Sound Card suggestion to get rid of Realtek ALC4080

[wNotyarD]

Hello, I thought about making this connection before. But there is a situation like this, when I get sound output from the graphics card, will the sound quality be lower than the current sound quality? And is there a control panel that allows me to manage the sound settings of the graphics card? (like realtek or sonic studio)

I'm afraid you'll only have the Windows Mixer and whatever other options/enhancements Windows has for any sound output.
Audio quality from the GPU shouldn't be low, though, it's digital. If it does lose quality, it'd be something on your monitor's DAC. But that will be for you to test and see if it is up to your standards or not.

 

[Dr. Dro]

This may sound weird and I truly hesitated at first - I had a NU Audio that doesn't fit on my new ROG Apex Encore motherboard.

Head out to the Apple Store and buy their USB-C to headphone jack adapter meant for the iPhone 15. It actually drives my Sony studio cans just fine. That should be all you need, trust me on that one. It's incredibly inexpensive, the sound has no noise and the volume is great... I was amazed, that thing basically outperforms any low-end sound card and doesn't owe much even to a high-end model.

 

[Ferather]

In regards to GPU audio, the information given is 100% correct, I have an HDMI to SPDIF converter that also has 3.5mm out, HOWEVER be aware the 3.5mm has a DAC and also so does a monitor.
If you go through the monitor its the same as the converter, if you use the 3.5mm out, you are using the monitors DAC. The ALC 4080 is 1220 based without the HDA bus.

Personally I use SPDIF-Optical and have done for 20+ years, my speaker system is Class-D so there is no DAC, but otherwise it would be sound system DAC.


I don't use HDMI myself, it was a test unit sent to me that supports 6 channel LPCM over Optical, HDMI is junk.
You wont find any mastering systems or external DAC's supporting HDMI.

GPU's use an HDA bus for audio, btw. Anything using an HDA bus is limited to ~37 Mbits/s for audio, both SPDIF and HDMI.
Current consumer SPDIF is more limited by BMC, but still reaches 62.5 Mbits/s for audio, more than the bus.

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[AlejoZ]

Got it. All I want is a decent sound card that works with w11. Everyone recommends a DAC. I don't know what to do.


Can you recommend a DAC that isn't too expensive?


I am looking for a sound card that is not expensive and works properly. Even an ALC1220 or a card that works stably at that setting would be a good suggestion. I don't know what to do, to be honest. Everyone is recommending a DAC.

Yeah sure

FiiO K5 Pro https://tinyurl.com/y3kvn2y7

iFi Zen DAC V2 https://tinyurl.com/497t4wnx

This is the one I use

S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKIII https://tinyurl.com/mrpcdy58

 

[Ferather]

Not to sound offensive, but to point out, buying a new soundcard is the same as buying a new DAC. Going through some of the responses there is some confusion going on.
A PCIe soundcard won't necessarily be different to a PCIe GPU, it might use an HDA bus, or it might be PCI, if HDA it should work well (same as a GPU).

A USB external DAC is the same as a soundcard but instead of internal PCIe, USB, it potentially could be a duplicate of a PCIe model.
There are plenty of USB DAC's that work perfectly, can't say how they do their bus, most likely a USB bus.

 

[nomdeplume]

In essence it appears there are multiple issues of which audio is probably the hardest to ignore and most impacted. Strong reasoning exists to suspect the Asus mobo is especially prone towards amplifying or creating conditions for this to occur.

At it's core this is an enthusiast site where rebuilding and reconfiguring systems is considered fun. In no arranged order here are some good ideas.

1. Try another wall outlet. Or another wall outlet with a known functional powerstrip/UPS. Taking PC to a friend or relatives is also a good test.
2. You or someone you know proficiently using a multimeter to test everything from the wall outlet outwards. No programs, highly inaccurate and rely on inaccurate info.
3. Spend money on the solution you feel has the best chance of producing results.
4. If available try another PSU with your PC or a different PC in the immediate area of where yours is located.
5. Education. Example: ASIO audio driver traits versus typical audio drivers. One might even be present and unused on your mobo.
6. Digital audio programs/players can have a large effect by assessing and attempting to correct issues within the sphere intelligently programmed software can impact.
7. Completely disassemble and rebuild the system. Clean everything, examine everything, carefully insert everything back into place.

 

[Ferather]

To add to above:

Some onboard Realtek's have impedance sensing, ideally if you have a controllable amp, set it to minimum.
There are other options too, such as power config in the registry, can be an issue.

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[Ferrum Master]

most likely a USB bus.

Most use XMOS async Audio over USB to yer preferred device flavor, let it be i2s, MIDI, DSD etc...

It is the most advanced way these days, SPDIF being the strong number two in terms of being bullet proof.

Topping, SMSL and others... you have to more precise about your budget... they are all available on Amazon etc favorite store.

To add to above:

Some onboard Realtek's have impedance sensing, ideally if you have a controllable amp, set it to minimum.
There are other options too, such as power config in the registry, can be an issue.

He has a ASUS marvell... it is a motherboard design flaw... nothing can fix it. Time to time it happens, as most people are tone deaf anyways, barely anyone notices.

 

[Ferather]

@Ferrum Master, noted, I am still using Realtek HDA and are not 100% up to scratch with the newer USB ones, just enough to get PCM audio processing working as intended.
You can get multicore DSP SoC's now with I2C and some other interface types, TMS320C6678ACYP, ideal with SPDIF which can use CPU/DMA.

----

 

[droopyRO]

Did you try an older Realtek driver ? I had problems with the latest one, and reverted to the 2021 driver and no issues. Also a DAC is as big as a pack of cigarettes(my Fiio E10K for example) or about as a smartphone. No way space is an issue for anyone that is not living on the ISS or a submarine.

 

[Ferrum Master]

@Ferrum Master, just enough to get PCM audio processing working as intended.

That Texas Instruments looks very similar to Creative bridge.

For my personal designs is still use the venerable DIR9001 and pair it PCM1794A, I am also pretty old school... I am not ashamed of it either... I am pretty used to it, latest DIR9001 unoficcially actually work in 24/192 in hardware mode.

Recently I bought a pretty well priced ESS ES9039Q2M based DAC, it has so many things included out of the box, and it is the first ESS IC that doesn't get on my nerves. ESS has/had very signature distortion, but this one is pretty tame, and neutral... It works so well, I have no ADC devices that can outmatch it and read the noise floor. Here is a review... ofc Amirm.

Hardware is one part, but the most important part is software and that is the part important to all of us here reading this. XMOS currently has the most mature software stack, it works out of the box in Linux, Mac and needs a driver for Windows lol, I have used older XMOS model bridges in USB to i2s mode to my DAC boards, they are very robust, newer ones are also isolated, async, they solve a lot of inherited flaws. There are XMOS(XU208?) to SPDIF bridges if you are into it, very robust. It just bloody works, what you hook afterwards it is a different techiciality or matter of taste, but the core of the success is this, not the DAC afterwards.

So the short answer... no more internal Sound Cards... those are dead, nobody develops for those... DO NOT BUY. Sorry for the offtopic.

 

[Vayra86]

Are you sure it's not just some grounding issue? Cracking sounds shouldn't be a problem for alc4080

Yeah I just play heavy bass driven music and it ain't happening here on my alc4080, and it does sound quite nice.

I would rule out the connection and the speakers/receiver/amp first.

 

[Ferather]

Well if I remember correctly I2C and I2S are created by Phillips, and SPDIF stands for Sony-Phillips-Digital-Interface-Format.
It wont be that long before we get SPDIF SoC, fully dedicated digital hardware. Sorry off topic, also.

BMC is a bit of a limiting factor though, audio rate x 2 = BMC. TOSLink - Toshiba link, that's 3 major brands.

----

 

[nomdeplume]

So the short answer... no more internal Sound Cards... those are dead, nobody develops for those... DO NOT BUY. Sorry for the offtopic.

Reason I actively discouraged it was they are not, with exception for NU Audio, designed or feasible on modern hardware and OS. Sadly a lot of DAC are no better while technically working.

It really sounds like they just want a passable solution and considered the realistic options as going well beyond that. Whichever of the choices between a new mobo or (an educated guess and importing of) DAC is cheaper and easier will probably win out.

Something like a Focusrite Scarlett could also be an option here that might be available used.

 

[Orodruin]

I'm afraid you'll only have the Windows Mixer and whatever other options/enhancements Windows has for any sound output.
Audio quality from the GPU shouldn't be low, though, it's digital. If it does lose quality, it'd be something on your monitor's DAC. But that will be for you to test and see if it is up to your standards or not.

I will definitely try this this week. I hope the sound quality is good. To be honest, DAC prices are a bit high so I thought an internal sound card would do the job. But no one recommends it.

This may sound weird and I truly hesitated at first - I had a NU Audio that doesn't fit on my new ROG Apex Encore motherboard.

Head out to the Apple Store and buy their USB-C to headphone jack adapter meant for the iPhone 15. It actually drives my Sony studio cans just fine. That should be all you need, trust me on that one. It's incredibly inexpensive, the sound has no noise and the volume is great... I was amazed, that thing basically outperforms any low-end sound card and doesn't owe much even to a high-end model.

Unfortunately, what you mentioned is not in stock in my country. So I have to eliminate it.

In regards to GPU audio, the information given is 100% correct, I have an HDMI to SPDIF converter that also has 3.5mm out, HOWEVER be aware the 3.5mm has a DAC and also so does a monitor.
If you go through the monitor its the same as the converter, if you use the 3.5mm out, you are using the monitors DAC. The ALC 4080 is 1220 based without the HDA bus.

Personally I use SPDIF-Optical and have done for 20+ years, my speaker system is Class-D so there is no DAC, but otherwise it would be sound system DAC.


I don't use HDMI myself, it was a test unit sent to me that supports 6 channel LPCM over Optical, HDMI is junk.
You wont find any mastering systems or external DAC's supporting HDMI.

GPU's use an HDA bus for audio, btw. Anything using an HDA bus is limited to ~37 Mbits/s for audio, both SPDIF and HDMI.
Current consumer SPDIF is more limited by BMC, but still reaches 62.5 Mbits/s for audio, more than the bus.

----

I don't know what the features of the built-in DAC in my monitor are. I'll try to get sound output from my graphics card this week. I'll transfer the sound to the monitor and then output it to the speakers from the audio output on the monitor. Let's see how the quality will be.

Why doesn't anyone recommend any of the sound cards I shared that use the ALC1220 chip? Is their sound quality bad? Frankly, I'm not looking for something high-end. But wouldn't it be okay if I got a sound card with a good interface and no driver problems, and I'd continue to use it permanently?

Yeah sure

FiiO K5 Pro https://tinyurl.com/y3kvn2y7

iFi Zen DAC V2 https://tinyurl.com/497t4wnx

This is the one I use

S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MKIII https://tinyurl.com/mrpcdy58

Unfortunately, these DACs are not sold in Turkey. That's why it seems impossible for me to buy them. Frankly, I don't understand why buying a built-in sound card is not recommended. Because what I'm looking for is not a high-end thing. Just having it work properly and having a proper sound interface is enough for me.
Are those Asus or Creative cards bad models?
A proper sound card with ALC1220 would be more than enough for me.

Did you try an older Realtek driver ? I had problems with the latest one, and reverted to the 2021 driver and no issues. Also a DAC is as big as a pack of cigarettes(my Fiio E10K for example) or about as a smartphone. No way space is an issue for anyone that is not living on the ISS or a submarine.

It is very difficult to find the DAC I want in Turkey. For this reason, I am eliminating it. If it was in stock, Creative has a DAC, I think it was E4, I would buy it, but it is not. For this reason, I am thinking of buying a sound card, but no one recommends it. I need a sound card with ALC1220.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Unfortunately, what you mentioned is not in stock in my country. So I have to eliminate it.

Dang, no Apple Store or authorized retailer there? I can't speak for third party but the genuine Apple dongle just blew me away, I was really hesitating but an acquaintance kept insisting on it I decided to give it a shot, was not disappointed. Sure, it probably doesn't replace a proper DAC/amp, but until I can invest on better audio gear, it has made me happy.

The Realtek chip isn't the primary bottleneck to sound quality, though. It's the circuitry involved. Also, Realtek audio is... not the best. It's cost effective for motherboards, but preferably you want something with an XMOS chip and proper circuitry - Schiit, SMSL, Topping DAC/amp combo devices are great picks.

 

[Ferrum Master]

Unfortunately, these DACs are not sold in Turkey.

You can get SMSL even on Aliexpress... they are legit there.

 

[KaitouX]

Unfortunately, what you mentioned is not in stock in my country. So I have to eliminate it.

Dang, no Apple Store or authorized retailer there? I can't speak for third party but the genuine Apple dongle just blew me away, I was really hesitating but an acquaintance kept insisting on it I decided to give it a shot, was not disappointed. Sure, it probably doesn't replace a proper DAC/amp, but until I can invest on better audio gear, it has made me happy.

It seems to be available in the Turkish Apple store site for 340 TL. But there's and * on the EU version of the dongle as it doesn't supply as much power as the US one. And I don't know how the Asian version is, and also don't know which version would be the one available in Turkey. But the DAC part of the Apple dongle is nearly as good as you would want a DAC to be, and I'm pretty sure that part is the same regardless of the version.

 

[arbiter]

I miss my SB X-FI platinum that i used for 10+ years but couldn't on the board i bought ;/

 

[Orodruin]

Dang, no Apple Store or authorized retailer there? I can't speak for third party but the genuine Apple dongle just blew me away, I was really hesitating but an acquaintance kept insisting on it I decided to give it a shot, was not disappointed. Sure, it probably doesn't replace a proper DAC/amp, but until I can invest on better audio gear, it has made me happy.

The Realtek chip isn't the primary bottleneck to sound quality, though. It's the circuitry involved. Also, Realtek audio is... not the best. It's cost effective for motherboards, but preferably you want something with an XMOS chip and proper circuitry - Schiit, SMSL, Topping DAC/amp combo devices are great picks.

I had opened this thread on Toms and said that the current ALC4080 has a noise problem in the audio output.

Someone shared the following message with me;


"Its unfortunate that ASUS is so inconsistent at updating their website where updates are posted for one motherboard but not another motherboard with the same audio chip; perhaps they think that Realtek had already fixed those chips based on the date they received them. Since these updates only affect the audio chip they are independent of the motherboard:

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...9_ASUS.zip?model=ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
Fixed Line In volume of sound

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...5_ASUS.zip?model=ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
Fixed SPDIF playing music is noisy

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...5_ASUS.zip?model=ROG STRIX Z590-E GAMING WIFI
The 3rd update says that "Fixed Line Out playing music is noisy" so it may improve your sound.

Note that when you run the update installer it will tell you if your chip is older or already the same as the update and abort.

You could try these as a last resort right before you finalize your order for a new sound card."


It tells me to do the "Fixed Line Out playing music is noisy" Firmware update to fix the crackling sound problem.

Many ASUS Z690, Z790, X670, B650 motherboards use ALC4080. And they haven't shared all of this FW fix on each motherboard's page. Some only have SPDIF fixes. Some have fixes for all outputs.

Since the sound card is an independent chip from the motherboard, it suggested that I install this FW and test it to see if the problem is solved and if it is, I can avoid spending money on a DAC or sound card.

To be honest, there was a FW update on my motherboard's website for the sound cracking on the SPDIF output. But they didn't release it for the Normal "Line Out and Line In", but apparently other motherboards have these updates for the same ALC4080. Asus didn't put all of these on the motherboard pages!

I'll try this now. If it fixes my problem, it will save me from buying a DAC or a sound card. If it doesn't fix it, I'll buy a sound card or a DAC.

 

[Dr. Dro]

It seems to be available in the Turkish Apple store site for 340 TL. But there's and * on the EU version of the dongle as it doesn't supply as much power as the US one. And I don't know how the Asian version is, and also don't know which version would be the one available in Turkey. But the DAC part of the Apple dongle is nearly as good as you would want a DAC to be, and I'm pretty sure that part is the same regardless of the version.

Well mine is Brazilian, I actually went to the physical store at the mall to buy it (a rarity these days). If anything things sold here should be the same as the US spec though.

In any case it's exactly this one

Comprar adaptador de USB-C para conector de fones de ouvido de 3,5 mm

O adaptador de USB-C para conector de fones de ouvido de 3,5 mm permite conectar um plugue de áudio padrão de 3,5 mm aos seus aparelhos com USB-C. Ideal para fones de ouvido ou caixas de som.

www.apple.com

I had opened this thread on Toms and said that the current ALC4080 has a noise problem in the audio output.

Someone shared the following message with me;


"Its unfortunate that ASUS is so inconsistent at updating their website where updates are posted for one motherboard but not another motherboard with the same audio chip; perhaps they think that Realtek had already fixed those chips based on the date they received them. Since these updates only affect the audio chip they are independent of the motherboard:

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...9_ASUS.zip?model=ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
Fixed Line In volume of sound

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...5_ASUS.zip?model=ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
Fixed SPDIF playing music is noisy

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...5_ASUS.zip?model=ROG STRIX Z590-E GAMING WIFI
The 3rd update says that "Fixed Line Out playing music is noisy" so it may improve your sound.

Note that when you run the update installer it will tell you if your chip is older or already the same as the update and abort.

You could try these as a last resort right before you finalize your order for a new sound card."


It tells me to do the "Fixed Line Out playing music is noisy" Firmware update to fix the crackling sound problem.

Many ASUS Z690, Z790, X670, B650 motherboards use ALC4080. And they haven't shared all of this FW fix on each motherboard's page. Some only have SPDIF fixes. Some have fixes for all outputs.

Since the sound card is an independent chip from the motherboard, it suggested that I install this FW and test it to see if the problem is solved and if it is, I can avoid spending money on a DAC or sound card.

To be honest, there was a FW update on my motherboard's website for the sound cracking on the SPDIF output. But they didn't release it for the Normal "Line Out and Line In", but apparently other motherboards have these updates for the same ALC4080. Asus didn't put all of these on the motherboard pages!

I'll try this now. If it fixes my problem, it will save me from buying a DAC or a sound card. If it doesn't fix it, I'll buy a sound card or a DAC.

I can't say I've had noise problems on the Apex Encore (has ALC4080 chip) but it sounds muffled and flat to my taste. The NU sounded so much better, and so does the Apple dongle. I like powerful yet neutral sound.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Got it. All I want is a decent sound card that works with w11. Everyone recommends a DAC. I don't know what to do.

I just use bluetooth speakers or USB gaming headset and never had a problem with audio.

Sound from my monitor (through 3.5mm jack) sourced from DP or HDMI as worked well for me using AMD cards but I guess this also depends on your monitor and the quality of the connection with the jack.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Note: I do not want to buy a DAC because I do not want it to take up extra space.

Asus XONAR AE 7.1
Asus XONAR SE
Creative Audigy FX V2
Creative Sound Blaster RX

Any one of those would be a solid choice. I'm partial to the the SoundBlaster cards, but that's personal preference. IMHO, the Audigy FX is a great value!

 

[Orodruin]

Well mine is Brazilian, I actually went to the physical store at the mall to buy it (a rarity these days). If anything things sold here should be the same as the US spec though.

In any case it's exactly this one

Comprar adaptador de USB-C para conector de fones de ouvido de 3,5 mm

O adaptador de USB-C para conector de fones de ouvido de 3,5 mm permite conectar um plugue de áudio padrão de 3,5 mm aos seus aparelhos com USB-C. Ideal para fones de ouvido ou caixas de som.

www.apple.com

I can't say I've had noise problems on the Apex Encore (has ALC4080 chip) but it sounds muffled and flat to my taste. The NU sounded so much better, and so does the Apple dongle. I like powerful yet neutral sound.

I found the Creative SoundBlaster X4 and G6 second hand.

What if I choose one of these instead of the built-in sound card?

The prices are not too high and seem reasonable on the site I found.

Any one of those would be a solid choice. I'm partial to the the SoundBlaster cards, but that's personal preference. IMHO, the Audigy FX is a great value!

That was the first thing that came to my mind. I also wanted to buy the V2, but everyone said to buy a DAC. I found two DACs second hand.

Soundblaster G6 and X4.
What would happen if I chose one of these two?

 

[Dr. Dro]

I found the Creative SoundBlaster X4 and G6 second hand.

What if I choose one of these instead of the built-in sound card?

The prices are not too high and seem reasonable on the site I found.

That was the first thing that came to my mind. I also wanted to buy the V2, but everyone said to buy a DAC. I found two DACs second hand.

Soundblaster G6 and X4.
What would happen if I chose one of these two?

The G6 is well regarded as a portable DAC, and should work on your PC. The X4 is pretty good as well, and even more suitable for desktop use. Whichever you choose, I reckon you will be satisfied. Between those two, I would go for the X4. Good luck!