HDMI audio output vs. 100+$ soundcards

[kitamesume]

i suddenly got this funny question pop into my head while using my HDMI as an audio output into my TV's speakers, so which do you guys think is a better pick?
since there are some videocards that can be bought for like less than 40$ that supports HDMI audio output, or maybe they don't really have much difference? or the receivers are the ones being expensive?

[copywrong]

It depends on what your end goal is.
I don't like to buy any hardware unless I feel like it is going to satisfy needs I have in the long run. I wouldn't bother with HDMI unless you have a receiver that supports it, and some decent speakers worth using. Otherwise you are probably going to be relying on your tv for audio and lets face it, HDTVs aren't widely known for their amazing audio experience.

I'm having a hard time answering your question 'cause it sounds like you are asking if you should buy something so that you can get the same results as what you currently have without it.

[kitamesume]

i do got a receiver that supports it, i just said so >,> "i suddenly got this funny question pop into my head while using my HDMI as an audio output into my TV's speaker"

the question is if buying a cheap videocard that supports HDMI audio output and bundle it with those HDMI-to-5RCA AV converter a much worth it than buying a 100+$ soundcard or rather than buy a soundcard?

well the end goal is having a cheap good quality audio source.

examples:
(60$) PCI-E (x1) Videocard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500233
(44$) AV converter - http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Composite-S-Video-Converter-3RCA/dp/B0047PDBP0/ref=pd_sim_e_1

well theres an option to step it up a notch, by buying those AV receivers that supports HDMI inputs.
(160$) Pioneer VSX-521-K - http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/pioneer-vsx-521-k/4507-6466_7-34539701.html?tag=subnav
i wonder if this could rival those soundcards reaching 200+$ <,<

[Mcgreag]

It depends a lot on where you are sending the hdmi audio. How good is the DAC and amplifier in the TV or receiver?
If the option is either sending digital or analog audio to the same receiver then digital definitely, but if the option is between sending digital audio to a receiver or analog audio to a dedicated power amplifier the choice is more difficult one.

[copywrong]

Sorry, I meant to say something like a stereo receiver.

[Prideless]

When using HDMI audio out, im assuming its using the built in audio processor on the discrete graphics card or onboard audio.

To answer your question having a decent sound card will almost always sound leagues better than onboard hd audio and even the audio procs on gpus.

Itll even sound better in combination with good speakers.

If your not an audiophile then most likely shelling out 100 on a sound card wouldnt be justified. imo.

[kitamesume]

so then it would be ok to conclude that they both have equal merits on their certain fields?

though i still got the question of who's superior in audio output quality on the 70-120$ price range.
but if we want to be precise in the price range then certain GPU+converter combination can be had for around 70$ GT210 and HD5450 usually are priced around 35$ while certain converters are priced around 35$.

[mgz]

so then it would be ok to conclude that they both have equal merits on their certain fields?

though i still got the question of who's superior in audio output quality on the 70-120$ price range.
but if we want to be precise in the price range then certain GPU+converter combination can be had for around 70$ GT210 and HD5450 usually are priced around 35$ while certain converters are priced around 35$.

if its being plugged into a hdtv use vga 15 pin for video and get a optical audio cable for whatever soundcard you get

[kitamesume]

so which is better? you guys are being confusing, since the HDMI's audio output should be of good quality, may it be comparable with a decently priced soundcard?

[vuzedome]

If you can get a good HDMI capable receiver and good audio system, then screw the sound card.
Or you can get a good amp and just go analogue out with a high end sound card.

Your choice really.

Or you go "audiophile" grade and get everything. Get the whole ASUS package which includes GPU and audio card and wire them up, will not go into details as you can easily read about it on ASUS's website, shoot your audio and video through the HDMI to high end receivers and into your HD-HIFI HTC setup.

[kitamesume]

^ so they are on even terms.

[vuzedome]

Just remember, your audio setup is only as good as its weakest link.

[mgz]

^ so they are on even terms.

realistically unless you have a VERY good sound system you are plugging this all into you should be fine with onboard audio as it wont make to much difference.

If you plan on using nice 150$ + headphones or a decent 1000$+ sound system then you might notice. Otherwise your weakest link will be the sound system and you wont notice shit.
And the 1000$ is the you buy your speakers and receiver separately since home theater in a box setups are shit and things like the bose systems are kinda shitty for things that arent movies.

[kitamesume]

how about being budget oriented? well for one i had this headphone that i noticed difference on the outputs of an ALC887 and ALC889, so might i notice any more difference between those onboards against a decent soundcard? how about a nice HDMI decoder?

well curiosity is such a nice thing to have, thank god it hasn't killed me yet.

[vuzedome]

It really comes down to what kind of sound you like.
Since we're all on digital now and mainly the op-amps are the main concern, it comes down to what you are using as the amp.

Well if you're talking about which is cheaper, buying a sound card and letting your external amp do the amping is cheaper than going full HDMI. Even all in one HDMI setups will cost more.

[halfelite]

You can get a decent setup for pretty cheap these days. If you piece is together. You can pick up a last years onkyo AVR that supports all forms of audio codecs. Just be warned you cant bitstream AAC has to be sent out as PCM For around 300$

Shop for a nice set of bookshelf speakers and center speakers the HTD level2 are a decent enough speaker coming in at 199$ a pair plus 129$ for the center. Then pick up an ED A3S - 250 sub you are looking at around 350$ for it.

Then just add rears and surround later. The sky is the limit when it comes to buying speakers for home audio. The setup above is similar to what i run.