USB 5.1ch Sound Card Help, PLEASE!

Hi guys!

After doing some more thinking, I am not purchasing a new 2.1 system if I can get what I need.

About 4 years ago, I bought a rockin' Logitech 5.1 THX Cert. system that I only used for about 8-10 months because my tower died. I replaced it with my Gateway FX and they have since sat under my desk looking lonely. After looking around the forums, I found that you can buy USB 5.1 sound cards. I have never looked into this option, mainly because I didn't know it existed.

Anyone have any suggestions on a card I could pick up from Newegg or Dell?

Thanks

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The only real card that fits that specification is a Creative Labs X-Fi USB. There are several different "flavors" of that card (standard, pro, HD), but that will do the trick.

The real benefit of using that card is support for CMSS3D... which takes a 5.1 surround sound input signal, and downmixes it into 2-channel headphones for virtual surround sound.

You could also use it for an analog 5.1 speaker setup. But to be honest, that would be a waste of money. If you're going to use 5.1 speakers, you might as well use the built-in sound card of your Dell XPS 17 (5.1 analog out, SPDIF digital out, or HDMI digital out).

 

I ordered the X-Fi USB, should be here next week. I wasn't aware that my XPS supported 5.1 until I started asking around the forum. My XPS came in today and I love it! My Z-5300's sound great on the on board sound. I am thinking about picking up some 2.0 or 2.1 speakers just for music listening while reserving my 5.1 for gaming. So no I am between some M-Audio AV30 or AV40's and holding onto the USB card just for them. The logitech's sound great, but even with the sub turned all the way down, it's a little too much for just easy listening.