external sound card for a laptop

[Mark_IDT]

I have a laptop that I want to use for mp3 playback but I would like some decent sound from it as the rest of my system is geared toward sound quality. Is there any sound cards I could hook up externally that will provide a better signal than whats on this dell. Thanks -Mark

[tin ear]

Hi, Mark; I'm in the same boat with a dell insp. 9300. I've done a little looking around.
While I can't speak as to quality from experience, you might look into m-audio www.m-audio.com (http://www.m-audio.com)
Also a lot of people seem to like the creative (soundblaster) audigy 2, which comes in usb and pcmcia form factors.
Here's a good (but evidently dated) link:
http://www.pcavtech.com/soundcards/
Good luck; I'll be watching this thread.
-Jon

[ericl]

What's your budget? I'd go for the USBChibi:
http://scott-nixon.com/dac.htm

I have the tubed version, it's really a fantastic, high end source. The Chibi is nearly identical to the USB Tube DAC, but the USB Chibi omits the tube stage. If you can swing the $250, go for it.

For less i'd go for the Apple Airport Express. You have to use itunes with it though and you need wireless on your computer.

eric

[ericl]

I've also used the M-Audio Audiophile USB. It's a very flexible card, with OK sound. It has some driver issues that make it not the most reliable. Definitely has the most flexibility. But if you're not planning on doing any recording, and you just need analog outputs, definitely go for the Scott Nixon. Solid as a rock, great sounding and simple design.

[tin ear]

Eric, sorry to jump in with nothing useful, but WOW!
Tubed computer sound cards! :yikes:
This bb is simply amazing!
Thanks for making my day; back to lurking this thread. -j

[Mark_IDT]

ya I'm not doing any recording just want a quality audio output. I'm not really on a budget I'll save up to get what ever it is I want. Thoese tube cards look like they would have some awesome sound. Though the M-Audio card comes with dj software which I also need and it appears I can plug in my cd players and use the software to mix everything. That would seem to be the best for a dj setup. The search has just begun and I have some time until I can afford anything. I do need some ideas for other dj software programs.