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USB external sound output for laptop?
sancheeez
01-12-2008
Post from Chris Frost in another thread got me thinking ...

(This is the post if anyone is interested)

I think I might try this on my laptop. I've noticed the S/PDIF connection I currently use from the laptop (a 3.5mm one on the front of the laptop) doesn't seem to be the cleanest of connections, so I fancy giving one of these external USB sound cards a try.

Ideally, if it had a S/PDIF out via coax, that would be perfect as I have a free 5.1 coax input available on my amp .... both the optical ones are already in use.

Problem being, I don't really know what I'm looking for and which ones are any good.

Any suggestions?

Ideally don't want to spend a fortune on it but I'm certainly not restricted to the little USB dongles you can buy on ebay for about a fiver .....
D3XT3R
01-12-2008
This what your after
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Creative-Labs-...1%7C240%3A1318
review here but a bit old

http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h588.htm
clockworks999
02-12-2008
I demo'ed an M-Audio Transit USB adaptor (DAC) a couple of years ago with my laptop. Made a noticeable improvement over the onboard optical output, especially when used with ASIO drivers.
I didn't buy it in the end, as the PixelMagic HD media box with Flying Cow DAC sounded even better, but cost 6 times as much.
Chris Frost
02-12-2008
Originally Posted by D3XT3R:
“http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Creative-Labs-...1%7C240%3A1318”

That's the same as what I use.

I looked at the alternatives. The closest equivalent was the Philips PSC805 Aurillium, and various PCMCIA options but the SoundBlaster won on sound quality & versatility.

I picked one up s/h on the basis that if it didn't work out for me I could sell it again for similar money. It's all been good so far though
sancheeez
02-12-2008
Cheers folks.

Does the Creative one have a coax output?

(Can't get into ebay at work to check the model number or spec)
RobAnt
02-12-2008
There is the A-CM108, which costs about £4 from eBuyer. It has an optical out which is fully 5.1 capable and doubles as an Internet phone.

This is the one [click]. I have one and it is an excellent sound card, complementing my laptop when required. And so cheap.

Sorry, it seems e~Buyer no longer stock it

Try this [click] instead - only £11.
Chris Frost
04-12-2008
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Cheers folks.

Does the Creative one have a coax output?

(Can't get into ebay at work to check the model number or spec)”

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