Which USB Sound Card Should I Buy?

**Maheriano** · 10-07-2009, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by freeflashstuff

I used a USB sound card similar to the one listed, but without the buttons. I had to use a GLI, but I have great sound now.

Ah, someone that used the cheap one. Did it work okay? Better than on board sound?

**freeflashstuff** · 10-07-2009, 11:41 PM

I would say (what I can tell so far) it's about as good as the on-board. I just used it to keep from having to string a long wire from one end of the car to the other. I have it plugged into my 7-port USB hub behind my dash, then I have a 3.5" to RCA cable going from it to my headunit's AUX in.

**NibbleIT** · 10-08-2009, 05:12 AM

Have a look at http://www.hotaudio.com/zen-cart/

I've got their DAC Straight & it sounds great ... resumes from hibernation perfectly aswell.

**shahabmusic** · 10-08-2009, 06:05 AM

I tried more than 10 usb sound cards. i had noise problem for about 4 moths. whatever that you can imagine, I did on the cabling, grounding and everything just to get rid of noise but I COULDN'T . you have no idea how much i wasted just to get rid of noise but it was still there. BUT after 4 months of everyday money and time spend, I bought a usb sound card that I COULD get rid of noise TOTALLY.

buy this one WITHOUT any doubt BUT if you plug it right away, you have same noise as normal or may be more noise than onboard sound cards. BUT there is way to get rid of noises.
+++++++++CUT THE CABLE, THERE IS 4 COLORED WIRE INSIDE IT PLUS SHIELDING AROUND IT. THEN CONNECT THE WIRES TOGETHER BASED ON THEIR COLOR EXCEPT DO NOT CONNECT BLACK AND DO NOT CONNECT THE SHIELDING TO GETHER WHICH IS AROUND THE CABLES. SO PLUG ON 3 WIRES TOGETHER AND THERE WILL BE VERY VERY VERY CLEAN AND NICE SOUND.

GOOOOD LUUUUCK

**shahabmusic** · 10-08-2009, 06:17 AM

I just looked at the link you provided in the first post. you waste your money! if you purchase from that website. trust me! I bought this one for 20bux I guess off Ebay include shipping.
The software that comes with it has complete control on the device with lots of functionality.
the sound is PERFECT. also it has rear output and front output separately. I have same situation as you, I do not have head unit in car so have no control on speakers volume. whenever my dad was sit in back seat he was just keep complaining that turn the volume DOWN lol but since I have this sound card, I easily can turn the back speakers volume down for him and put the front speakers in high volume lol . also it has sub woofer output that works well.

**NibbleIT** · 10-08-2009, 09:44 AM

Shahabmusic ... sounds like you have a ground loop to me ... cutting the black breaks the ground.

**surfntomm** · 10-08-2009, 05:08 PM

I dont get why people want a surround sound card for music which is recorded in 2 channels? A simple left and right full range output is your best bet.

**Maheriano** · 10-08-2009, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Maheriano

- 2.1 sound but 4.1 would be better I guess. But I just need 2.1.

Originally Posted by surfntomm

I dont get why people want a surround sound card for music which is recorded in 2 channels? A simple left and right full range output is your best bet.

I don't get why I have to repeat myself for people that haven't read the thread. I'm looking for 2.1, that's what I want. Do you have anything constructive to add?

**soundman98** · 10-08-2009, 05:20 PM

to slow

edit: might as well make something out of this useless post...

ok, i don't know why i didn't look before, but it looks like the card taht you originally posted about is only 2 channel-- unless you can re-assign the mic input as a sub output.

for a soundcard on the cheap, i would probably go with either this:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...644&CatId=4261

or

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...585&CatId=4261

both are listed as having more than 4 channels-- either would be better because they have a dedicated sub output port- your original selection doesn't immediatly look to have one.

**surfntomm** · 10-08-2009, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Maheriano

I don't get why I have to repeat myself for people that haven't read the thread. I'm looking for 2.1, that's what I want. Do you have anything constructive to add?

getting a bit fiestey eh?

anyway you will be getting fake 2.1 if you look for that in a sound card since the LFE track which makes up the .1 is its own channel in surround sound tracks. this is not present obviously in regular audio tracks.

as i alluded to before, you want a crossover specifically for the subwoofer to get your ".1" track or buy a soundcard that mimics it along with the other channels and all that other DSP. (read taints original sound)