[terriblepaulz]

I know the TBAAM is a cheap way to get optical from my laptop (no digital audio out). Is there anything else cheap out there that could serve the same role?

 

[obobskivich]

yes, there is

Audiophile China has a USB to coax S/PDIF "box" available for ~$25

theres also plenty of used equipment, and a few solutions in the $50-$90 range

 

[Alpha 1 Omega]

I use turtle beach LINK

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpha 1 Omega /img/forum/go_quote.gif I use turtle beach LINK

he asked for alternatives to that device

 

[Alpha 1 Omega]

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by terriblepaulz /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know the TBAAM is a cheap way to get optical from my laptop (no digital audio out). Is there anything else cheap out there that could serve the same role?

It blows my mind that no one makes an express card or card bus sound card for a laptop with spdif output. Is it me or are all the card makers smokin some real good stuff? Found some in USB form, some real nice too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102020 I think I would go for the creative at 60 bucks. Looks like updated drivers have fixed any issues.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829132003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829101151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829118005

 

[WindspEEd]

look for a 2nd-hand Creative PCMCIA Audigy 2 ZS Notebook.

 

[morfic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif It blows my mind that no one makes an express card or card bus sound card for a laptop with spdif output. Is it me or are all the card makers smokin some real good stuff? Found some in USB form, some real nice too. Newegg.com - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 SB1090 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz USB Interface Sound Card - Sound Cards I think I would go for the creative at 60 bucks. Looks like updated drivers have fixed any issues. Newegg.com - ASUS Xonar U1 5.1 Channels 48KHz USB Interface White Audio Station - Sound Cards Newegg.com - ZALMAN ZM-RSSC 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz USB Interface External 5.1-Channel Stereo Sound Card - Sound Cards Newegg.com - Turtle Beach TBS-1131-01 5.1 / 7.1 Channels USB Interface Audio Advantage SRM - Sound Cards

The Creative ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook would seem to fit that bill? Or used to, there is no direct link on Creative's website although google has it, noone seems to have it in stock. ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook SB0710EF - Sound Blaster - Your Music and Movies. Way Better. so i guess even they are now smokers of good stuff.

I would have grabbed one of those for now and then waited longer until grabbing a dac that i would have connected via optical cable.

The Creative PCMCIA Audigy 2 ZS Notebook is not an option due to being for another port.

Do you have an opinion on the sound quality of the x-fi in your first newegg link though?

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by morfic /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Creative ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook would seem to fit that bill? Or used to, there is no direct link on Creative's website although google has it, noone seems to have it in stock. ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook SB0710EF - Sound Blaster - Your Music and Movies. Way Better. so i guess even they are now smokers of good stuff. I would have grabbed one of those for now and then waited longer until grabbing a dac that i would have connected via optical cable. The Creative PCMCIA Audigy 2 ZS Notebook is not an option due to being for another port. Do you have an opinion on the sound quality of the x-fi in your first newegg link though?

That does look good as long as you have an Available ExpressCard/54 slot.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif That does look good as long as you have an Available ExpressCard/54 slot.

thats that Echo Indigo or Indigo Echo (w/e its called) thats an ExpressCard or PCMCIA audio device with S/PDIF out

and E-MU makes a PCMCIA solution as well, its quite nice (quite expensive too)