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DISCOUNT SOUND CARDS BUYING GUIDE
You need a sound card if you dont have an on-board sound chip on
your motherboard. Almost
all kinds of applications need sound - from games and music to business
projects presentations, multimedia apps, and movies. Do look out
for these features of a sound card.
Channels of Sound
Card
These are the various channels of sound card:
-
2 channels:
These sound cards support stereo output for 2 speakers
-
2.1 channels: It
supports 2 speakers + 1 woofer
-
4.1 channels:
4.1 channels sound cards support 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers
and 1 woofer.
-
6 channels / 5.1
channels: This means it supports surround sound for 1 center
speaker, 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers and 1 woofer.
-
7 channels / 6.1
channels: It supports 2 front speakers, 2 middle speakers, 2 rear
speakers and 1 woofer.
A woofer or sub-woofer produces base sound. For general listening, a
2-channel sound card will do. However, if you want surround sound with
low-range sound, you might want to consider 4.1, 5.1 or 6.1-channel
sound card. As a PC gamer myself, I cant describe how realistic a
computer game can be in a surround sound system environment. Movies and
music played on it? What more can I say
Note: Keep in mind
that the channels of sound card you choose must be coupled with the
right speakers to enjoy the full benefits. For example, a 2.1-channel
sound card should output to a 2.1-speaker system to get the full
spectrum of sound.
Types of Sound Card
-
Internal Sound
Card
-
External Sound
Card: Certain small-size external USB sound cards might not have
headphone jack.
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