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    USB Headset? Sound Quality vs. RealTek?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by HTWingNut, Apr 5, 2011.

  1. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Just curious about USB headphones/headsets and the sound quality compared with onboard Realtek HD? I have a Sennheiser with regular stereo and mic jacks, but also comes with a USB adapter. Just wondering if there's any negative to using the USB adapter instead of the built-in audio? Main reason is I want to switch between headphones and system speakers without having to always unplug and plug in.
     
    HTWingNut, Apr 5, 2011
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  2. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    The USB "adapter" is actually a discrete sound card, albeit a relatively low end one.

    Unfortunately, onboard audio, while improving, is still so bad that even a low end sound card is noticeably better.
     
    Peon, Apr 5, 2011
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  3. Akari

    Akari Notebook Evangelist

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    It depends on the quality of the on-board sound and the quality of the adapter.

    The easiest solution is to try both and use the one that sounds better. If you can't notice a difference then it doesn't matter which one you use.
     
    Akari, Apr 5, 2011
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  4. Vogelbung

    Vogelbung I R Judgemental

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    It depends.

    Fact is, that as these things get more and more integrated the rest of the circuitry onboard a typical sound board is doing less and less, meaning a more consistent performance in general.

    Unless you're going for something with very high-end converters and associated electronics, the primary advantage to be had from a USB soundcard is some degree of isolation from the inteference (especially on the analog in/outs) that can affect many onboard solutions.
     
    Vogelbung, Apr 5, 2011
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  5. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    I get no noticeable interference or hiss or anything. But I do switch between speakers and headphones a lot. I'll try this USB adapter for a while and if I want better maybe I'll look for another USB sound card. This one is nice and compact though.
     
    HTWingNut, Apr 5, 2011
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