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    Need advice on External Soundcard/ Audio Interface for Macbook Pro

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by zambie, Dec 3, 2008.

  1. zambie

    zambie Notebook Consultant

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    Thread title says it all .. pretty much


    I've recently bought a Klipsch iFi 2.1 for my macbook pro. I need some advice to get the most out of the system.
    I'm looking for an external soundcard/ audio interface to augment my music listening experience
    Background
    Computer: Macbook Pro
    External Ports that I can make use of: Optical out/ Firewire (Don't think I can use a USB port... the computer only comes with two and they're perenially occupied with my monitor and wireless mouse/ keyboard combo)
    Quality of Audio files I have: Mostly 256kbps - 320 kbps encoded mp3's. I don't have lossless/ cd quality sources for most of them.
    Type of Music I listen to: Various genres of metal, lots of accoustic music, a lot of '80's-'90's rock music, indian music, trance, bits n pieces of pop, dance n hip-hop.
    Sound System hooked to computer : Klipsh iFi

    Will be using the setup primarily for listening to music. (Will not be recording, and don't need any 5.1 setup soundcards at the moment, though if they're the only good options, then I'll go for them)

    Need advice on:
    1. Will an external sound card improve my listening experience based on the source material (mp3's that I have)?
    2. If it will, which port do you suggest I hook the soundcard/ audio interface to ? optical or firewire? I would have the external soundcard/ interface within 1-2 feet of the computer.
    3. Can you recommend a decent soundcard/ audio interface in the sub $300 range. I wouldnt want to exceed my budget over that. Is there a difference between a soundcard & audio interface?
    4. Do I have to be mindful of compatibility issues of the soundcards/ audio interfaces? Are they OS dependant? (meaning that I'll have to look out for mac compatible soundcards/ audio interfaces)
    5. What are good encoders for Mac? Can I use iTunes for this purpose? Are there other software that can create very good lossless files? (apart from encoding in flac..)
    6. On an unrelated note, I've noticed something peculiar - I hook my computer to my Klipsch through the audio out (35mm) to the back of the Klipsch subwoofer. I have two of these male to male 35mm cables. Both create different levels of sound. One attenuates the sound quite a bit compared to the other. How do I figure a right pair of male to male 35mm cables from my macbook pro headphone jack to the back of the Klipsch Sub?

    Thanks!
     
    zambie, Dec 3, 2008
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  2. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    I personally use the Echo AudioFire2, which is firewire, and compatible with a Mac. I mostly use it with headphones, and I can tell a huge difference from my on board sound card. I've hooked it up to speakers and you can tell a difference there too if your paying attention. The biggest thing about a sound card is getting it out of the computer where there isn't any interference from other electronics(HDD). Yes some Cards firmware is OS dependant, but the AF2 is compatible with mac and windows.
     
    Syndrome, Dec 3, 2008
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