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    Dedicated or integrated Sound Card?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by jtodd939, Aug 9, 2006.

  1. jtodd939

    jtodd939 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am looking for some advice on whether to get the Sound Blaster X-Fi dedicated sound card ($75 more than the integrated option) or the Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD option for sound. I will be using the sound card for:

    1.) listening to music CDs on computer and converting CDs to MP3 for music listening.

    2.) transfering analog Tape (musical bands and movie soundtracks that have not been made available on CD) to computer and converting it so that I can create a CD of the music. I will be using the Microsoft Plus! software to accomplish this.

    3.) general everyday computer sound/music from internet, etc.

    I'd really appreciate any feedback I can get about what sound capability I really need to accomplish these tasks and if the integrated option will work just fine (saving me $75).
     
    jtodd939, Aug 9, 2006
    #1
  2. gethin

    gethin Notebook Evangelist

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    For your needs the integrated sounds absolutely fine, and if you find out in the future that it doesn't meet your needs, then you can buy USB sound cards or PC slot/expresscard sound cards.
     
    gethin, Aug 9, 2006
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  3. ahidalgo

    ahidalgo Notebook Consultant

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    I think that the X-FI sound cards are only in pci, so not for notebooks. I own a sound blaster audigy 2 NX ( usb) and it's a good card. Also yo yave the audigy 2 ZS pcmcia that has same features ( or few more) that my NX.
    If you are looking for a desktop you have the option for a X-FI xtrem music for 100€ or $100
     
    ahidalgo, Aug 9, 2006
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  4. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    Integrated sound would be fine. You should worry more about your speakers/headphones being able to produce the full quality of 192kbps HD sound.
     
    Budding, Aug 9, 2006
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  5. Leshii

    Leshii Notebook Evangelist

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    as ahidalgo, I have integrated sound in the laptop and then use external SoundBlaster Audigy 2 NX (USB2).

    You can just get the integrated sound card and then get an external one if the need be. It is true that speakers/sound system is a lot more important for sound quality than the sound card itself.
     
    Leshii, Aug 9, 2006
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  6. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Sounds like you're talking about a desktop. Stick with the integrated sound as others have posted.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 9, 2006
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  7. _radditz_

    _radditz_ Fallen to the Sith...

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    Stick with integrated, if you find you need more features/quality then you can always buy a USB/PCMCIA soundcard later.
     
    _radditz_, Aug 9, 2006
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  8. jtodd939

    jtodd939 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, I am talking about a desktop. Hope this is okay.
     
    jtodd939, Aug 9, 2006
    #8