My current USB sound card (Creative Audigy 2 NX) has stopped working so I need to replace it. Playback quality is my main concern. I use this system for listening to music and Netflix online movies but not recording (WAVs imported from another system when needed). So I just want to listen with good quality.
OS: Windows XP
PC: IBM Thinkpad T40 1.5GHz, 1 GB RAM
Speakers: M-Audio DX-4
I was trying to find a USB to SPDIF coax device so I could just use my TC Electronic m300 as a DAC (I'm sure it beats what one finds in many USB sound cards). But I don't see any inexpensive devices which output SPDIF COAX. So I need a device with a decent DAC and analogue output stage.
Budget: I had hoped to spend around $100
Products I'm considering:
E Mu 0202 $130
M-Audio Fast Track $100
If one is not interested in the USB device's recording features, for playback only (WDM drivers/DAC/analogue output stage) is it worth stepping up to the E-Mu 0404/M-Audio Fast Track Pro over the E-Mu 0202/M-Audio Fast Track?
Any comments on these? Other suggestions?
thanks,
Sathyan
OS: Windows XP
PC: IBM Thinkpad T40 1.5GHz, 1 GB RAM
Speakers: M-Audio DX-4
I was trying to find a USB to SPDIF coax device so I could just use my TC Electronic m300 as a DAC (I'm sure it beats what one finds in many USB sound cards). But I don't see any inexpensive devices which output SPDIF COAX. So I need a device with a decent DAC and analogue output stage.
Budget: I had hoped to spend around $100
Products I'm considering:
E Mu 0202 $130
M-Audio Fast Track $100
If one is not interested in the USB device's recording features, for playback only (WDM drivers/DAC/analogue output stage) is it worth stepping up to the E-Mu 0404/M-Audio Fast Track Pro over the E-Mu 0202/M-Audio Fast Track?
Any comments on these? Other suggestions?
thanks,
Sathyan