I have Gigabyte GA-7VT600 with integrated soundcard:AC'97, IA 8233/8235/8237. I wonder if it is a good idea to buy some cheap soundcard. Would it give some sound improvment that would be worth it? I have not too much to spend, about
20-30$, I can buy used one.

Download and run the Audio Rigthmark test on your integrated audio interface at 16 bits and 44.1 KHz sampling, and post a summary of the results here. Opinions to follow.

http://audio.rightmark.org/downloads/rmaa6.exe

Frequency response: +0.00,-0.00
Noise level, dB (A): -97.8
Dynamic range, dB (A): 97.8
THD, %:0.0003
IMD, %:0.0035
Stereo crosstalk, dB: -98.7

If I gave wrong data please explain how to properly run test and where I can find test results, thanks.

The MB you indicated has S/PDIF output.
If you already own an outboard DAC that can handle 44.1 and 48 kHz signals, your MB can feed it.

I opted for such a set-up (single RCA from PC to DAC), rather than buying a new USB soundcard to feed my stereo.

How did you do this test? Seems too good to be true.

Did you connect a loop back cable between the green and blue jacks?

I had no idea that I had to do such thing. Is there some other solutions? I don't have a proper cable.

The cable is a common, inexpensive item in most electronics stores. There's no other way to get a proper electrical loop-back that I know of.

BTW, I tested the audio interface in an Asus M3A78CM, and obtained the following:

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB: +0.03, -0.05
Noise level, dB (A): -90.5
Dynamic range, dB (A): 89.9
THD, %: 0.0072
IMD, %: 0.013
Stereo crosstalk, dB: -90.5
IMD at 10 kHz, %: 0.014

This particular machine has a blu-ray drive and can generate up to 7.1 channel analog outputs. It's basically the equal of a good CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player.

It will run two monitors concurrently with the potent on-board video chip, one displaying a 2048 x 1080 HD picture, the other a regular XP desktop. At this point CPU utilization is about 50% with a 5200+ dual core processor, so there's plenty of power left for general fooling around. Nice platform for a HTPC. All you need is CPU, RAM, drives and case.

Ok, tomorrow I'll go to the store and buy one cable. I'll post test summary as soon as I can. ;p

I run recording/playback test, and there is infomation first "PROBLEM: The input level is low. Try to increase recording or playback levels in your mixer.". When the test is over there are two more errors. I was searching for solution but couldn't find any. How to do it right? ;p

http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=25215388.png
http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=59145141.png
http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=13503790.png
http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=30983318.png

Turn up the output level, the Wav level, the recording level, and the recording line input level. Make sure that none of the relevant muting boxes are checked. Ensure that the line input is turned on, which may involve a check box being checked.

Right now, it looks like no signal is getting through at all.

BTW, the cable goes from the green jack to the blue jack.

Finally I got it. So now, is there any 20-30$, even used soundcard, that can improve sound in my computer? I have Creative Inspire 2400 2.1 speakers.

Looks like the real thing!



Yes, you can get better numbers. Better sound is not a slam dunk.

I'm going to leave the searching to you. Go to a site like Newegg, and select cards that are in your price range. Then google the web for a rightmark test on that card to verify the vendor claims.

One more thing, can you tell me how looks better test results?

You can also try to test your soundcard using 48kHz signal (instead of 44.1kHz). Results should be better for this input frequency.

I was looking for a while, I checked what results are best and I chose Audigy SE with XFI Xtreme Audio drivers. I can buy it really cheap http://www.allegro.pl/item566046627_audigy...l_bcm_w_wa.html 5,5 zl is less then 2$, but there is one more day to the end of auction left, so at the end price probably will be much higher.


http://images32.fotosik.pl/210/4931a098e4bb0a3amed.jpg

Please see the results I posted on this thread on Feb 26. Also search the web for other rightmarks for professional audio interfaces like the LynxTWO or Audiophile 24192.