Do I need an off board soundcard?

[haastyle]

Right now I am sending my sound through digital coax from my mobo, I have the computer hooked up to the speakers for music and movies, but if I'm watching a DVD or Bluray I'll fire up the ps3 that is hooked up via optical.

The questions is would I benefit from getting an off board sound card for sound quality just for mp3s, flac and downloaded xvid and h.264 content?

I've just ordered new speakers so I want to make sure I'm getting the best sound to them as possible.

Thanks!

 

[its phillip]

No, you're fine.

 

[bandphan]

I guess it depends on your integrated and if you like it.

 

[Nugu]

Some manufacturers drivers force processing on all sound output, even the digital output. However it usually isn't all that noticeable for all but the most critical of listening. So unless you absolutely feel like spending money, then no you don't 'need' a new sound card.


Should you decide that you want to try and get unaltered bit perfect output cheaply you can get these:

http://www.amazon.com/SIIG-IC-710012-S2-Soundwave-Pci-7-1/dp/B001H4ZCS8/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282443007&sr=8-22

http://code.google.com/p/cmediadrivers/

 

[haastyle]

thanks guys!!