New sound card suggestions

[de8212]

This is for an older pc that has been using on board audio. Finally got some decent speakers (klipsch 2.1's) and wanted a good quality sound card to pair them with. Music only, no games at all. What is the best bang for the buck out there? Is it realistic to get one for less than $50??

 

[Ika]

For less than $50 you could try looking for some used Audigy2s.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Aflac
For less than $50 you could try looking for some used Audigy2s.

Well for 2.1 he should probably go with the Chaintech AV-710 and use the surround outputs to power his front right and left. Would be a better deal for the money especially since gaming is not an issue.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Aflac
For less than $50 you could try looking for some used Audigy2s.

Well for 2.1 he should probably go with the Chaintech AV-710 and use the surround outputs to power his front right and left. Would be a better deal for the money especially since gaming is not an issue.

Oh, I didn't realize the AV-710 was so cheap. In that case, I definitely recommend AV-710 for music only - it's a horrible game card, but great value for music.

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: Aflac
For less than $50 you could try looking for some used Audigy2s.

Either this or an OEM X-Fi Xtream music would be a good choice.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Captante

Originally posted by: Aflac
For less than $50 you could try looking for some used Audigy2s.

Either this or an OEM X-Fi Xtream music would be a good choice.

That would be overkill for someone not interested in gaming

 

[Ghouler]

Analog out on av710 is crap. This is good for transport to a receiver but if used with analog 2.1 I would get something better. Pay a few $ more and get used audigy 2 on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Sound-Blaster-Audigy...008QQcategoryZ3701QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Ghouler
Analog out on av710 is crap. This is good for transport to a receiver but if used with analog 2.1 I would get something better. Pay a few $ more and get used audigy 2 on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Sound-Blaster-Audigy...008QQcategoryZ3701QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

not true, using the surround outs as your primaries allows for the use of a very high quality DAC. Many people use this for 2.0/1 systems.

 

[de8212]

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone.

I'll look into the Chaintech AV-710.

BTW, not really wanting to get a used one.

How are the ones listed at Best Buy's site? The first few that are under $50.00. Are they any good?Click.
Would the Turtle Beach or the Audigy SE be a large increase over on board audio?

This is for my brother and I imagine he wants to try and get it locally if possible. I'll check ComuSA/Circuit City alos.