Which onboard audio codec is better?

[jmebonner]

I'm looking at a couple MSI boards, the only difference that I care about is the audio types, one is the Onboard Audio:AC97 Interface supporting up to two concurrent codecs which is $92 shipped

The other is Onboard Audio:Realtek ALC650 6-channel audio. This one is $104 shipped. I don't really listen to a lot of music, but do play a few games.
I'll be using Logitech Z-560s for speaks

What's the difference?

Thanks for the help!

[Peter M]

Well the Realtek one also connects through AC97 bus, that's not a criteria. What's the other choice then?

[jmebonner]

I see, I'm not at all familiar, so it really doesn't matter? I believe I'll be going w/ the cheaper one if that's the case.
Thanks PM

Jme

[Scott Tiger]

I'm not sure this is a question of Codecs. Don't you really just want to know which one sounds better?

My opinion? Get the cheaper one and then put the savings toward a SB Live 5.1. You can get that card for under $40 shipped at Newegg.com.

Regards..

[AMD2400]

IMO, I would get the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz over the Soundblaster live 5.1 sound card.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...ion=Santa+Cruz

$59 w/ free shipping

[jmebonner]

Yeah, I've owned it before, great card. I'm going to try onboard for a while, though.
thanks again,
Jme