Do I really need a new sound card?

[sealworx]

I'm thinking bout upgrading to a measly Altec Lansing ACS 33 next month and I was thinking: do I really need to get a new sound card with that or would the AC 97 sound card in the 8KHA+ do?

I'm thinking bout buying MediaForte's Theatre Xtreme 5.1 sound card. With its 6 channel audio and FM tuner I guess its good but would I get any significant improvements against the AC 97, considering that I'd only get an ACS 33 speakers? Would it be better just to buy a better set of speakers rather than buy the ACS 33 and a sound card.(I currently have Creative's old SBS20 speakers hehe)

Would really appreciate it to hear from you guys. Thanks.

[spazzkid]

if u want to feel the full potential of ur altec speakerz u should get a dedicated card for sound. AC97 wouldnt really match the quality of a dedicated card, say an Audigy. Correct me if im wrong, but a dedicated sound card doesnt eat up alot of cpu cycles compared to a built in sound. Latest sound cards do their own calculations therefore lifting some work load off the cpu. You should really get one!

[mEKbOY]

Your gonna need a better sound card to get the most out of those speakers. You can nab a sound blaster live value for about $40 if your on a budget or get one of those new audigies if you want to go all out.

[funnyperson1]

for about 60 you could find a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz, which would eat any live for breakfast....the Audigies i think are a bit too privceuy...

[oc jason]

i think it mostly depends on the output, im not sure if those speakers are good or bad, but regardless of what signal goes in if they suck you wont notice a diff at all in the quality, im using 8kha AC97 and a full AIWA (R) surround system and seems perfectly clear to me