MtothaJ wrote:Just to follow up, I ended up ordering a Asus Xonar DG PCI card.
The key considerations were:
- relatively inexpensive
- overall highly recommended / good reviews
- opportunity to utilise the legacy PCI slot, in close proximity to the front panel HD audio cable
- headphone amp circuit
- optical out
- dedicated Win 10 x64 drivers
Once I recieve the card I will post some thoughts on how it compares to the standard onboard audio.
Just to confirm, my understanding is that before I install the card I should turn off the onboard Realtek audio? From what I recall I would do this in the bios, Security Settings then 'Azalia Audio' or something similar - is that correct?
OK, so recieved the Xonar DG sound card yesterday and proceeded with the install.
Installation was easy - I begun by turning off the Azalia / HD audio in the bios, which made the onboard Realtek disappear, then turned off, installed the card in the legacy PCI slot, connected the front panel audio cable to the card, booted up, installed the Win 10 drivers and I was good to go.
First impressions are very favourable - the sound is fuller, less scratchy and - for a lack of a better word - less tiresome than the onboard audio. It also looks like the card supports ASIO which is another bonus.
So these are the first impressions, will come back some time in the future after spent some time using the card.