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    External Soundcard

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by anthonylei, Dec 8, 2008.

  1. anthonylei

    anthonylei Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am looking for an external sound and would like some suggestion from you guys. It has to have an optical out, usb or firewire connection. Will be using it mainly for movies and music.

    budget is around $200, any suggestion? I heard l e-mu 0404 (external) is pretty good... what do you guys think?
     
    anthonylei, Dec 8, 2008
    #1
  2. anthonylei

    anthonylei Notebook Enthusiast

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    anyone got any suggestion???

    the m1330 sound quality is that nice and the audio jack has a lot of background noise
     
    anthonylei, Dec 10, 2008
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  3. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    I recommend to get the M-Audio Transit (~$99).

    It's portable, USB-powered, has optical out, and considered a Pro-Audio soundcard.

    Great for music and movies.... I know, I got one. :)

    Then I have a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS (PCMCIA) for gaming since it has hardware EAX support.
     
    Gophn, Dec 10, 2008
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  4. N1MBL3

    N1MBL3 Notebook Consultant

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    I am interested as well but my ExpressCard slot is already occupied by my 3.5G card. Any other solutions?
     
    N1MBL3, Dec 10, 2008
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  5. martinmach

    martinmach Notebook Evangelist

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    E-MU 0404 is good for Music and Movies. it is useless for games.

    Alternatively you might try out E-MU 0202. saves a 100$. it is just as good for Music and Movies. except for Studio recording, there is no significant edge for E-MU 0404 over 0202
     
    martinmach, Dec 10, 2008
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  6. N1MBL3

    N1MBL3 Notebook Consultant

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    And for gaming, are there any recommendations?
     
    N1MBL3, Dec 10, 2008
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  7. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    I use the Echo AudioFire2. But theres other good companies, such as Ibasso, Corda, Meier, M-audio.
     
    Syndrome, Dec 10, 2008
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  8. anthonylei

    anthonylei Notebook Enthusiast

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    Will M-Audio Transit support 5.1 audio? if yes... looks like this is a winner for me


    I heard e-mu 0404 is very picky on the bit rate and it only accepts certain bit rate... is that going to be a problem?
     
    anthonylei, Dec 10, 2008
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  9. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    No the Transit doesn't support 5.1 only 2.1
     
    Syndrome, Dec 10, 2008
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  10. anthonylei

    anthonylei Notebook Enthusiast

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    dam.... and the e-mu 0404(USB version) only supports 2 channel output as well..... it seem I am left with creative sound card.... i was hopping to avoid their sound card :(
     
    anthonylei, Dec 11, 2008
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  11. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Checkout iBasso D2 Boa.. at around $170 ..its a USB DAC + Amp.

    one drawback is that it aint a ADC ..which means u dont have mic input but only output.
     
    Nocturnal310, Dec 11, 2008
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  12. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    I have it, it does output 5.1 fine through TOSlink.

    My setup when connecting it to recevier:
    - open "Media Player Classic"
    - go to View > Options > Playback > Output > DirectShow Audio
    - choose M-Audio Transit USB AC3

    works good. :)
     
    Gophn, Dec 11, 2008
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  13. N1MBL3

    N1MBL3 Notebook Consultant

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    The only place in Belgium or the Netherlands where I can buy it is on eBay :( The problem with ordering online is that I need a VAT invoice and most resellers won't give me one.
     
    N1MBL3, Dec 11, 2008
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  14. anthonylei

    anthonylei Notebook Enthusiast

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    this looks like a music dac + amp.... I suppose it is good for music and only output two channels



    nice one.... will look into this bad boy :D


    You should be able to get it from a UK store.... check online and there are quite a new one stock this bad boy
     
    anthonylei, Dec 11, 2008
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  15. N1MBL3

    N1MBL3 Notebook Consultant

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    I have contacted them and they have told me that I can buy them online from them directly.
     
    N1MBL3, Dec 11, 2008
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  16. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    It outputs a Stereo channels.

    and the input can be used for line in...i.e ..if u plug in a mic..u can monitor your voice..but u cant record it as its not a mic input line a soundcard.
     
    Nocturnal310, Dec 15, 2008
    #16