How to get the best audio from a desktop pc?

[KainXS]

I run a Xonar Essence STX with LME49720 OPAMPSs myself and swappable OPAMPS and decent audio is the reason why I keep using my STX and because I primarily just use it with my sen 820's and the fact that it still sounds very good. That is not the best audio though and getting the best audio is pretty much impossible because everyone has different tastes in music, is your definition of the best balance, or a wide sound stage or bass, its all subjective. Now if you want a high end experience that is different and definitely possible but before you plunk down the money for that "experience" you should probably say what headphones or if you want some dedicated speaker setup or both you prefer now because audio gets expensive fast.

 

[freeagent]

Audio is highly subjective. What someone thinks sounds absolutely fantastic, might not have the same effect on someone else. For instance, someone may love Klipsch products immensely, myself, not so much. Same goes for Denon, some may absolutely love them, myself? I think they're ok.. Your environment plays a big role in how your system will sound. There are a few things to take into consideration, starting with needs, wants, then budget. It is really easy to get wrapped up in others opinions, and make them your own. Best thing you can do is to go actually listen to what it sounds like before you buy, if you can.

 

[Waldorf]

most of the time the type of music will determine it.
hiphop/rnb etc usually likes lower, more vibrating bass (larger drivers),
things like electronic stuff is usually towards a more "kicking" bass (smaller driver), other music might have both.

in general, proper bass means larger driver (the lower the freq you want to put out, the larger it needs to be),
part of the reason why under powered (wattage/dampening) smaller subs (up to 5 in) commonly used in those "cheap"2.1) sound horrible,
not even talking about the cheap crossovers etc being used in those as well.
im not a bass head, but do like full range sound (not cut off at "100 hz" because of lack of proper sub etc), and especially with movies
having a sub with proper/matching output makes a lot more fun.

the klipsch 2.1 (6.5in sub) would be a nice "starter", something better i would look at the edifiers (above 150$).

depending on what is more important (gaming or movies), see if you can find a sound blaster Z or Xonar DX (or similar) at/below 100$
(maybe open box from amazon/microcenter etc), to me still sounds better than onboard and provide a noticeable difference (to me).
and with the Uni drivers (1823) i have 0 issues running it, something that isnt the case with some realtek drivers/software.

with cans its a bit different, as you want to listen to the different types
(closed ones usually have more bass but produce "in-head" sound, open ones usually less bass but better positioning and more of a "stereo speaker" sound
with better left/right separation as well).
and so far everyone i got to switch (to open type headphones), even see improvements when gaming/movies (not just music),
and i love the fact i dont get hot ears (like some closed type) even when i play for couple hours.

 

[mclaren85]

@Fry178 I love Altec Lansing speakers. Which one do you think is better? Altec or Klipsch?

 

[freeagent]

Id probably go with the Klipsch, as my Altec Lansing's kind of suck

 

[Waldorf]

for AL, havent looked at their more expensive stuff, but what we carry in the store (especially portable stuff),
isnt that great, especially compared to other name brands, same for their (home) speaker stuff up to 100ish $.

then again, Klipsch sells a "Reference series" 2.1 SB, that doesnt even have one movie-relevant certification ,
when other brands not only offer that, but even dolby atmos/Hi_res etc.

the only reason i bought the klipsch cause i got them for way less than a used Z 2200/2300 (9/8" sub) would have cost me,
and they were to have decent SQ (not just output)
i do like them on the sound , as they dont over do the mids (compared to low/high freq.)

 

[joellim]

you should get good stereo speakers with a subwoofer from a well known spaeker company, NOT an electronics company that just so happen to make spaekers like Creative or Logitech.
personally im using an Audioengine A5+ with S8 subwoofer. they are tuned for nearfield listening so they they can be the same desk at you're using. Some of the more powerful and expensive sites needs a lot of space in between the speakers and the listener to sound good. For example @trickson 's setup is amazing but you wouldnt be able to sit 50cm away and listen to them.

 

[Waldorf]

just because its a speaker maker, doesnt mean anything. they can produce crap as well,
same for the others. just because its logitech/creative doesnt automatically mean they sound bad,
especially for ppl that dont spend +500$ on a 2.1, which will also needs to be properly fed/source
to make a difference over something for a third of the price.

 

[trickson]

just because its a speaker maker, doesnt mean anything. they can produce crap as well,
same for the others. just because its logitech/creative doesnt automatically mean they sound bad,
especially for ppl that dont spend +500$ on a 2.1, which will also needs to be properly fed/source
to make a difference over something for a third of the price.

There is something out there for everyone.
It all boils down to one factor and ONLY one.
How much are you willing to spend, This is the one and only factor in ANYTHING we do from cars to PC's.
The statement "THE BEST" is on it's face a non-sequitur and very subjective at "best".
If you are asking for the "BEST" that you can afford, Then a dollar amount or Budget is needed to be able to give the "BEST" overall product line within that budget.
SO if your budget is a Ford pinto then you can NOT even begin think of looking at the Dodge Demon.

What is the REAL budget for the "BEST" PC audio you are willing or have on hand to spend?
That is the first question, Space room size and level of audio equipment (Doldy surround, ATMOS, 5.1/7.1CH ect.) do you want, where will it be located? Ie.. How much space do you have for the Audio unit for the PC?
If you are at a desk then an AVR system is well dumb. Where are you going to put all that stuff?
SO without ME knowing all this , I just tell you how mine is setup. Yes I have thousands in cash invested in my audio and it is no secret why, I spent thousands on my COMPUTER too!
I have the "BEST" computer and Audio system I can buy! I have the "BEST" audio system and COMPUTER system I have EVERY had or built in the past.
I HAVE "THE BEST" PERIOD!
The ONLY reason is because I chose to have it.

 

[StaticVapour]

How about the room where your setup is located, it plays huge role in audio quality. Is there any sort of echoing in your room? Is there huge window(s)?

 

[trickson]

How about the room where your setup is located, it plays huge role in audio quality. Is there any sort of echoing in your room? Is there huge window(s)?

I addressed that as well. And all that is really overcome with a good set of drivers. and keeping them away from the windows when possible, If not just make sure you are at least 6" from the wall or windows. YES 6" is what I said.

 

[StaticVapour]

I addressed that as well. And all that is really overcome with a good set of drivers. and keeping them away from the windows when possible, If not just make sure you are at least 6" from the wall or windows. YES 6" is what I said.

Room acoustics are huge thing and they have to be always addressed I know how it feels to have room with bad acoustics, bass cancellation and dips in response at my sitting spot is no fun

 

[trickson]

Room acoustics are huge thing and they have to be always addressed I know how it feels to have room with bad acoustics, bass cancellation and dips in response at my sitting spot is no fun

I agree all can be over come with some tweaking and good drivers.
I would recommend to anyone that has a sub a couch and a wall to try this.
Take your subwoofer (Again if you can) place it behind the couch yes up against the wall is fine. You will hear a huge difference in the bass quality and sound.
Most of the time angling and toeing in or out the speakers can cancel out the echo or just changing around your furniture will do this as well.
This is for people like me that have a theater setup in there living room with your PC as the entertainment hub.

 

[MyTechAddiction]

time to add my 2 cents:

Sound cards: anything with SNR over 90DB is decent, 95 DB is ok 100DB is good anything over 100DB is excellent
There is a limit to what a pc output can do and then you need a amplifier.
Speakers: cheap,plastic ones are to be avoided. Bigger is always better. 3-way separation is good, some fancy system go further than that.
acronim soup software - most of the stuff is (in my opinion) just equalizer and gain tricks, some of the best will mess with flanger, reverb and echo effects.Don't pay for them.
The human hearing limit is from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz and it degrades with age. Any systems or software that claims more is lying. You don't need 24bit 192KHz (192 000 Hz) for listening unless you are a dog, cat or maybe an alien.

Also don't stand too close to the speakers.

 

[trickson]

time to add my 2 cents:

Sound cards: anything with SNR over 90DB is decent, 95 DB is ok 100DB is good anything over 100DB is excellent
There is a limit to what a pc output can do and then you need a amplifier.
Speakers: cheap,plastic ones are to be avoided. Bigger is always better. 3-way separation is good, some fancy system go further than that.
acronim soup software - most of the stuff is (in my opinion) just equalizer and gain tricks, some of the best will mess with flanger, reverb and echo effects.Don't pay for them.
The human hearing limit is from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz and it degrades with age. Any systems or software that claims more is lying. You don't need 24bit 192KHz (192 000 Hz) for listening unless you are a dog, cat or maybe an alien.

Also don't stand too close to the speakers.

Well said my TPU Friend.



This must be why my dogs go bannanas when I am jammin out LMFAO!

 

[Waldorf]

@trickson
except putting the woofer close to seating position is most of the time counter productive.
the lower the freq, the longer the wave, the more distance i need between speaker and listener, or im not getting the full output.
one reason you will hear more bass once you start to be +5ft away.

 

[trickson]

@trickson
except putting the woofer close to seating position is most of the time counter productive.
the lower the freq, the longer the wave, the more distance i need between speaker and listener, or im not getting the full output.
one reason you will hear more bass once you start to be +5ft away.

Yes and No.
Depends on room size sub size and power and the amount as well. I have one sub more than enough for me and my room, Other rooms need 2 subwoofers and in this case you can have the best of both worlds IMHO and that would be one in front and one in back, That is how I want to set mine up and all I need is one more sub.
Think I may get one today

 

[Waldorf]

i dont mean having enough bass, im talking about hearing/getting 100% of what the woofer puts out.
there is no way, you will hear full output from a 10 or 12 in woofer running @50Hz that is 2ft away from you (vs + 6 ft),
not gonna happen, no matter the room size/output.
the lower the frequency, the more distance is needed so the wave can build up to full, this isnt something you can "change".

optimum for 50Hz is +20ft, half wave is almost 12ft distance needed...

Length of Sound Waves & Wavelengths In Our Rooms – Acoustic Fields

Room modes can have two major effects on the sound in our home theater... These modes are determined by the length of sound waves or acoustic wavelengths.

www.acousticfields.com

 

[trickson]

i dont mean having enough bass, im talking about hearing/getting 100% of what the woofer puts out.
there is no way, you will hear full output from a 10 or 12 in woofer running @50Hz that is 2ft away from you (vs + 6 ft),
not gonna happen, no matter the room size/output.
the lower the frequency, the more distance is needed so the wave can build up to full, this isnt something you can "change".

optimum for 50Hz is +20ft, half wave is almost 12ft distance needed...

Length of Sound Waves & Wavelengths In Our Rooms – Acoustic Fields

Room modes can have two major effects on the sound in our home theater... These modes are determined by the length of sound waves or acoustic wavelengths.

www.acousticfields.com

Whatever now we are getting off base here. This is not about sound waves dude.
Take a chill. Bass can be felt as well as heard. That is the ENTIRE point of a SUB! TO FEEL the music / MOVIE come alive Jesssssss.....

 

[Waldorf]

only have a problem ppl stating wrong information.
and one thing i really dont like: anyone not my parent/gp or mod/admin, and telling me what i need to do.

 

[trickson]

only have a problem ppl stating wrong information.
and one thing i really dont like: anyone not my parent/gp or mod/admin, and telling me what i need to do.

I agree.
I am sure NOT giving out any WRONG information google and Wiki do NOT KNOW EVERYTHING FOR GOD SAKE! LOL.
Oh and no one is telling you a thing, least of all what to do or what you need to do. Sorry you feel this way.

 

[freeagent]

It is about sound waves, it all about sound waves. And real stereos don’t need subwoofers

By stereo, I mean just that, Left and Right.

 

[trickson]

It is about sound waves, it all about sound waves. And real stereos don’t need subwoofers

By stereo, I mean just that, Left and Right.

LOL. So funny.
JUST SO FUNNY!

 

[freeagent]

I haven’t heard any recent hifi, but my buddy’s dad was into British hifi from the 90s. Crazy expensive stuff, I haven’t really heard anything better since then. I sure as shit know an AVR can never sound like it.

Rotel, Angstrom, NAD, Cyrus, Citation, Tannoy, Haywood, Nakamichi, Marantz, Linn, Classe, Bryston, Rega are just some of the names I remember.

 

[trickson]

I haven’t heard any recent hifi, but my buddy’s dad was into British hifi from the 90s. Crazy expensive stuff, I haven’t really heard anything better since then. I sure as shit know an AVR can never sound like it.

That is opinion because well mine sure sounds as good as ones I seen in the hifi stores.
AVR's are more than capable of doing what you are saying they can not, See that is misinformation.
I would pit mine against any in it's class and be more than capable of holding out.

ALSO the misinformation part is you have NOT heard anything since the 90's so what are you basing your AVR can not compete theory on? Conjecture? Feelings? Google told you?
See this is where you need to step aside from the conversation.