Seeking USB sound card recommendation

[Kompu Kid]

Hello All:

I built myself a new computer. Unfortunately the sound card on the
motherboard turned out to be not very good.

To experiment with a USB soundcard, I got Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1.
It was around 60 bucks at Fry's.

I am finding that the sound quality is pretty good. However, I don't
think I will ever use the features I see on this card. My main goal is
to convert some older tapes and records. Occasionally I may listen to
some MP3s through my computer speakers.

So I'm wondering if there is anything similar to this Creative
soundcard that may be cheaper but gives me about the same quality.

Any suggestions?

Deguza

 

[Paul]

Hello All:

I built myself a new computer. Unfortunately the sound card on the
motherboard turned out to be not very good.

To experiment with a USB soundcard, I got Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1.
It was around 60 bucks at Fry's.

I am finding that the sound quality is pretty good. However, I don't
think I will ever use the features I see on this card. My main goal is
to convert some older tapes and records. Occasionally I may listen to
some MP3s through my computer speakers.

So I'm wondering if there is anything similar to this Creative
soundcard that may be cheaper but gives me about the same quality.

Any suggestions?

Deguza

The CM108 is a stereo USB sound solution selling for $20. I don't
know if you'd use the word "quality" while standing near it, but
it is cheap. It comes with a short USB extension cable, in case
the area around your USB jack is cluttered.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829128002

(This might not be exactly the chip used in that $20 product, but
this is probably close. It uses 16 bit converters in and out.)

http://www.cmedia.com.tw/pdf/USB/CM108AH+DataSheet+v1.0.pdf

I think I'd just keep what you've got. Too much of a nuisance
testing the $20 device and being unhappy with it.

Paul

 

[Mr.T]

I built myself a new computer. Unfortunately the sound card on the
motherboard turned out to be not very good.

To experiment with a USB soundcard, I got Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1.
It was around 60 bucks at Fry's.

I am finding that the sound quality is pretty good. However, I don't
think I will ever use the features I see on this card. My main goal is
to convert some older tapes and records. Occasionally I may listen to
some MP3s through my computer speakers.

So I'm wondering if there is anything similar to this Creative
soundcard that may be cheaper but gives me about the same quality.

Almost anything!
However since you already have the Creative, why exactly are you looking for
something similar now?

MrT.