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    do i need usb soundcard?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by torvok, Aug 7, 2007.

  1. torvok

    torvok Notebook Geek

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    I have dell inspiron 6400 with the basic sound card (sigmatel). Well this usb sound card improve sound quality in any way?
    http://powersonic.ca/shop/item.asp?itemid=737
    I am using 2.1 speaker system, not 5.1, but will it still improve quality? Also, when i use programs such as ventrilo i remember on my desktop i have options such as line or wave out and used to transmit sound directly from my computer, such as music, instead of the mic. I do not have this option with the laptop, will this card enable that?
    Thanks.
     
    torvok, Aug 7, 2007
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  2. Ethyriel

    Ethyriel Notebook Deity

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    Maybe, maybe not, it could be decent, it could be crap. I'm sure it's not very good. I'd spend $10 more and get the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro, at least you know you're getting something pretty good.

    You'll get a lot less noise with the Turtle Beach. Ideally you would with that other one, too, but who knows. Nothing in that price range is going to give you the truest sound in the world, unless your speakers have a digital input.
     
    Ethyriel, Aug 7, 2007
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  3. torvok

    torvok Notebook Geek

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    less noise? what do u mean. like static? cuz i am not geting any of that rite now with the intergrated sound card. why would i get it with an external? I want it to be an upgrade lol. or is non of the external usb is better?
     
    torvok, Aug 9, 2007
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  4. baddogboxer

    baddogboxer Notebook Deity

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    Notebook sound cards are not great or even good (depends on your standards) but I doubt a $20 USB is going to do much. Other than Turtle Beach, Sound Blaster is the other company and if you want to get something as close to a desktop you will have to spend around a $100 not $19.99. waste of money
     
    baddogboxer, Aug 9, 2007
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  5. Ethyriel

    Ethyriel Notebook Deity

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    Then I must say you're very lucky. Usually integrated sound cards get a lot of noise, thanks to crossover from nearby traces on the motherboard. Dedicated cards in a desktop help, but even there an external interface is the best bet. But at that point you have to be really picky.

    To overcome noise you need high impedance headphones or speakers. Of course, you won't hear much of anything, noise or otherwise.

    Another problem would be distortion.

    But if you're happy with your sound, why bother with something better?
     
    Ethyriel, Aug 9, 2007
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