Is an audiophile soundcard worth it for HTPC?

[Rob]

Hi Guys,

Seems I'm not the only one having problems with soundcards! After 2 soundblasters failed on me, I tried a Trust digital surround 5.1 which worked fine first time. Trouble is that the sound quality is not up to my dedicated player, and I'm wondering if a better card would make much of a difference. (only used for movies).

On previous posts it has been said that any card with sp/dif out is fine. I'm interested what other people have found and are using. Am I expecting too much in thinking a PC will sound as good as a reasonable dedicated player?

Cheers Rob.

[Ken]

Rob
I used to use a SB live 5.1 and changed it for a M-Audio 24/96, and there is an unmistakeable improvement in audio quality.
This subject has been discussed to death on the avsforum and the concensus, is that an audiophile card is definately the way to go.

Ken

[Rob]

Thanks Ken,

Haven't been on AVS for a while. I know when I first put together my PC, the soundblaster was the card everybody was using. Think I'll try the M audio 24/96. Hopefully will improve things quite a bit.

Regards Rob.