Creative SB Audigy 2 vs Realtek ALC889 (Onboard) Options

[fake1337]

Hello.

So I have an old Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 laying around and I'm currently using my onboard Realtek ALC889. Now people in general seem to think that a dedicated sound card is always better than onboard sound, but the Audigy 2 is much older than the onboard sound. Which one of these would give the best sound?

My speakers are the Corsair SP2500, in other words rather decent (I guess?).

[SoNic67]

Hello.

So I have an old Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 laying around and I'm currently using my onboard Realtek ALC889. Now people in general seem to think that a dedicated sound card is always better than onboard sound, but the Audigy 2 is much older than the onboard sound. Which one of these would give the best sound?

My speakers are the Corsair SP2500, in other words rather decent (I guess?).

The Audigy 2 card has better DAC's than on-board sound. That means lower noise, lower distortion. Now... in order to HEAR that difference you will need good sound sources (FLAC files at minimum, no mp3's) and good speakers/headphones.
Sadly your speakers are dedicated for gaming, they have no musical qualities, their internal amplifiers add so much distortion and noise that you will not hear any difference.
Try to borrow a good pair of headphones (not in-ear, not beats audio) and you will hear a difference.