[pcolbeck]

Hi

I have an old Laptop with USB 1.1 and want a USB soundcard that will run under Linux (probably Ubuntu). In the main I will be using this card with my Windows XP work laptop for listening to music on or training materials on headphones but occasionally will want to use it with my older laptop and Linux for plugging into a PA to provide music at parties etc. Absolute sound quality is not a requirement as I have a tube headphone amp and a proper HiFi for that but I would like better quality than the rubbish on board laptop sound.

Any recomendations ? I have been looking at the TERRATEC Aureon 5.1 USB MKII but cannot find any reviews.

Thanks

Pat

 

[HIPPOhifi]

What headphones are you driving and how much do you want to spend? Check out the following link for ideas.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...light=dac+list

cheers,
Brent

 

[pcolbeck]

I have a few headphones including Senn HD600s but would probably be using mainly Senn PX200s as they are what I travel with. I guess I am willing to spend around £100.

BTW wasn't the link you posted a list of DACs rather than USB sound cards ?

 

[skudmunky]

usb sound cards = usb DACs, the only difference is with a dedicated DAC you would need a separate headphone amp, while with a usb sound card the headphone amp is built in.

 

[pcolbeck]

Ahh ! Alles clar. Thanks.

 

[darkless]

I'd guess a soundcard like the Audigy 2 NX that I own might fit the bill. It's powered via USB or the included PSU. It has RCA and toslink digital outputs as well as 1/8" analog outputs. It's also well below the £100 mark.

http://www.creative.com/products/pro...5&product=9103