Poasters

Computers and Technology => System Builds & Upgrades => Topic started by: Bill on July 25, 2019, 09:04 hrs

Title: PC audio quality?
Post by: Bill on July 25, 2019, 09:04 hrs
I have done all the little tweaks and adjustments available in win 7, and the best I can say is I have more volume available.
Any suggestions for actually the quality of the sound. Am I limited to just buying better speakers, maybe a small sub?
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: scuzzy on July 25, 2019, 13:53 hrs
Windows does not have any options for adjusting the sound quality. 3rd party software that sometimes comes with the sound drivers might help, but normally your best option is quality powered speakers.
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: Bill on July 25, 2019, 15:40 hrs
That or a full blown 5.1 sound card. Sound cards aren't very expensive but the speaker system could be.  I'm going to explore the speaker route first. Thanks.
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: carskick on August 06, 2019, 16:24 hrs
A couple of thoughts:

Software EQ is the cheapest/easiest solution. Download the driver directly from your sound chipset manufacturer if it's available, ie Realtek has full equalization built in. Otherwise, software EQ will work.

Upgrading your sound card is another option, as you stated. My wife and I each use Sound Blaster Z cards, which we got refurbished on ebay for about $60 each. Great cards, been using them for a few years now. Even has a very powerful headphone amp built in with a dedicated output.

Last is better speakers. Of course, equalization is good regardless of speakers, but equalizing bad speakers is like polishing a turd. ;)
I've had my Klipsch Promedia 2.1s for over 10 years, but I've had to replace the Control Pod, Amp, and Sub speaker in that timeframe. Completely worth it, as they sound quite good for what they are. There are other good computer speakers out there, or you can buy an amp and power any speakers you want with them.

Tons of options!
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: Bill on August 06, 2019, 18:09 hrs
Welcome back, nice to hear from you again. You're suggesting a sound card first and then a speaker upgrade?
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: carskick on August 10, 2019, 13:50 hrs
Thanks, Bill! I don't come back enough...

It kind of depends on what the issue is. A better sound card (assuming your using analog) will sound better, but giving you full Equalization Control means you can tweak the output for your preferences and speaker configuration. Most integrated sound cards have extra drivers you can download that have an equalizer, so you may want to explore that before upgrading.

It's hard to suggest one or the other without knowing what you've got or what your exact sound issue is...  ;)
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: Bill on August 11, 2019, 11:28 hrs
Thanks, I'm using win 7 with Realtek HD audio that has an equalizer with Creative 2.0 speakers. I'm exploring ways to improve the sound in general.  Mainly youtube videos and music. 
Your Klipsch Promedia system is still available at $140 or so.  I don't think I want to get involved with an external amp, that would probably be overkill.
Buying speakers online is like a pig in a poke or an online monitor you haven't seen in person.  My last trip to Best Buy (Amazon's showroom) was not very productive.  Only a few demos live and mostly Polk and SONY monsters. Do you have an alternative or two to recommend?
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: carskick on October 08, 2019, 00:49 hrs
Sorry for the delayed reply.

I haven't seen too many Polk or Sony systems for PCs lately.

The Klipsch's are really excellent for the money, and you get free returns on Amazon if you don't like them. (They pay shipping)

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Pro-Media-Certified-Speakers/dp/B009L1NY0M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=klipsch+promedia&qid=1570513627&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Pro-Media-Certified-Speakers/dp/B009L1NY0M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=klipsch+promedia&qid=1570513627&sr=8-1)

I mean, if you just want to fix it and be done! ;D

A better sound card will help, too, but they sound pretty descent with a Realtek HD.
Title: Re: PC audio quality?
Post by: Bill on October 08, 2019, 08:03 hrs
Thanks Cars.  I am planning on buying the Klipsch Pro media speakers.  While sound cards are not expensive these days, I'm going to try the speakers first.