Recommend Laptop soundcard [Archive]

0239666

11-21-2007, 03:35 PM

Hi,
Recently my laptop soundcard started crackling. So I need to get a new one. I have lots of flac, ape, and wav files. I have a NAD 3020i, Tannoy M3's and a Wharfedale Topaz-12. So I'd like something that would do justice to these components.

So can anyone recommend a PCMCIA sound card on a budget of $150? I might go above the budget if there is a model that comes highly regarded.

basite

11-22-2007, 07:39 AM

do you have a digital out?
if so you could get a dac (or an USB dac, which would be a huge upgrade over every possible soundcard for any pc...

Feanor

11-22-2007, 08:26 AM

Hi,
Recently my laptop soundcard started crackling. So I need to get a new one. I have lots of flac, ape, and wav files. I have a NAD 3020i, Tannoy M3's and a Wharfedale Topaz-12. So I'd like something that would do justice to these components.

So can anyone recommend a PCMCIA sound card on a budget of $150? I might go above the budget if there is a model that comes highly regarded.

A strong option, at least for home use, is a USB-connected external sound card. I use an M-Audio Audiophile USB to good effect.
...

0239666

12-07-2007, 03:13 AM

I reckon I will get this. Is this the same model?
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MobilePreUSB-main.html

Tetsuro

12-15-2007, 06:21 AM

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=UA1EX

This is good too.

Feanor

12-15-2007, 08:48 AM

I reckon I will get this. Is this the same model?
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MobilePreUSB-main.html

No, that's not the one. The problem with that one is that it doesn't have any digital outputs, which you might someday want if you decided on an external DAC. Also, the analog outputs are 1/4" which is less convenient than RCA.

I haven't found the Audiophile USB link yet -- hopefully it hasn't be discontinued.