate any input...
Thanks very much!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram