Output and soundcards ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JohnyC
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JohnyC

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Hi im new to all this stuff..I couldnt find anything on the web to answer this basic question, so please help out if you have the patience :)

1. How important is the choice of soundcard when it comes to audio OUTPUT ?

For example I'm getting some studio monitors (yorkville ys1p's)..how big of a difference in the quality of sound OUTPUT will there be if I hook up the speakers to a 24/96 soundcard with 1/4" outputs, compared to hooking up the speakers to a regular sb live soundcard ?
 
When it comes to soundcards, the bitdepth and sample rate are important, so 24/96 will sound better than a lower rate. The quality of the A/D D/A converters is also important, as is the jitter (or lack of it), and so on. Good circuitry on the card means a quieter card, too, if I'm not mistaken. So if you pay for a better card with higher resolution, you'll get a better sound coming through those monitors.

Here's a link to a useful comparison of various soundcards. It's not comprehensive, but it's a start:

http://www.pcavtech.com/soundcards/compare/index.htm
 
Thanks for the quick reply dobro :)
Yah I really would like to get a better soundcard..But I don't know if the cost will justify the upgrade..
 
The information dobro gave you was correct and is very important.

JohnyC, the two most important parts of your or any setup is how the material gets into/out of your computer AND how you hear the material.

So.... in to/out of = soundcard

And... how you hear = monitors

If you have the dinero, then go the extra step to get you a better soundcard and some better monitors. :D

spin
 
I agree with the double-hearted Gallifreian poster (sorry Spin!)The good Doctor (Who?) recommends 24 bit and so do I.But prices on upscale soundcards are doing some cool downward movement.
I bought a 24 bit Hoontech card (audio dsp 24,10 ins and outs) and found about their entry level 24 bit stereo card for under $100.Check em out!

Tom
 
SPINSTERWUN: I'm getting some yorkville ysm1p's in a few days..I should upgrade those too ? hmm I figured they'd do the job for me..

Tom Hicks : Isn't hhontech out of business ? If not, where did you purchase yours from ?
 
I don't know if spin saw that, cause those ysm1ps will work great. :) I want to get a pair of those one of these days.

-tkr
 
The YSM-1s are great monitors. I've een using them for a long time and like 'em a lot.
 
"I bought a 24 bit Hoontech card (audio dsp 24,10 ins and outs) and found about their entry level 24 bit stereo card for under $100."

10 ins and outs? The website says 2 ins, 2 outs, both RCA.

http://www.hoontech.com/english/

Still cheap for 2 channels.
 
-JohnyC-

I wasn't trying to say don't get the YSM-1's. :)

I was just trying to share the importance of good monitors (which the Yorkvilles are :D ) AND a good soundcard.

-Tom Hicks-

That was a very good "Dr Who" reference.........:D

-Tekker-

Thanks for having my back. ;)

peace...

spin
 
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