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What sound quality do you want from your PC?


As the PC has evolved from a plain computer to an entertainmentcenter, the sound quality it produces has become an important consideration.

Most PCs come equipped with motherboards that have integrated sound chips thatprovide connectors for speakers, a headphone and line-in. Having an integratedsound card means that a separate sound card is not required.

A set of speakers is also part of the standard PC package. They can be thestand-alone type or the type that are integrated into the sides of yourmonitor. They are usually of low to mid grade quality.

Recommendation:

For everyday use the standard set up described above is sufficient.

If you're an audiophile, a music producer or a game player who wants the latestsurround sound effects, then a Sound Blaster card from Creative Labs or aTurtle Beach card from SantaCruz is what you would install in your PC.

When combined with a good set of speakers your PC can create very high qualityaudio. Logitech, Creative Labs and Altec Lansing make speakers designed forPCs.

To add a full, rich bass sound get a three-speaker system that includes awoofer speaker along with the left and right stereo speakers. If you want touse your PC to watch movies then go with a five-speaker system that providesfull, home theater surround sound.