Sound from Motherboard?

**Maegnas** · 07-31-2008, 01:48 PM

I have only line in, line out, and mic on my motherboard, but have a 4 channel amp for my speakers and a 2 channel amp running my 2 subs. What sound card is best for running this type of setup? Anyone with similar setup? What are you using?

Please, I just need recommendations, this sound card problem is basically the last thing crippling my CarPC.

Thanks to all who reply.

**Dougw133** · 08-01-2008, 12:19 AM

I am using same setup..4 channel amp for speaker and 2 channel for subs.

I use an OLD Sound Blaster Live 5.1. About 20 bucks on ebay. Use the KX drivers with it and you have an amazing sound stage. I run from the sound card, Rear out. Front out, and Sub/Center out to Rockford fosgate 3sixty. This helps because I can change the front and rear sub levels independently. If controlling the subs separately is not a concern of yours than they go right to the amps! You have to use 3.5 din (Standard Headphone Jack) to Split RCA (red/White).. Get them at radioshack for 5 bucks. You can get higher end cards but I find the KX drivers give you more capability and sound quality for Car audio than anything else.

**Maegnas** · 08-01-2008, 10:46 AM

Is your Sound Blaster PCI or USB? Also is there any way to control the levels with software on the computer rather than through a 3sixty? The 3sixty seems nice, but it's rather pricey for me at the moment. If I were to just connect right to my amps, would not being able to control the subs be a big difference? Would it still sound good?

Thanks Dougw133!

**HiJackZX1** · 08-01-2008, 11:04 AM

Seeing that he said Live 5.1, hes using the PCI version. I use the USB version, and I will warn you if you decide to use it. The card works flawlessly, but only after you call Creative and have them send you out a updated Driver and software CD. Once you install the contents the Sound Blaster Live 24bit USB works great. Also make sure you dont have to many power hungry devices on USB because it will cause some bandwidth issues and cause the sound to sound like your listening to old records. I have 4 amps, 1 for front, 1 for middle rear, 1 for back rear, and 1 for sub. This card allows you to set each speaker perfectly, also has 4 speaker emulation for line in devices so it doesnt only play in the 2 front speakers like the TURTLE BEACH cards do. The SB will play on all 4. Also it has a feature, if you decide not to use a center speaker for surrondsound, you turn off the center and it will automatically put the center through front left and right. The SB Live USB is very versatile and I like it because it doesnt use up the only PCI slot I have, which I use for a second USB 2.0 card.

**Dougw133** · 08-01-2008, 03:58 PM

I have Sound Blaster USB LIve 24 bit sitting in a box if you want it. That's how I feel about it. I have to admit have read mixed feelings on it. If you are running a small setup, and some mid end speakers its not too bad It juts didn't cut it for me on sound quality. At all..

No you don't have to use the 3sixty. It's an advantage but not a necessity. The only reason I had it was because I wanted to use my factory HU but replace speakers a long time ago. The KX drivers give you incredible control over your setup. There just a little weird to get used to at first, but well worth it.

**SpecialEd** · 08-01-2008, 05:04 PM

If you are tryingto get rid of your Sound Blaster USB LIve 24 bit, I'll take it. I have my carputer on a D945GCLF with pretty wimpy sound output via line out to stock Bose amps. I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands!

**Maegnas** · 08-01-2008, 07:23 PM

I'm either considering the PCI SB with a PCI riser cable, to fit it in my case, or the USB SB.

These both seem to be very cheap solutions, and that's what I'm looking for. I'm happy to hear that with the USB you can control so much, given what HiJackZX1 has said. That makes me seriously consider that card for my setup.

Does anyone have any experience with the Douglas DAC? Would that be a better option than the SB, and would it be a significant increase in sound quality?

**Dougw133** · 08-05-2008, 02:40 AM

What did you decide?

**HiJackZX1** · 08-05-2008, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Dougw133

I have Sound Blaster USB LIve 24 bit sitting in a box if you want it. That's how I feel about it. I have to admit have read mixed feelings on it. If you are running a small setup, and some mid end speakers its not too bad It juts didn't cut it for me on sound quality. At all..

No you don't have to use the 3sixty. It's an advantage but not a necessity. The only reason I had it was because I wanted to use my factory HU but replace speakers a long time ago. The KX drivers give you incredible control over your setup. There just a little weird to get used to at first, but well worth it.

WOW, really? I have a huge set up and I love the SB LIVE........ So what card did you end up going with. i havent found any that seem to do what the SB does, especially the 4 speaker emulation with line in devices. I tried the Turtle Beach SRM and it was so cr@ppy.

**Maegnas** · 08-07-2008, 11:31 PM

Well, I'm still deciding... but I've narrowed my options down quite a bit...

My Amps both have crossovers built in, so I'm gonna either be running:

1. SB w/ KX drivers to the amps.
2. DAC then to the amps.

Still trying to figure out whether the 150 extra bucks for the DAC is worth the sound quality or not. As well as when running the cables to the amps, run them directly to their individual amps, or run through the sub amp and then into the 4 channel?

I'm pretty new to this, so I'm currently being helped on my decisions... haha.

Input greatly appreciated! Thanks for asking

Maegnas