Can anyone recommend a good virtual sound card? (preferably free)

[HarryHusker]

Hey All,

New to the forums!

I have used SRS HD Audio/Audio Essentials (or whatever they call it now a days) for much better sound through my system/speakers with good results in the past. However, I was wondering if there is something else out their for DL that may be better? I am somewhat of an audiophile and like high quality sound to listen to my tunes with.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!!

Thanks,
Mr. Cornhusker

 

[pparks1]

I've never heard of such a thing. I understand the value of having a high quality physical sound card, but never anything virtualized through software. I'll have to head over to Google and do some reading.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have used SRS HD Audio/Audio Essentials (or whatever they call it now a days) for much better sound through my system/speakers with good results in the past. However, I was wondering if there is something else out their for DL that may be better? I am somewhat of an audiophile and like high quality sound to listen to my tunes with.

I used to have SRS audio, but have forgotten the details.

Most audio drivers now include lots of special effects and doo-dads that change the sound, but I'm not sure it's for the better.

I'd concentrate on traditional items such as high quality speakers, headphones, and amplifiers rather than the sound card or fancy add-ons.

 

[cyclic]

If you post details of your spec it could be possible to help enhance your sound output.

Welcome to SevenForums hope your time here is enjoyable

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Why not a better type solution IMO.

1) Forget the sound in the computer.
2) store music as FLAC on your HDD / Network disks.
3) Use software to use your computer as a AUDIO SERVER to stream flac to a device that can play FLAC -- a lot out there.

Output to high quality speakers.

Job done. !!!

I'm using the "Squeezebox system" - excellent and no probs with FLAC either.

Quality of sound card in computer is now 100% irrelevant !!.

You can also use a smart phone to control the device and choose your music too.

Wi-Fi Music Players

Tiny netbook as server is just as good as expensive computer with mega expensive sound card too.!!!

FLAC is compressed but LOSSELESS so music is just as good as original (WAV). I don't like hideously compressed mp3 stuff which is what about 90% of the people out there seem to be using.

cheers
jimbo

 

[boohbah]

i use winamp to play my music files and it has plugins available that enhance the sound, however they are outdated for the current winamp. that said winamp has an equalizer that has good presets that give an overall quality sound, it is a noticeable difference when you play the same track in wmp then winamp.

plugins...

http://soft.udm4.com/downloading/winamp_audio_enhancing_plugins/

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
the question from the OP was basically not HOW to play the music but to find a decent piece of kit which plays the music at a decent quality.

If the sound card is cheap on the PC then no amount of tinkering with Winamp etc will fix the quality.

My suggestion removes the whole sound card issue AWAY from the computer and on to dedicated devices which really can give you good sound. Most people have Wifi at home so this shouldn't be an issue.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[boohbah]

Hi there
the question from the OP was basically not HOW to play the music but to find a decent piece of kit which plays the music at a decent quality.

If the sound card is cheap on the PC then no amount of tinkering with Winamp etc will fix the quality.

My suggestion removes the whole sound card issue AWAY from the computer and on to dedicated devices which really can give you good sound. Most people have Wifi at home so this shouldn't be an issue.

Cheers
jimbo

i beg to differ jimbob
the op asked if there was a free alternative for DL (download) to the srs hd software he used to use to enhance the quality of the sound he got when playing music on his pc.
he didnt mention if his sound card is cheap.

Hey All,

New to the forums!

I have used SRS HD Audio/Audio Essentials (or whatever they call it now a days) for much better sound through my system/speakers with good results in the past. However, I was wondering if there is something else out their for DL that may be better? I am somewhat of an audiophile and like high quality sound to listen to my tunes with.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!!

Thanks,
Mr. Cornhusker

you directed him to purchase something like squeezbox which is a piece of hardwear.



my post was explaining that winamp has come a long way at boosting the sound quality of an mp3 over the basic quality i find one gets from wmp.
i certainly wouldnt try explain to a self confessed audiophile how to play music
but did answer his question as to free software that is available to enhance the sound

cheers

 

[HarryHusker]

Thanks guys,

Ya, I have my lappy's 3.5 jack out to an amplified (with a hefty amount of wattage) to two towers and a sub. It sounds pretty damn good already, but I was just curious as to what else is out there. SRS Audio Essentials does a pretty decent job actually- but I thought maybe one of ya'll could recommend something better, that's all.

Thanks!

 

[boohbah]

your welcome harry , like i say winamp IMO plays back with good quality sound, i dont know what media player you use ,but winamp is worth a try.
when i use the laptop i use good quality headphones so that negates the need for an audio enhancement for me, and like yourself on the desktop i have the pc jacked to a Technics home theater amp with 5.1 surround and sub, again no need for enhancements, plus thats using winamp with both lappy and desktop.
if i find a sound enhancing software i will post it up for you, but it will be untested.

edit: had a look at this ,its not free but the demo is impressive.

http://www.soundpimp.com/

 

[HarryHusker]

Ya, I just checked that out boobah, thanks for your efforts dude!

That is basically just like the SRS Audio Essentials which I have (basically, a virtual sound card), the SRS may be a little more high quality, but they are both pretty impressive. I will keep that in the back of my mind...

- Mr. Cornhusker