Audio Quality: RightMark Audio Analyzer 16/44.1

Here, we really need to look at the swept IMD test at the bottom of the page to see the problems with Creative's implementation. Note, also, that the Gina3G maintains a very flat frequency response. And though the Gina3G's noise and dynamic range numbers are "not as good" as the Creative cards, the behavior is more consistent across the audible spectrum.


TestEcho Audio Gina3GSB Audigy 2 ZS Platinum ProSB Audigy 4 ProIntel HD Audio
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB: +0.04, -0.09+0.13, -0.36+0.13, -0.36+0.25, -0.32
Noise level, dB (A): -94.3-95.6-94.5-87.8
Dynamic range, dB (A): 94.194.394.187.1
THD, %: 0.00570.00280.00330.0061
IMD, %: 0.00790.00760.00810.018
Stereo crosstalk, dB: -94.9-95.2-93.3-87.6

Spectrum graph
Frequency response

Spectrum graph
Noise level

Spectrum graph
Dynamic range

Spectrum graph
THD + Noise (at -3 dB FS)

Spectrum graph
Intermodulation distortion

Spectrum graph
Stereo crosstalk


Spectrum graph
IMD Sweep comparison


Note the flatness of the IMD sweep test on the Gina3G and the sharp contrast of the Intel and especially the Creative solutions. The range of frequencies graphed isn't very clearly labeled, but the graph starts at 2kHz and goes to 20kHz on the x-axis. As the value plotted on this graph represents the dB level of intermodulation distortion present in the signal when those frequencies are swept, and the signals are 1kHz apart, a large part of the distortion will be in the form of a 1kHz tone (F2 - F1). This is obviously bad and can indicate that even in audible high frequency data could cause problems right in prime listening space.

Audio Quality: RightMark Audio Analyzer 16/48 Audio Quality: Qualitative Analysis
Comments Locked

89 Comments

View All Comments

  • S0me1X - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    There are many more factors that effects the sound quality than just the chipset...
  • knitecrow - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    Onkyo SE-150PCI is a via ENVY24 based soundcard. I expect it to be like all hi-end VIA ENVY24 based cards.
  • vailr - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    Please also consider, for camparison:
    Onkyo SE-150PCI PC Digital Audio Board
    http://www.audiocubes.com/product_info.php?product...
  • knitecrow - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    Its a good primer, got my hopes up... I would have liked to seen a more comprehensive round-up

    The soundcards/audio solutions I would like to get compared:

    Consumer ENVY24 boards:
    $25 chaintech AV-710 (i've found to sound as good as any audigy)
    $100 M-audio Revolution 7.1 or Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1


    Pro ENVY24 cards:
    M-audio audiophile 2496

    I like the suggestions about
    Creative Live! & turtle beach santa cruze
    realtek alc850 onboard
    analog devices onboard
    nvidia nf2 soundstorm

    I'll look forward to such a roundup.
  • S0me1X - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    However, its not something I'd get if I just want the highest quality sq from a computer ;)
  • S0me1X - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    Motu 828 looks interesting :) Firewire is another excellent interface for this application, if implemented properly.
  • tr1kstanc3 - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    still a good review and i do hope you follow up on your conclusion to test real "pro-audio" interfaces!
  • tr1kstanc3 - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    my motu 828 mkii puts the smackdown on those reviewed cards... gina is decent but i wouldnt quite put it at the 'pro' level. should have used something slightly better like a digidesign 002, motu 828/896, rme...
  • S0me1X - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    #69
    You should consider EMU0404 or EMU1212 ($100 and $200, respectively).
    Even better would be to use digital out from Chaintech AV710 ($25, can be flashed to Prodigy 7.1 firmware and get bitperfect digital out) to a nice external DAC. There are a lot of options for the external DAC, one of the best for this purpose is Benchmar DAC1, which can be had for $975.
  • sparky001 - Friday, February 4, 2005 - link

    Since we are in an era of htpc's. I think we need clarification on playback more than we do recording.

    I think most people that acctually wanted to do recording would go get a dedicated recording solution.

    But because of limited drivers and the like (linux) most playback cards tend to be of the consumer variety.

    I very much would like to see the ENVY chips reviewed. And a short piece on OS compatibility.

    People will have very specific perposes for looking at these audio reviews. ie
    Games- SPdif
    Games- Analogue
    Playback-SPdif
    Playback-Analogue
    Recording-All
    I guess.

    Also unfortunatly the domanant audio source is still 16bit/44.1hkz. Since my HTPC has to playback every CD that I have on my server in uncompressed WAV format, I want the best card for that purpose.

    Thanks Derek.

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now