[lancesir]

Hey guys,

I need some suggestions for a USB soundcard for work. My work computer has no sound so I was thinking I can get a USB soundcard and plug it in that way. But the catch is that I won't have administrator privileges on my work computer, so that means anything I get will have to work with Windows standard drivers, just like plugging in a mouse.

My budget is under $100. Thanks!

 

[Zweroboi]

Maybe Audiotrak Optoplay? It doesn't require any driver installation.

 

[zqcolor]

try onkyo se-u55 or creative extergy2, if you use windows 2000, I remember they do not require drivers, correct me if I am wrong se-u55's thd is very low

 

[dallasstar]

My (sold) Philips Aurilium works without drivers. You can get it on eBay for only like 40 bucks, (the Aurilium uses the same DAC as the ESI Gigaport AG, which is supposed to be the Optoplay's bigger brother or something).

 

[OracleGuy]

I use a Xitel HiFi-Link AN1 at work on Windows 2000. It only uses the built-in USB Audio Device drivers so should work fine for you. It's about $50 I think.

It sounds pretty good to me -- I'm using it with a Gilmore Lite amp and Sennheiser HD650 cans.

If you're using low impedence phones, you may be able to listen right out of the DAC, but amped will be better.

 

[cupples]

Another vote for the Xitel AN-1, a very cheap and handy way to get sound without messing about with drivers. Only thing is, output isn't terribly loud (on my Mac Mini), but that may be more a reflection on my headphones than anything else.
Andrew

 

[lancesir]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

I haven't had time to look for the specs of all these, though I know a local store that carries the Optoplay at least.

Feel free to keep the suggestions coming, you can never have *too* many choices

 

[cetoole]

How about the DP-U50, it sounds pretty good, and gives you the option to hook other sources up besides the computer.

 

[450]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cetoole How about the DP-U50, it sounds pretty good, and gives you the option to hook other sources up besides the computer.

Not a good idea IMO. The thing is huge!