best external sound card for music/dvds

[seedubs1]

What is the best external sound card for music or dvds for a laptop?

Heres a list of what looks good to me:

Edirol UA-25 or UA-20

Waveterminal u24

M-audio MobilePre USB or Firewire Audiophile or USB audiophile


The m-audio usb audiophile is looking best in my opinion. it is powered by ac, so I think it will have more power, and I dont know if the firewire version would hook up to my laptop, because I dont know if it has a firewire plug in. Anyways, is there much difference between a firewire or usb port in sound quality.


Also, in your opinion, what is the best driver? Iv been reading alot about sblive.

 

[CSMR]

I would rule out the MobilePre which is designed for microphones as the name suggests. The Firewire Audiophile apparently has not quite as good DACs as the USB. There are other factors though so I can't say for sure that the USB audiophile is better. I would go with the U24 myself. I don't know about the UA-25 or UA-20.

 

[seedubs1]

Any one else? Any that you personally have and love?

By the way, thanks CSMR.

 

[seedubs1]

So, can anyone compare the waveterminal u24 and the edirol ua-25?

I need to know if one is really significantly better than the other before buying because this is going to put a dent in my wallet.

Also, should I get an external dac to go with either of these?

 

[airfoil]

Check this out too...

 

[tr1kstanc3]

motu traveler


you asked for the best external for music =)

i would just go with the extigy or the audigy 2 zs notebook

 

[blahblah99]

M-Audio revolution 5.1 or 7.1
Or, terratec