Thread: Sound Blaster mp3+ vs. M-audio sonica USB Sound Cards

Originally Posted by Defiler

Got a totally different setup which has 1 AGP and 2 PCI slots. I am using an Audigy 2 ZS in the carputer.

Just to comment on what LESLIEx317537 said...

Yes I believe the sonica was more for the Macs but other than the input on the MP3+ I think the quality is the same. I never used the digital out before but never had the problem of getting no sound untill opening an app. That is odd.

Well, it's still for sale if anyone wants it. I should just get off my *** and post it on eBay.

Defiler,

Why did you ace the ITX I remember you having besides speed?
Seeing your setup must be bigger now...

-Mario

Originally Posted by m3rdpwr

Defiler,

Why did you ace the ITX I remember you having besides speed?
Seeing your setup must be bigger now...

-Mario

Speed really was the main reason...Another was expansion. I wanted to do much more than the ITX was going to let me do without spending extra on external adaptors and such. And besides I got a killer deal on the MB/Case/PSU. It hasn't been all I wanted it to be, ie. fitting under my passenger seat, but I have changed the way I feal about having the puter in the boot. Heat was another issue. The ITX was in the arm rest and in the summer I knew it was just getting too hot for it to last. Sound quality was another concern. I wanted to, and I am in the process, go head unitless and I wanted a better signal for my audio setup. So I have an Audigy 2 ZS. In the end, even though it's out of the car for the time being, I'm very happy with the changes I have made in Ver. 2 of my Carputer.

BTW here is a link to what I have in the puter now. My new toy...the FIC Samba-1845...

I need to update a few small items but for the most part it's up to date.

ok, here's the BIG SECRET

NO USB SOUND CARD does either 24bit OR more than 48kHz. this is a limitation of the USB sound definition.

those 2 cards thus have the same sound quality (as long as the analog stage is the same or similar.)

Now, the presence of the RCA plugs on the MP3+ is a BIG PLUS, compared to the mini jacks, as the RCA are not spring loaded, thus won't disconnect themselves when there's a bump in the road (ever wondered why the rest of the car hardware only has RCA plugs ?)

A few notes on my USB sound card experience.

I first picked up the Sonica Theatre 7.1 - sounds good, decent features, but had a tough time with the drivers. It kept causing problems and crashes, finally whenever I powered up the computer, it would boot to "USB Device not recognized" and I would have to unpulg the USB and reconnect before it would recognize the sound card. Huge hassle.

About a week ago, I got the Audigy NX 7.1 USB card, works fine except during dvd playback, video got choppy. I do have a USB DVD drive and a Epia M10000, a couple factors working against the NX. I don't watch DVDs hardly ever, but it bugs me stuff don't work right.

I just picked up a Phillips Aurileum (or whatever it is) and will be trying that out this weekend.

The Sonica has some nice features that the NX doesn't have. Low pass filter on all speaker pairs (crossover control), ability to do 2 channel, 2.1, 4.0, 4.1, 5.0, 5.1, (was there a 6.0 and 6.1??) 7.0 and 7.1., no need for external power and flawless while playing DVDs in 4 channel surround. The problems, wouldn't remember the volume levels I set for each speaker, driver issues, when upmixing from a stereo MP3, uses very little of the rear speakers.

The Audigy problems, lack of 4.1 speaker configuration, too much USB bandwidth, no crossover adjustment on each speaker pair. My rear 4" speakers can't handle the bass, just need to get off my lazy *** and adjust the amp, but would be nicer to adjust on the screen. Everything else I like, but I'm going to try the phillips and hope it works.

Yes, the drivers and software is very important. SB wins hands over.

I have the Audigy 2 NX in my room hooked up to my 1Ghz P3-M and my DVD playback is fine.

ah ha! i have kenwood head unit as well with rca aux?
Whats custom bout this rca cable over one i just can go buy at walmart?

I almost forgot about this thread. and came back today. got the mp3+ in trunk and not even opened yet.. waiting to be played with this weekend

Originally Posted by LESLIEx317537

O, forgot to mention, the sonica has a 1/8th out jack.

The MP3+ has RCA outs in additional to the mic and headphone 1/8th jack.

My Kenwood deck has RCA aux in, so I got 1 foot custom directional RCA bales made from a friend to connect. No need to convert from 1/8th headphone to RCA.

Well, my friend made them for me, they are short.
Supposidly directional.
And I got them free best of all.

My MP3+ is by my headunit.

No, RCA cables are just that, cables. there is no direction or whatever, just don't cross them (red goes on red, and white on white).
Do NOT believe anything of the "this cable has less oxygen blah blah" crap, it's BS. The most important thing is the cross section of the core (the thicker the better) and the screening/ground.

Another thing. when you get an optical connection, or a copper connection to connect digital signals, don't bother taking anything beyond the most inexpensive of all, the wire/light guide won't do ANY difference.
More importantly, with optical, there is NO way ANY interference could get through

Originally Posted by sxpert

NO USB SOUND CARD does either 24bit OR more than 48kHz. this is a limitation of the USB sound definition.

So how can the manufacters claim that thier products ouput 24bit @ 96KHz for example?... This sounds like false advertising to me. If this is the case then there is no point in me using my 24-bit output plugin for winamp then is there (I might aswell go back to 16bit). Also, do you have any more info on this, I'm interested...