AC '97 vs sound card

I'm currently using my ASUS A8N-E mobo with onboard AC '97 sound powering Logitech Z5300e 5.1 speakers. The speakers seem to be more suited to big bass than a balance with high-end crispness. They are THX certified, I've reduced the bass and increased the high end using RealTeks' equalizer.

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/2458/audiolu3.jpg

Would a PCI sound card help out on the high end while reducing the bass? These speakers are rated for 35 Hz-20kHz so I don't get it and my hearing is fine as when I listen to the same music at a friend's who has 3-ways, it sounds great. Thanks for any help MG audiophiles.

 

*bump*

 

Hi. You might try adding a passive equalizer between your sound card and your speaker system. They are not very expensive, and might allow you to further tailor your response to your ear. Good night and good luck.

 

I have a K8N-Neo with the same on-board sound system. I have read that AC'97 lowers the system's abilities. Wish I knew about HD audio before building the system...

 

Thanks 00py9sl9, I'll check out the passive eq cards. I'm curious as to why you are , this is a good sound package that I have except for the above mentioned. I do listen to a lot of classical music though for $180 CDN, I can't really complain. Just looking for a bit more. Thanks for the hint.

Hi Sailor, do you still have that link? It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

Its all about setup,I have an AC97neo board also and its sounds as good as my audigy,the only reason I use the audigy is for gameplay,music wise they are dissimilar they both sound awsome,I'm using speedlink medusa headphones ATM

Start in control panel sound and audio devices and the speaker volume is set at max,then go to speaker volume and set centre and channel 2 to max,then advanced check check 5.1 surround sound is enabled,adavnced sample rate and conersion set to max,check in volume properties that all are set to max,set the equalizer to e flat and disable all 'enhancement' options,set your treb and bass on the amp mid point and see how it sounds,with these settings on my AC 97 and speedlinks it sounds pretty good

 

Hehe, my friend came over and after listening to the speakers, he took the grills off and lo and behold, there were two ports that were blocked by the grills and improved the sound immensely! They are not mounted on the walls yet so I'll put the grills back on before I put holes in the speakers.

I'm very surprised that ports would help that much for hi freqs? I thought it was for bass only and the bass is better now too, more realistic. Live and learn. I'm happy now! Thanks guys. New eq shot below.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1548/musiczf5.jpg

@sl00py99 I think I understand why you are shocked, removing the grills made such a difference! WoooooHoooooooooooo!!!

 

Sweet

 

I didn'y read about it here, it was on a pc magazine. I don't say they don't do their job but you know how it feels with PCs. You buy something and then learn something better has been released.

 

Hehe, though in my defense the instructions said 'removable grills', not 'have to remove grills' and they looked so nice with my all black theme for the PC.

Anyways, as chance would have it, I saw that exact same board at %20 off w/rebate at Tiger. I don't want to spend too much as I already thought that this PC had enough extras already. I'll grab it and see and let y'all know though I am a happy camper ATM.

EDIT: One other thing I noticed, there is now no distortion which was caused by the grills bouncing around in their mounts. They could have just left the sat's in plastic for protection, at least I'd know what to do then.