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

**pogue1000** · 01-03-2004, 09:21 PM

first off i did

and usb sound cards has been discussed but please bear with me

I am installing my computer this week and right now i am using a epia-m with onboard sound.

One difference i see between these is the creative is 16 bit and the m-audio is 24bit. I dont know how that will affect sound or if my ears could tell.

Basically the mp3+ is readily available at walmart, but if the sonica is better choice i am gonna order it and do it right. These 2 seem most in my price range i want to spend.

Any suggestions if i should go for the sonica or the mp3+.
I hear lots of good things when reading about usb sound.

Thanks!

or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Around the 40-60 market range

**Defiler** · 01-03-2004, 10:26 PM

I've never done a comparo between those two sound devices. I used to use, and I AM LOOKING TO SELL, a Sonica. It is not as good as an Audigy or M-Audio Revolution but it is way better than the EPIA on board, which I have also tried. I would the sonica for $40 shipped with USB cable if you are interested.

**pogue1000** · 01-04-2004, 08:47 AM

yeah i found you in my search. You been trying to sell that for a lil while

I might just wait off till i get a little extra money and get something better.

Why are you wanting to sell the sonica, and what is you current sound card of choice? usb or pci?

Thanks

**LESLIEx317537** · 01-04-2004, 11:54 PM

I had both.

The MP3+ is better for XP. The Sonica was or is made for Macs more.

I added a mic up front easily to my MP3+, the sonica is out only.

**LESLIEx317537** · 01-04-2004, 11:59 PM

Also, when using digital mode, for example the digital optical out.

If you want to change volume. The Sonica uses Wav as the optical volume control whereas the MP3+ uses the main volume. So i fyou have a keyboard that changes volume for the main only, like my logitech at home, and you use optical out, then the MP3+ is what is correct.

Also after a while of using the sonica, it would only initialize when I loaded winamp or something. Else, it would not make any noise until i loaded a sound app. Weird.

I got it for 1 cent too.

I sold it on eBay.

I now use a Audigy 2 NX at home, and a MP3+ in my car.

**Defiler** · 01-05-2004, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by pogue1000

Why are you wanting to sell the sonica, and what is you current sound card of choice? usb or pci?

Thanks

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.

**pogue1000** · 01-05-2004, 10:32 AM

well i picked up the mp3+ at walmart and i will have to test it out. Winter is a crappy time to work on a project, I have to go to my fathers and work in his messy garage.

I have a working test with the onboard epia sound and it is actually pretty good, so even a slight improvement with the mp3+ and i will be happy.

My stereo system is kenwood excelon head unit with my factory infinity gold speakers and factory amp. THey are good speakers and all, but not the high quality ones to pick up all the imperfections.

Cant wait to get version 1 ready and installed properly

**LESLIEx317537** · 01-05-2004, 11:29 AM

With my MP3+ in my car, I get no line noise at all.
Only during boot, then the USB iniatizes and all line noise goes away.
I'm very very very happy with the self powered USB MP3+ setup. I didn't have to run any extra cables for it, since I had a hub up front.

**pogue1000** · 01-05-2004, 11:38 AM

THanks
Now if only the snow would met and i could get some progress

Originally Posted by LESLIEx317537

With my MP3+ in my car, I get no line noise at all.
Only during boot, then the USB iniatizes and all line noise goes away.
I'm very very very happy with the self powered USB MP3+ setup. I didn't have to run any extra cables for it, since I had a hub up front.

**MikeHunt79** · 01-06-2004, 02:39 PM

FWIW, i'm using the sonica at the moment. The sound quality is very good, but my only complaint is that the volume is a little low (I'm using a headunitless setup you see).