[mythtv-users] Integrated Sound vs. Sound Card, suggestions ??

[Brian Wood]

With all the advice I've received I think I am on the right path to  
some speakers and some electronics to drive them.

Just to start out, I hooked the audio output of my motherboard to my  
MacIntosh amps and fed some speakers I borrowed from my brother  
(older Cerwin Vegas)

The problem is that I am getting a lot of hum and garbage coming out  
of the line out (lime green) connector on my motherboard.

Even with all inputs muted and potted down with alsamixer, the noise  
is still unacceptable. I tried the usual re-dressing cables, checking  
grounds etc., to no avail. Unplugging the cable from the computer  
stops all noise and hum, so it does appear to be emanating from there.

The answer is, I suspect, a sound card. Why should integrated audio  
be any better than integrated video ?? At least I do have a vacant  
PCI slot.

So once again I am seeking suggestions, this time for a sound card  
that will drive whatever receiver I wind up getting and give decent  
audio, without buying more card than I really need.

As always, I much appreciate the good advice to be found here.

Brian Wood
beww at beww.org