[phlite]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a USB soundcard for my headphones ( HD555 ). My preliminary research has pointed me in the direction of the Edirol UA-1EX. This really seems to suit my needs. Are there any other choices to consider?

I'm also thinking of using this soundcard on a laptop and output either RCA or optical to my receiver at home. With all of the input/outputs it really seems flexible. Thanks guys

 

[rob187]

I was in the same situation a couple days ago- had a laptop, wanted a good USB sound card. I checked out the Edirol, and for the price it was a pretty good card. The other three you may want to look at are:

EMU 0202 USB
EMU 0404 USB
M-Audio Audiophile USB

The 0202 you can get for around 100, the Audiophile I think around 140, and the 0404 around 170. Use Froogle to find the best prices. I haven't used any of them so I cant speak from experience, but I have heard good things about them all, including the Edirol. Search the forum for posts about them. Personally I wen't with the 0404 USB, I can tell you in a few days how it works out.

 

[MD1032]

The 0404 can't be beat for the price, but if you want a PC card source, the Echo Indigo is great.

 

[Abouna]

I was totally unaware that the EMU stuff was from Creative! are the 0404 & 0202 also headphone amps or just cards? If they are decent amps it would seem to be a good choice for non-portable use.

 

[rob187]

Both have headphone amps although the 0404 has a better one. And only the 0202 is portable (0404 needs AC outlet).

 

[picklgreen]

stereo-link 1400HD. best on the planet.

Also quite pricey.......o and it has no line in, just 2 channel line out with built in headphone amp.

 

[itsborken]

Have been using an M-Audio Transit at work with the original HD490s. It won't drive HD650s as well though; it does better with a USB/pocket amp.

 

[Gatticus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by picklgreen /img/forum/go_quote.gif stereo-link 1400HD. best on the planet. Also quite pricey.......o and it has no line in, just 2 channel line out with built in headphone amp.

Looks interesting but if it is so good why have I seen no posts at headfi about it before?

 

[thread]

I'm loving the MicroDAC.

 

[funnelchest]

Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro (TBAAM). Probably the best $30 I've spent in a long time. Quite powerful and with optical out. Great value imho.

 

[neoufo51]

I'm using the Micro as well. It's pretty powerful, I agree. I have an integrated audio system on my laptop and needed an upgrade because there was major hiss and now with this little guy, the hiss is gone!

 

[babypsycho]

Has anyone used an Audigy 2 NX before?
Is it any good?

 

[nightfire]

The M-Audio transit's amplifier is so-so, but the DAC is phenomenal. It has an optical out and with some relatively simple soldering can also do coax, if you're into DIY.

 

[lipidicman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightfire /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...but the DAC is phenomenal. It has an optical out and with some relatively simple soldering can also do coax,....

Do you mean the digital out, rather than the DAC?

 

[nightfire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lipidicman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do you mean the digital out, rather than the DAC?

Nah the digital out is quite good, but the onboard DAC itself is also very impressive. I've had excellent results using the transit to drive my Gilmore Lite.