Sound card sounds no better than integrated motherboard audio?

[XGamer95]

I purchased the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card, a cheap, $30 card, and was expecting some improvement over my computer's integrated motherboard audio (Dell XPS 420), but I can't really tell the difference between the two. Is it possible for the card not to sound any better than my computer's integrated audio? I'm using the Logitech Z523 2.1 speaker system.

Sound card: Newegg.com - Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
Speakers: Newegg.com - Logitech Z523 40 Watts RMS 2.1 Speaker System

 

[Zepher]

yes it's possible.

 

[Wishmaster]

You may try adjusting some of the cards settings to see if it helps.


Im not sure about that exact card but ...

I have the Xi-Fi Extreme Gamer and Klipsch Pro Media Speakers.

The difference between the sound card, and onboard audio is huge.
Theres just no comparison.
My onboard sounds muddy & dull in comparision.



A large portion of the sound quality will be from how well the speakers can reproduce the audio. Not that those are bad, I've never heard them.
So if adjusting the sound cards setting does nothing to improve it, its possible it could be that particular sound card, the speakers themselves, or a combination of both.


It is probably fair to say, some modern onboard sound these days is just as good or better than the cheaper sound cards.