Please some one educate me about soundcards

[pumper]

I thought soundcards were a waste of money, but I noticed that my Logitech Z-4 speakers had a slight static sound on some of the music I listen to (Drum n Bass, Trance, Classical). Especially during some of the higher pitch sounds. I played with my equalizer in my media player and through multi channel sound manager in Win XP. The only way that I think that I can solve this problem is maybe with a soundcard, but I don't know too much about them. I only use my computer for music and games. Please help.

 

[rexter]

what you've experience is distortion. Any audio device that has lower wattage with low THD - Total Harmonic Distortion to sound output is better than with high wattage with high THD.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_card

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distortion

 

[pumper]

What someone answered me? Thank you, what kind of model do I need?

 

[rexter]

It's all depend on how much are you willing to pay for a Sound Card. Any sound card is better than the onboard. But if you want to pay more than what you pay for your speaker then Creative has an edge. Their x-fi line-up.

Still your speaker is limited to the power it has, 40 watts total means 23 w sub and 8 w on satellite so if you reach the speakers or amp limit then not much you can do. Having a good soundcard gives you better control of sound quality the speaker. You may also be suprise that your speaker produce better sound than when it has no add on card.

 

[g-paw]

While the consensus seems to be that Creative has a slight edge for gaming, for music and music cards based on the C-Media CMI8788 has an edge, especially with surround sound. All 3 of these cards would be worth looking at. Google reviews of any of these cards, some good ones out there that also discuss the C Media sound chip
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829127002
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271002
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156002