Onboard vs HDMI sound?

[pc_fanatic]

Typically which is better (quality, volume, frequency range, etc):

1) Integrated (onboard) audio from the motherboard (Intel DH67BL) via speaker cable.

OR

2) Integrated audio on my video card (radeon HD 6870) via HDMI cable?

Currently I have the second and I like it. My motherboard isn't high end, its just a basic one pcie 2.0 x16 slot board with a H67 chipset so the integrated sound is nothing special.

 

[twaine7]

Not to sound like a wiseguy, but the best way is to A/B it. Plug one in and listen. Then plug in t'other and listen. Which ever one sounds better to you is the one I'd suggest going with.

However in direct answer to your specific question.... um.. 42

Seriously though, after a brief (wicked brief, I only looked at like a few sites) They appear to be fairly comparable. Both show support of lossless sound 192kHz / 24-bit.

Grab your favorite track (highest possible quality) and see which sounds best. But I'm willing to bet you probably won't notice much of a difference. Maybe the HDMI will be better because it's digital.

Good luck!