Looking to buy a good external sound card

[DaGreatAzn]

The sound my dell inspiron 6400 just plain sucks and since I change computers every 2 years, I was thinking of getting an external sound card. Any recommendations?

[Bjornboy81]

Another option would be an external DAC (USB or other). It may sound better too...I've never delt with external sound cards so I'm not sure of quality, but I'm happy with my Silverstone EB01.

[DaGreatAzn]

DAC?

[Maniac]

You can take a look at a discussion going on in another thread

FS: Samsung DVD-HD841

Basically it is a very simple device, raw sound data comes in, analog audio signal comes out.

DAC stands for Digital to Analog converter, it converts 0 and 1s into something you can hear (sound) or see (in the case of digital videos).

[DaGreatAzn]

looks big, im getting something for my laptop

[Maniac]

Originally Posted by DaGreatAzn

looks big, im getting something for my laptop

Aha, then that definitely won't fit.

[Bjornboy81]

Originally Posted by DaGreatAzn

DAC?

Yeah, sorry. Digital to Analog Converter. Like Maniac said, makes digital data into an analog or music signal.

People have fit the Alien DAC into an Altoids mint tin using a battery to power it. From what I've seen in the why of external sound cards, they look the same size as a DAC.

Either option would be better than the internal sound card, but the DAC may (and probably will) give better quality sound.

[DaGreatAzn]

Ok, that sounds interesting. Now I should consider the price. What would be a good usb sound card or DAC at the $50 range?

[Bjornboy81]

I *think* you can build an Alien DAC for about $50. Check out the DIY forum, a bunch of guys have built them.

[DaGreatAzn]

Hmm, i think i might just want something pre assembled. Sorry for not saying that earlier.