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Recommend external soundcard?

post #1 of 6
Thread Starter 

So, I'm off to college soon enough and I was going to get a new laptop with the purpose of being used for Audio work (composing music, editing audio files, etc) and a friend of mine said that the best option would be to get an external soundcard and headphone amp for whatever laptop I end up getting. Any recommendations? Unfortunately, desktop soundcards and components are not an option.

post #2 of 6

Since there are plenty of choices available you should first define what all features you need from audio interface (I/O port types/amount, type of interface (ExpressCard, USB, FW), etc.) and your budged?

 

 

jiitee

 

post #3 of 6
Thread Starter 

Budget is not very high ($100 max. College expenses, etc....) USB Interface only and as long as it has a simple Headphone/Stereo out, I'm good. Quality of sound it produces is really my only concern 

post #4 of 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkfire346 View Post

Budget is not very high ($100 max. College expenses, etc....) USB Interface only and as long as it has a simple Headphone/Stereo out, I'm good. Quality of sound it produces is really my only concern 



You should take a look at Creative X-Fi HD USB. It costs under $100, and it's likely the best consumer interface you can get for your budget. An alternative could the E-MU 0204 for $130.

post #5 of 6
post #6 of 6

I enjoy my Creaative Sound Blaster X-FI HD. Its ADC allows me to digitize vinyl; and, although I bought it for its  USB to DAC function, I use it mostly as a USB to S/PDIF optical converter, sending iTunes to my Sony TA-E9000ES pre/pro's 24/96 Toslink DVD input for listening through my home theatre speakers. Since the X-FI allows 24/96 pass -through, I upsample to 24/96 in Windows 7. iTunes material from 256k to 24/96 sounds as good as any SACD I've heard.

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