[nikko1974]

Hi,

I've just got to scratch this itch.....as I've never had the age old question of whats superior for a HTPC's audio answered. I've tried on a number of different forums, including this one and people say one thing - then another and then it gets way offtrack.

So ......once and for all - what is superior for a HTPC's audio - a dedicated soundcard or a quality onboard solution?

PLEASE USE THESE ASSUMPTIONS WHEN ANSWERING:

* Both the onboard & soundcard can be connected via either SPDIF or analogue out.
* The onboard solution is the current level - so around 105-110dB SNR
* Dedicated soundcard circa $100-150 level
* Will ONLY be used for HTPC use - NO GAMING!
* Signal amplification is via a mid level AVR eg $500-1000 worth or so
* Assume mid level speaker quality

I've accepted what generally has been told - that is that onboard sound via SPDIF out to your AVR is the best solution....or atleast its VERY CLOSE to as good as a dedicated soundcard.

Signal is kept untouched and the AVR's DAC's do all the decoding.

BUT........Ive always had a suspicion that a good soundcard via analogue connections would be superior.

So whats the order?

Soundcard+Analogue > Soundcard+SPDIF > Onboard+SPDIF > Onboard+Analogue ?

Thx in advance.

FTR my motherboard has a pretty crappy onboard, Soundmax AD1986A - I've always been underwhelmed by the quality of it and had a feeling a soundcard would be better. BUT that'd cost as much as a whole new motherboard and some have 110dB SNR chips - so whats best?

Thanks in advance.

Nick