PCMCIA Sound Card with USB Speakers?

If I install a Sound Blaster notebook sound card, will I be able to plug in Logitech USB-powered speakers (like the V20's) into my laptop and have them driven by the Sound Blaster? My laptop's factory sound is LOUSY!

Thank you,

Bill

 

Most probably not. USB speakers use their own DAC. With that in mind, your USB speakers should not be affected by how lousy your laptop's soundcard is. They ARE soundcards in themselves.

I might be wrong if you were refering to speakers that are powered by USB but driven (the sound imput) by a 3.5mm mini-jack that plugs into your line-out. Which would be quite a silly design if you ask me.

 

What is a DAC?

 

digital analog converter
Converts your digital signal into sound waves.

 

The V20's are both powered and interfaced with a single USB connection.

 

Then they are soundcards themselves. In Sound and Audio Devices under windows, you will be able to switch to them as an out source. It will bypass your crappy integrated soundcard.

If you want more information, and have a lot of money to burn, go to Head-Fi. They will RUIN you. Beware.

 

I think I have it! Thanks.

 

Think about that. Doesn't make sense. How could the USB speakers pick up sound from the PCMCIA sound card?

The USB speakers would amplify the internal sound card of your laptop. It would probably sound better than coming from your laptop speakers.

Of course you can use the PCMCIA sound card with external speakers. In fact, you have to do so, or with headphones, as the external sound card will not play through the laptop's internal speaker. But not speakers that plug into USB (unless only for power, not for sound). There are many small portable speakers that have a cord with 1.8" stereo mini plug, which would plug right into the 1/8" stereo output jack on the sound card.

Edit: just read Spare Tire's response, and he is probably right. The USB speakers most likely (although I don't know the details of that model) do not amplify the internal soundcard, but are their own soundcard. Probably not a very good soundcard, but perhaps better sound than your internal card.

I guess you could get them, if you are sure there is a good return policy, and see if you like the sound.

In any case, the USB speakers would NOT work with the PCMCIA sound card. If you are going to use that, get other speakers, headphones, play with your stereo, etc.