Member Avatar for Member #23858

I don't do any gaming but listen to a lot of music and like great quality sound. What would be my best bet?

  • 2 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 87 Views
  • 9 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by disophisis

Dani AI

Generated

For pure music listening (no gaming) the key things are the analog/DAC stage and driver reliability, not in-game effects. As noted, audio-focused boards are a sensible direction, but many listeners today get clearer, more consistent results from an external USB DAC/amp because it avoids a PC's electrical noise and is easier to keep current (Audio Science Review has many objective comparisons).

What to prioritize when choosing:

  • Objective performance (look for independent measurements such as SNR and distortion).
  • Quality of the analog outputs and grounding/shielding (this matters more than marketing features).
  • Headphone amp capability and output impedance if using headphones.
  • Driver support and OS compatibility — stable drivers often matter more than tiny spec differences.
  • Available outputs (fixed line-out, balanced outputs, or digital SPDIF) to match the rest of the system.

Quick, practical audition/tests:

  • Use familiar lossless tracks and match listening volume for fair A/Bing.
  • Do a blind ABX test (foobar2000 has an ABX plugin) to remove bias (foobar2000).
  • Run objective tests with RightMark to verify claims (RightMark Audio Analyzer).
  • Verify current driver availability for your OS before buying.

Note: differences between good cards can be subtle; upgrade speakers/headphones or consider a modest external DAC first for the most cost-effective audible improvement.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for disophisis

There is a company called HT Omega, check out their stuff. I have the Striker, but they make a Claro and a Claro + which are supposed to be amazing.

Striker is around 60 bucks,
Claro and Claro+ are 100+ range.

www.newegg.com

Creative is hit or miss.

Member Avatar for Member #23858

What about these.

HT Omega CLARO Sound Cards
View Pic

Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5 [39]

HT OMEGA CLARO 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

* Audio Chipset: C-Media CMI8788
* Digital Audio: 24-bit
* Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital, DTS
* Line In: Yes
* Model #: CLARO
* Item #: N82E16829271002

HT Omega CLARO Plus+ Sound Cards
View Pic

Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5Rating + 5 [25]

HT OMEGA CLARO Plus+ 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

* Audio Chipset: C-Media CMI8788
* Digital Audio: 24-bit
* Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital, DTS
* Line In: Yes
* Model #: CLARO Plus+
* Item #: N82E16829271003

ASUS 90-YAA021-1UAN00+ Sound Cards
View Pic

Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4 [11]

ASUS Xonar D2 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Ultra Fidelity Sound Card with Complete Dolby/DTS Sound Technologies - Retail

* Audio Chipset: ASUS AV200
* Digital Audio: 24-bit
* Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital, DTS
* Line In: Yes
* Model #: 90-YAA021-1UAN00+
* Item #: N82E16829132001


Auzentech XPlosion 7.1 Sound Cards
View Pic

Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4 [118]

AuzenTech XPlosion 7.1 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

* Audio Chipset: C-Media CMI8770
* CD/Aux In: No
* Digital Audio: 24-bit
* Features: World First Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect certified PCI board sound card! Converts any of your movies, games, music audio into a Dolby Digital or DTS Surround Sound! Stereo is boring, surround sound is fun! DTS Connect makes it easy to turn your computer into the ultimate PC sound entertainment
* Model #: XPlosion 7.1
* Item #: N82E16829156001

Auzentech AZT-XM71 Sound Cards
View Pic

Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4Rating + 4 [49]

AuzenTech AZT-XM71 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Auzen X-Meridian 7.1 Sound Card - Retail

* Audio Chipset: C-Media CMI8788
* Digital Audio: 24-bit
* Hardware Decode: Dolby Digital, DTS
* Line In: Yes
* Model #: AZT-XM71
* Item #: N82E16829156002


* O

Member Avatar for disophisis

really depends on your budget, but the claro is a real good card.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.