Is the Asustek Xonar DX/XD worth investing in over onboard audio

[krustie92]

I'm out of my depth when it comes to audio set ups and cards, etc.
Currently I have Asus P8Z77-V-LX motherboard with ALC887 onboard audio. I'm using a Panasonic SA-XH170 home cinema system attached by S/PDIF for speakers. Is there any point investing in this Asustek Xonar DX/XD soundcard, would there be any noticeable improvement? I game a bit but I'd be more concerned about sound for movies and music.

Current Speakers
http/shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/SC-XH170?t=specs
Card Considering
http/www.amazon.co.uk/Asustek-Xonar-PCI-E-Profile-Sound/dp/B00198DM2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1365867069&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+xonar+dx

 

[serafim]

good choice

Youll notice this improvement:
1. less noise
2. Rich audio effects
3. Little bit increase ur fps when gaming

 

[krustie92]

good choice

Youll notice this improvement:
1. less noise
2. Rich audio effects
3. Little bit increase ur fps when gaming

Currently the speech is a bit muffled when I'm watching movies. I'm not sure if this is to do with home cinema set up, speaker layout or the fact I'm using onboard. Any ideas?
And lastly will this card give me 5.1 surround sound through s/pdif?

 

[serafim]

Currently the speech is a bit muffled when I'm watching movies. I'm not sure if this is to do with home cinema set up, speaker layout or the fact I'm using onboard. Any ideas?
And lastly will this card give me 5.1 surround sound through s/pdif?[/quotemsg]

i think its a onboard card issue, ALC887 is a 7.1 channel but cannot handle your huge power SC-XH170
and yes, you and your SC-XH170 will happy for asus xonar DX

please update after upgrading your sound card

 

[krustie92]

Currently the speech is a bit muffled when I'm watching movies. I'm not sure if this is to do with home cinema set up, speaker layout or the fact I'm using onboard. Any ideas?
And lastly will this card give me 5.1 surround sound through s/pdif?

i think its a onboard card issue, ALC887 is a 7.1 channel but cannot handle your huge power SC-XH170
and yes, you and your SC-XH170 will happy for asus xonar DX

please update after upgrading your sound card


[/quotemsg]

Forgive me if I'm wrong but isn't the home cinema system acting as an amplifier? So power should not be an issue? I'm only theorizing

 

[serafim]

Forgive me if I'm wrong but isn't the home cinema system acting as an amplifier? So power should not be an issue? I'm only theorizing

http/www.overstock.com/guides/Top-5-Things-to-Include-on-Your-Home-Theater-PC

 

[soundguruman]

I'm out of my depth when it comes to audio set ups and cards, etc.
Currently I have Asus P8Z77-V-LX motherboard with ALC887 onboard audio. I'm using a Panasonic SA-XH170 home cinema system attached by S/PDIF for speakers. Is there any point investing in this Asustek Xonar DX/XD soundcard, would there be any noticeable improvement? I game a bit but I'd be more concerned about sound for movies and music.

Current Speakers
http/shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/SC-XH170?t=specs
Card Considering
http/www.amazon.co.uk/Asustek-Xonar-PCI-E-Profile-Sound/dp/B00198DM2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1365867069&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+xonar+dx

"would there be any noticeable improvement?"
Not really.

 

[krustie92]

Well having taken the plunge and bought one I've definitely noticed an improvement in clarity of sound and less noise since, using the same set of speakers. So for the €60 or so it cost it was definitely a worthwhile addition.