Audio on B560 vs B460
Printed From: ASRock.com
Category: Technical Support
Forum Name: Intel Motherboards
Forum Description: Question about ASRock Intel Motherboards
URL: https://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=18170
Printed Date: 29 Jul 2025 at 11:52pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Audio on B560 vs B460
Posted By: sa5o977
Subject: Audio on B560 vs B460
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2021 at 6:36pm
|
I noticed that the older B460 boards have all better/higher ALC1200/1220 audio codec, while the brand new B560 boards all have ALC897 audio codec. Are there any problems with the ALC1200/1220 codec, or is the reason for change to ALC897 cost cuttings? Seem a shame for the newer boards to get worse on-board audio then the old ones 
|
Replies:
Posted By: Xaltar
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2021 at 8:08pm
|
I never liked the ALC1200/1220 codec, if memory serves it has worse crosstalk and doesn't offer a significant enough quality uplift over the ALC897 to be worth the crosstalk issues. Bare in mind however that this is an extreme nitpick. I have several boards with both codecs and can say with certainty, I can't hear a difference in fidelity. What makes far more difference is the quality of the audio components, caps, PCB layout, channel separation etc. I suspect, all being equal, the 2 codecs sound almost identical. I don't know if ASRock switched to the 897 for cost purposes or complaints about crosstalk (it has been mentioned in reviews) but at the end of the day, both codecs are more than adequate for motherboard audio. As someone who records music (instruments etc), I always use an external DAC. Even the best motherboard audio is going to be poor compared to a discrete solution. For gaming, watching video and listening to music, motherboard audio is adequate and ASRock's audio implementation has always been rather good. I need to look at the spec sheets of both codecs again to see if any key features are lacking from the 897 but I don't think any significant difference exists as far as the average user is concerned. ------------- 
|
Posted By: sa5o977
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2021 at 9:39pm
|
Wow ...I didn't expect such detailed answer. Nevertheless, I really appreciate you taking the time and settling some doubts. As far as I've seen the entire B560 line (all vendors) are going with the ALC897 codec, so it can't all bad. I plan to upgrade to B560/11400 from my ancient but still kicking Z68/2500k and are researching things in advance. Thanks again. |