Looking for good/ cheap sound card for home theater

[BG4533]

Under my current set up I have my stereo system (an old denon receivcer w/ only RCA inputs and speakers) hooked up to a Sound Blaster 512PCI. The soundblaster sounds decent, but seems to have a short. I recently purchased a Philips Sonic Edge 5.1, but it has a lot of white noise and makes popping sounds occasionally. I have decided to return it and look for something else.

I am looking for a new sound card preferably costing less than $50. The sound card does not need and I would almost prefer if it didnt have any extra "sound enhancing" functions. All I want is a stereo sound card that is as clear and defined as possible and is rather static and white noise free. Everything I see now focuses on gaming, surround sound, and sound enhancements. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[EeyoreX]

Personally, I like the Soundblaster Live! 5.1. It's a litle more than $50.00 (I think) but you can also check out the For Sale/Trade forum here and find it cheaper. Other than Creative Labs/Soundblaster stuff, I have no experience with other cards, so can't really recommend other brands.

\Dan

 

[Batman5177]

i think you would be happy with the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz

you can usually find this card under $50 with a hot deal

 

[DaveSimmons]

People say good things about the Hercules Fortissimo III ($43 & $48 at newegg), and it has optical out for when you upgrade your receiver.

 

[Gog]

M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is a new card that you could pick up at compusa for $65 AR. This card is perfect for people interested in good audio quality.

 

[BG4533]

So no one has and old /outdated cards with excellent output to suggest that I could pick up really cheap? I figured there would be some older high end reference stereo card that I might be able to find cheap even used because everyone seems to want surround sound now.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
People say good things about the Hercules Fortissimo III ($43 & $48 at newegg), and it has optical out for when you upgrade your receiver.

I second that!

 

[BG4533]

Originally posted by: BG4533
So no one has and old /outdated cards with excellent output to suggest that I could pick up really cheap? I figured there would be some older high end reference stereo card that I might be able to find cheap even used because everyone seems to want surround sound now.

Thanks,
Brian

Anyone?

 

[beatle]

There wasn't much emphasis on sound until a few years ago. 2.1 setups were the norm, with 4.1 and 5.1 being "luxury" items. Therefore, manufacturers didn't put in as many dollars into their DACs, as they knew most people wouldn't be able to hear the difference on low-end computer speakers anyway.

 

[Malladine]

Fortissimo III without a doubt.

 

[BG4533]

Thanks for all the help. The M-Audio revolution looks great, but I dont want to spend that much. I think I will be picking up a Fortissimo III now unless I can find a Santa Cruz for that price.

Thanks again,
Brian