Revamp Your PC's Sound System
Stan Miastkowski
If your PC has a basic sound card that's a couple of years old and produces only standard, two-channel stereo, it may be time to expand your audio dimensions. Today's sound cards not only deliver ultrahigh fidelity, but they also offer a raft of features, including 3D sound. Using a technique called psychoacoustics, most of today's cards can fool your ears with a realistic illusion of Surround Sound--even if you're using just two speakers.
The latest cards include Dolby 5.1 processing, which will give you true digital surround if you invest in a good PC surround speaker set or hook up your computer to your home theater system. That's especially useful if your PC has a DVD drive. The cards also synthesize 3D sound from standard stereo material (such as.mp3 files or tracks on an audio CD).
Even today's basic sound cards ($50 to $75) include some surround capabilities. If you're willing to invest a bit more, about $100 will buy a card with true surround that's optimized for serious game playing or for ripping audio CDs to MP3 or WMA format. Game-focused cards include support for 3D sound effects, which offer a new level of realism. And MP3 cards come with extras that make creating MP3s or audio compilation CDs a breeze.
If you want all the extras, consider a card like the Sound Blaster Live Platinum 5.1 shown here (about $200), which includes all the latest Dolby 5.1, game, and MP3 features. The card also comes with a central connection box (called LiveDrive) that installs in a free external drive bay to provide advanced digital and analog audio connections and extra MIDI ports.
But a new sound card can be a waste unless you also upgrade your speakers. Most off-the-shelf PCs come with speakers that produce tinny, AM radio-like sound. Figure on spending $100 to $200 for a good-quality set of speakers; the higher-priced systems include rear speakers and even a center-channel "dialog" speaker for true 3D sound. Of course, you can spend more for audiophile favorites like the Klipsch ProMedia ($250), or hook up your PC to your home theater system.
And if your PC doesn't have a DVD drive, adding one when you upgrade your sound system is a logical step. (See April's Upgrade Guide for details.)
As always, perform a full backup of your PC before you do a major system upgrade.
1. Uninstall Existing Audio Software
It's essential to wipe out every trace of your PC's existing sound software first. Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and choose Add/Remove Programs. Highlight the entry for the existing sound card software (if any) and click Add/Remove.
Most sound card software will uninstall all files, drivers, and applications that relate to the sound card, but you might need to uninstall several different software components from the Add/Remove Programs list.
If you can't find anything that relates to the sound card in the Add/Remove Programs list, check for uninstall options in the sound card software.
2. Change the Sound Card
If your PC has its sound support built into the motherboard, you'll need to disable that sound support before you can install your new card. This is usually done through your PC's setup program or by setting a jumper on the motherboard. (Procedures vary; see your manual.)
Power down your PC, unplug it from the wall, and remove the cover. Don an antistatic wrist strap and clip it to a grounded metal surface. Make sure you disconnect all cables connected to the sound card, both internal and external. (Keep track of which cable goes where.)
Remove the screw holding the sound card, and remove the card. Locate a free PCI slot, carefully insert the new sound card, and fasten it down with a screw.
3. Hook Up the Equipment
Now's the time to hook up the internal and external cables and peripherals to your new card. Shown here are typical connections for the Sound Blaster Live Platinum 5.1 card we installed. Other cards vary. Of course, your connections may be simple, such as just a speaker and microphone. Internal audio inputs are interchangeable; the TAD input, for example, can take sound from your TV tuner card.
4. Install the Software
Power up your PC. Windows should automatically detect the new card and ask for the driver software, which is usually included on a CD-ROM shipped with your sound card. Since the installation details vary by manufacturer, refer to the instructions that came with your card.
Once you're done, if your computer doesn't detect a sound card or if you don't hear anything from the speakers (make sure the volume is turned up), power down your system, recheck all your connections, and make sure the card is seated firmly in its slot.
If it still doesn't work when you power up your PC again, it's time to pick up your phone and call tech support.
5. Set Up Your Speakers
Speaker placement is both an art and a science, so the more effort you put into placing your speakers, the better and more realistic your sound experience will be.
Experiment with speaker position by rotating the front speakers inward toward the listener. Move the front speakers farther apart if you can, or bring the rear speakers closer or farther away. Try to find a setup that offers the best compromise between sounds that are clearly located at specific points and sound that spans a wide area to either side of you.
The Top Down
Benefits: Add high-fidelity Dolby Digital 5.1 sound for DVD playback, use 3D sound for compatible games, rip audio CDs to MP3 format, interface with portable digital players and stereo components.
Costs: Sound card $50 to $200, speakers $100 to $250
Expertise level: Beginner to intermediate
Time required: 45 to 60 minutes
Tools required: Phillips screwdriver, antistatic wrist strap (recommended)
Vendors (sound cards): Creative Labs, Hercules, Philips, Turtle Beach
Vendors (speakers): Altec Lansing, Cambridge SoundWorks, Klipsch, Labtec, Sonigistix
Stan Miastkowski is a PC World contributing editor.