Differentiating between Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC1150 can be difficult for anyone who isn’t an audiophile or conversant with the nuances of codecs. So if you’ve just heard about these two codecs and you can’t seem to decide which one is going to be the better option for your PC, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the differences between Realtek ALC 892 and Realtek ALC 1150 and their uses. So if you’re interested in knowing more about the ALC892 and ALC1150, make sure to read until the end so you don’t miss out on something that could prove useful later.
Contents
Realtek ALC892 vs. Realtek ALC1150 Comparison Table
| Factor | Realtek ALC892 | Realtek ALC1150 |
| Connectivity | Digital decoders, speakers | Speakers, Professional audio equipment |
| Audio Input (dB) | 90 | 104 |
| Audio Output (dB) | 95 | 115 |
| Used By | General users | Audiophiles, professionals |
What Are the Differences Between Realtek ALC892 vs. Realtek ALC1150?
The main difference between Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC1150 is that the ALC892 is the codec needed to get good quality audio for casual use like playing games and watching movies. The ALC1150 is a major league type of codec and is used mostly by audiophiles, audio and music producers and editors, etc.
– Functions
To know which realtek model you have, try the following steps:
- To launch the “DirectX Diagnostic Tool,” open Run, type “dxdiag,” and hit Enter.
- Examine the “Sound” tab.
You should be able to get the hardware ID and other information from here.
One of the main ways to differentiate between Realtek ALC 892 vs Realtek ALC 1150 is by virtue of their functions.
Even though the functions of both codecs are pretty similar, you can distinguish between them on the basis of a few key differences. For starters, let’s focus on the functions of the Realtek ALC892 codec.
With Realtek’s patented lossless content protection technology, the ALC892 is a high-performance multi-channel HD audio codec that preserves previously recorded material while still enabling full-rate audio playback from DVD audio, Blu-ray DVD, or HD DVD discs.
The ALC892 offers two independent stereo sound output channels (multiple streaming) through the front panel stereo outputs in addition to ten DAC channels that can simultaneously handle 7.1 channel sound playback.
On the other hand, being a multi-channel, high-performance, High Definition Audio-Codec, the ALC1150 ensures customers receive the highest audio quality from their PC by providing an excellent listening experience with up to 115dB SNR.
The ALC1150 has two separate stereo sound output channels (multiple streams) through the stereo outputs present in the front panel, in addition to ten DAC channels that can simultaneously handle 7.1-channel sound playback.
– Features
The ALC892 can handle Beam Forming (BF), a microphone array with Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), and even Noise Suppression (NS) technologies thanks to the integration of one stereo digital microphone converter and two stereos ADCs.
Like the ALC 892, the ALC 1150 also comes with integrated Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), Noise Suppression (NS), and Beam Forming (BF) technologies; and by using them, only two stereo ADCs are needed to handle a microphone array.
The ALC1150 uses Realtek’s proprietary converter technology to deliver Front differential output of 115dB Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) playback (DAC) quality and 104dB SNR recording (ADC) quality.
– Connectivity
Now that we’ve discussed the functions of Realtek ALC 892 vs Realtek ALC 1150, let’s move on to the second differentiating characteristic, which happens to be connectivity. But before we start outlining the connectivity and I/O of these codecs, we should mention that both codecs remain similar in some aspects of their connectivity while differentiating in others.
In the case of both Realtek ALC 892 vs Realtek ALC 1150, all analog I/O ports have input and output capabilities, and three analog output ports (ports D, E, and F) also include integrated headphone amplifiers so they can be repurposed to meet your needs.
– Support
In the case of the ALC 892 codec, your PC may easily be connected to consumer electronics like digital decoders and speakers thanks to ALC 892’s support for output with up to 192kHz sample rate and 16/20/24-bit SPDIF input.
Additionally, the ALC892 has a secondary SPDIF-OUT output and converter for sending digital audio output to an HDMI transmitter. The Intel chipsets and any other HDA-compatible audio controller are both supported by the ALC892 for host audio.
On the other hand, in the case of ALC 1150, you can also connect your PCs and other consumer electronics like digital decoders and speakers. This is possible thanks to this codec’s support for I2S (Master mode) output with up to 192kHz sample rate and 16/20/24-bit SPDIF.
A secondary SPDIF-OUT output and converter are also included in the ALC1150 in order to send digital audio output to an HDMI transmitter.
– Audio
If we talk about the auditory experience provided by Realtek ALC892 vs ALC1150, we’d have to admit that even though the ALC892 offers quite a good sound quality, the ALC 1150 simply surpasses it due to a variety of reasons.
Some of these reasons include a greater I/O capacity as well as a better surround sound experience. But even then, both codecs offer a great entertainment package and gaming experience for PC users with a variety of software utilities.
These include environment sound emulation, multiple-band and independent software equalizer, dynamic range compressor and expander, optional Dolby PCEE program, SRS Premium Sound, Fortemedia SAM, SRS TruSurround HD, Synopsys Sonic Focus, DTS Surround Sensation | UltraPC, Creative Host Audio, and DTS Connect licenses.
If you’re an audiophile and want to decide which one out of Realtek ALC 892 vs Realtek ALC 1150 is better by virtue of input and output numbers, we’ll be adding them here. The ALC 892 has an ADC SNR input of 90dB along with a DAC SNR output of 95dB.
On the other hand, the ALC 1150 comes with an ADC SNR input of 104dB and a DAC SNR output of 115dB.
You may configure your speaker system’s audio using the Realtek audio driver. This software has a Room Correction menu that lets you change the level for each speaker separately. Realtek HD Audio Manager installation is not required, although it is quite helpful to have it.
What Is Realtek ALC892 Best For?
The Realtek ALC 892 codec is best for use in the general consumer space. If you happen to be a casual user and just want good quality audio on your PC, the ALC 892 will be more than adequate for this job.
– Codec
It might make sense for you to get a sound card if you are interested in sound recording, music editing, or some other audio-driven application. But usually, it works well for the majority of consumers.
Realistically speaking, most PC users can’t even tell the difference in the audio quality of both these codecs by hearing the audio, so you can certainly use the ALC 892 on your computer.
What Is Realtek ALC1150 Best For?
The ALC1150 is best for audiophiles or those related to music or audio production and post-production. For professional requirements, you’ll obviously need a sound card and other equipment, but the audio output and input of the Realtek ALC1150 driver will be more than enough for you.
Conclusion
To conclude the Realtek ALC 892 vs Realtek ALC 1150 debate, the ALC892 codec is the only codec you need to have good quality audio on your PC without needing to use additional equipment. In fact, most of us probably have this codec in our computers.
The ALC1150, on the other hand, is the type of codec that is used by the pros for their music tracks and other professional uses. So if you don’t fall into this category, you really don’t need to worry about the codec you have on your PC; and to be honest, most of us probably won’t be able to tell the difference anyway.
