Best Audio Card for windows 7 under the 100 bucks?

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) (build 7600)
       #11

    psikofunkster said:
    Im tired of my VIA integrated sound board, full of cracks, its time to change it any suggestions?

    As far as i know all the creative sound cards sucks so...please don't suggest creative.
    Another vote for Xonr from me too.....I went with the Xonar DX2 (PCi Express).....Incredible card...
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 908
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #12

    CommonTater said:
    A DAC is a Digital to Analog Converter. It replaces your sound card.

    Most connect by USB to your computer and self-identify as sound devices. The advantage is that these are scientific devices that produce a very precise waveform and are outside the computer away from any digital noise inside the case. I've heard one of the cheaper ones hooked up to about $30,000 of McIntosh audio gear and I was amazed by what computer audio can do.

    McIntosh | Home

    USB Audio - USB DAC - USB Audio Converter - Fubar II USB DAC

    Can't help myself... must clarify.

    All soundcards whether internal or external have AD (adc) and DA (dac) converters. For consumer use DACs are never sold separately, they are integrated with secondary electronics, basically, it's just an external soundcard with both AD/DA converters.

    There are inexpensive USB devices that only convert digital to audio (DAC) but these are usually sold with laptops in mind and have no inputs and tend to be noisy because of their low price.

    Also, professional model external audio devices almost always use Firewire connections, most all consumer, and a few Pro units use USB.

    An external set of high end DAC's can be purchased ($1000 and up), but these are made to work with an audio card usually installed internally and are connected by proprietary cable or one or more 8 channel ADAT Lightpipe connectors.

    The ADConverter takes an analog signal (say, from a microphone) converts it to digital and passes it on to other electronics in the soundcard. The DAConverter converts the digital info back into analog and passes it to a preamplifier then onto headphones or speakers.

    The Asus Xonar card looks like your best bet...

    Ap
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,170
    XP Pro SP3 X86 / Win7 Pro X86
       #13

    psikofunkster said:
    CommonTater said:
    psikofunkster said:
    All right then im gonna try to find that model.
    I didn't know anything about DAC's so they are the new kid on th block ah?
    Do you need a good audio card too in order to use a DAC?
    A DAC is a Digital to Analog Converter. It replaces your sound card.

    Most connect by USB to your computer and self-identify as sound devices. The advantage is that these are scientific devices that produce a very precise waveform and are outside the computer away from any digital noise inside the case. I've heard one of the cheaper ones hooked up to about $30,000 of McIntosh audio gear and I was amazed by what computer audio can do.

    McIntosh | Home

    USB Audio - USB DAC - USB Audio Converter - Fubar II USB DAC
    But what about this?
    DAC

    It costs only 79 bucks.

    That's a headphone amp not a DAC for stereo inputs.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 310
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #14

    Aphelion said:

    The Asus Xonar card looks like your best bet...

    Ap

    Not a good idea according to the guys who work for asus, all the xonar drivers have problems right now. Asus tech support is really really lame by the way.

    Im gonna go for the omega striker.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,086
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64.
       #15

    psikofunkster said:
    RST101 said:
    I highly recommend the Asus dx xonar and they only £55($74) too.

    I got myself a creative card and hated the drivers so sold it straight away and bought xonar dx and am I made up with it. Much better than the other for same price.

    Make sure you got a pcie slot.
    Hi man, thanks for your answer, i should add i don't want it for gaming but for music (itunes, flacs, etc) does this audio card will do the job?
    Yes they are an all round card, games, music and movies.

    The software is also top notch too.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 310
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #16

    I ordered the omega striker, thanks to all the persons who tried to help. Cheers.
      My Computer


 
Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 19:23.
Find Us