[AshleyG]

I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi HD that is requiring a little more care than I'd like (have to unplug/replug the USB cable to get the mic to work sometimes) and I'm considering replacing it.

I'm trying to stay in a sub - $150 budget. I'm looking for a DAC that also accepts mic input. This unit will be moving between my desktop and laptop a couple times a week. I'm considering the Astro Mixamp (wired version). Are there any others I should look at, or is the X-Fi HD worth the trouble and just save up for something better down the road?

 

[sochee]

Do you mean DAC or sound card? I don't know of any good DACs with a mic input..

 

[AshleyG]

My X-Fi HD USB has a mic input, the Astro Mixamp has a mic input, and even the Fiio E9 (I know, it's an amp not a DAC) has a mic input. There's not many, but they are out there.

 

[kiteki]

Maybe just get a USB microphone?
 
My TonePort UX1 has a microphone input, but it's only intended for guitar and microphone input, it's not a DAC/Amp, but it does function like that in a sense I guess.

 

[kiteki]

I'd get a USB microphone and Yulong U100 as my DAC/Amp and use them seperately, but that is just me.

 

[ABXG]

Get an HRT Music Streamer II for $150 (or less if you can find it on sale) and than just buy a USB microphone.