Sound quality using TV as pc monitor`

[Kalmado]

What determines the sound quality, the pc or the tv? How would you improve on the sound?

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Tricky question. The computer determines the maximum quality of sound the speakers will determine the available quality.

Lets say you have a PC with standard sound card hooked up to the best speaker system in the world. The PC wouldn't be able to enhance the sound to any appreciable degree. On the other hand if you have crappy speakers on a great sound card, it will still sound like crap.

For the most part, if your not a audiophile, the sound card in most newer computers will work fine. It will be up to the speakers to reproduce the sound. Most TV's have better speakers then monitors do on account that the have the space to include bigger sound drivers. In fact most monitors don't have speakers at all.

 

[Kalmado]

The motherboard I plan to purchase has an onboard sound card Realtek ALC1150. I'm not huge on sound. I just don't want it to sound like absolute crap while gaming or watching a movie. I'm also heavily budget oriented. Would my best bet be to upgrade to some decent speakers?

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Yes you would want to buy some speakers. Usually 100 to 150 dollars will land you a pretty decent set. You should also think if you want to do a surround sound setup.

I would prolly look for something like this Logitech setup for a good 2.1 stereo setup. http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121048

 

[hang-the-9]

If you are using the TV for the monitor, check how it's speakers sound, some have decent speakers. 95% of the sound quality is from the speakers, at least at the lower level of equipment. If you are using HDMI to connect to the TV, you can setup the speakers easily using the TV audio outputs.

I have had good results to get better sound with a soundbar, I have a Vizio one and it sounds good, for about $100 and can find them for less, especially used. Easy to setup although you don't get the full surround sound thing. Make sure it has other inputs so you can connect other computers to the speakers, mine has a mini jack for sound as well so I can hook up a laptop to the speaker as well as the TV output.

If you want to use surround sound and not just have it simulated, you can get a 5.1 all in one setup for a bit over $100 for to start with, and $200 for a decent setup to use with the TV.

 

[Kalmado]

Thanks for the tip on the soundbar! I'll scavange craigslist and other sale sites because speakers are kind of my last item on my 2do list.

 

[hang-the-9]

Thanks for the tip on the soundbar! I'll scavange craigslist and other sale sites because speakers are kind of my last item on my 2do list.

I got mine from craigslist as well, in a trade for a Pentium 4 computer I had lying around. Basically free, PC was worth maybe $40-50. Been running for a couple of years now and gets more than loud enough even at 30% volume, the virtual surround mode is nice, and although there is no subwoofer, I don't miss not having one. Has 3 inputs, digital audio (I use that from the TV) a regular RCA stereo connector and a 3.5 connector for laptops or an mp3 player.

I would not skimp on speakers, or a monitor for that fact, it's the two things that you interface with the most aside form the keyboard and mouse. Get something not quality and you'll be wishing you got something better every time you use it.