kbkid

At times, I find myself not even running the CarPC in my Explorer because the sound coming from it is horrible. I've had it in my Explorer for 1-1/2 years just about and the sound is completely lacking. I've searched through the FAQs and I've seen that running something other than the on-board sound card is the way to go, but I'm not sure whats right for me. Let me tell you my systems specs:

I'm running the Via M10000 with 512MB memory.

As of right now, I'm using a Pioneer 8600 headunit and using the AUX input hooked to the onboard sound of the Via. From my headunit, I've got signal going to two different amps. It just seems that once I listen to music on the PC, the sound downgrades extremely. I'd like it to be of the same quality of an original album.

What do you'll recommend? Am I giving enough information?

Thanks,
KB

lbridges

Are you playing the same music from both, i.e., an MP3 on the computer and the same MP3 copied to a CD? If not, that can be one aspect of the difference. MP3s do degrade sound quality.

Are you running the computer sound system with no enhancements, i.e., is Winamp set to flat response and tuning done only on the headunit? Could be the tone controls/equalization is "fighting" each other.

There is a program (Google RMAA) that will test the sound card. That might show some shortcomings, although without a master reference, the best it can show (IIRC) is frequency response.

kbkid

I sometimes can play the same source, but other times the sound from just the headunit sounds better.

I'll have to check about the Winamp but I'm sure most of my tuning is done on my headunit.

I'll look into the program as well. Thanks for the tips.

Is it common though for people to feel as if their onboard is lacking so they tend to upgrade to an external soundcard? I'm using a Morex 3688 Mini-ITX case so I don't think I'm able to pick up a sound card like that, but what are my other options.

lbridges

I use a laptop as my carputer. I ran tests on two laptops I had available and the internal sound on one was great, the other only so-so. Since I ended up using the "so-so" laptop for a variety of other reasons, I ended up with a Creative Audigy2 ZS PCMCIA. I would guess your best bet would be a USB based sound card/box.

grayvader

Motherboards (especially those in notebooks) outputs vary greatly in the component chosen for the passives. The low frequency rolloff can be VERY ugly. Often times frequencies below 100hz just aren't passed. This is just one example of possible issues... There are plenty of other places to find problems. Output voltages also vary... 1V is typical and not nearly good enough for a car environment. I could go on, but the best comment... "mileage may vary."

kbkid

So your pretty much saying there are too many possiblities to narrow the problem down to one.

durwood

M10000 onboard sound lacks the higher quality components a good soundcard will have, so the signal to nosie ratio is low, Digital to anlaog conversion is terrible, and the signal voltage can lack. Some people don't notice it, others do. Since you notice then upgrade your sound card. It's a no brainer. Check the FAQ in this subforum for a list of external cards or do some searching on your own for PCI options. Creative labs tend to be very popular for most people, although there are other options too.

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kbkid

Alright it looks like my choices are this:

1) Buy a new case that has a PCI slot in it, then purchase a Creative Labs sound card. Cost: $200 roughly

2) Buy an external USB sound card. There are a few problems with this option, one being I have read that the USB cards are not as good as the PCIs. Second, if I end up with a USB card, I will need some input from others on what they recommend and what not.

kbkid

Which route would you guys take?

kbkid

It looks like the USB option would be the easiest, but is it of same quality has a PCI card? My entire audio system looks like this right now. Maybe you guys could tell me which is better for my application...

Headunit powering rear stock door speakers
Four Channel Orion 8004 powering components up front and tweeters in A Pillar
Orion 2500d powering two subwoofers.

I have the AUX input of the headunit run to the onboard sound on the motherboard.

Which way would you guys go?

lbridges

I think it will be tough to get a definitive answer.

USB can deliver excellent sound. For a resource list, consult this post by durwood et al: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/car-...card-list.html

kbkid

Durwoods thread is very informative. I've read it a few times now, I'm just not sure what to take of it all really. I'm going to continue reading, but if anyone can recommend one USB card over another and has experience with it, I'd greatly appreciate it.