Realtek ALC882 vs. SB Live! MP3+

[Planet Earth]

I'm upgrading my system to a new Asus P5W DH Deluxe board that has Realtek HD ALC882 8 channel audio onboard. Until now I've been using an old SB Live! MP3+ (not 24-bit) 4 channel card.

I want to ask you the following:
1) Would the onboard Realtek ALC882 perform better than the SB card in terms of perfomance and quality?
2) Would it be worth it using the SB card or would the quality of the onboard audio be just as good?

My primary use to the computer is to work at home and listen to music. I also watch DVDs and play FPS games sometimes.

My sound system is equipped with 4 Edifier R1900TB plus a Sony SA-W11 superwoofer.

As far as I can see, Creative won't support the Sound Blaster Live! line of products for Windows Vista nor realease any new driver for Windows XP. Also, I guess I'm losing the improvements made in recent games in the audio field (3D positioning, multiple environments, etc.).

Thanks for your replies!

 

[Guest]

Hello,
Personal experience.
Had to have new MB installed. Did not reinstall the CreativeSB sound card.
The sound from Realtek on-board is as good as the sound card, my opinion.
Main difference is with the software, if you are editing sound files ie:
adding sound to a file, removing or including different instruments the card
is needed. If you need more connections, usually on-board only has three.
take care.
beamish.

 

[Planet Earth]

Is better the onboard Realtek than an Audigy2?

Hello,
Personal experience.
Had to have new MB installed. Did not reinstall the CreativeSB sound card.
The sound from Realtek on-board is as good as the sound card, my opinion.
Main difference is with the software, if you are editing sound files ie:
adding sound to a file, removing or including different instruments the
card
is needed. If you need more connections, usually on-board only has three.
take care.
beamish.

 

[Guest]

Hello,
Had a problem with MS News link, this maybe the second post.
A direction to take maybe using Realtek audio with your games.
If you are not pleased then you could purchase a good audio card.
Remember to disable the on board audio before installing the new card.
take care.
beamish.

 

[Planet Earth]

Actually I can't get used to listen to my favourite CDs using Dolby Pro
Logic IIx feature from the Realtek soundcard. It sounds strange... well, I
can't explain.
Anyway, I cant't get working my four speakers with Dolby Pro Logic IIx
disabled, just the front ones sounding in stereo. Do you know why is that?

 

[Guest]

Hello,
Use the volume control in the system tray, ckick on adjust audio properties.
Sound and audio devices should open.
Click on the voice tab. look for voice playback and click on Advanced.
Advanced audio properties - speaker tab - click on the drop list arrow.
Should open a listing of every speaker combination for that audio card.
Pick the one like your setup, if availible.
Play around with the software there are all kinds of ways to setup sound.
At this time I am using a "bathroom" configeration with a heavy emphisis on
"reverb bass". Have some Cello recordings that I enjoy in this configeration.
Or go to the Control Panel and open "sound and audio device" or"Realtek
manager".
It is your choice concerning sound quaility, there are several good cards
availible.
You should have the best sound that you can afford.
take care.
beamish.