Sound Cards

[gpw11]

Hey, I'm building a new PC and need some advice with sound cards. Basically what I need is a cheap sound card, so I don't have to rely upon onboard sound. The sound quality isn't that big of an issue (I don't need 5.1 or any of that jazz), but potential driver problems are. Anyone have any suggestions. Money is a huge issue here. I was looking at this, but I have no idea what Aopen's record is for sound cards:

http://www.ncix.com/canada/productd...89&PHPSESSID=58650e4596a5a3cb105c58050710d5b7


Any help would be apreciated.

 

[xXgambitXx]

the skinny on sound cards is this:

Sound Blaster Live....about $30.......very nice basic card, get's the job done and is reliable

if you have really nice speakers and want better sound quality (not a HUGE jump over the LIVE).......Sound Blaster Audigy or the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.....both run about $60 or $70. the Audigy is better for gaming and the Santa Cruz is better for music

 

[gpw11]

Thanks.

 

[Brian48]

Well, if cheap is really the issue, then I'd recommend a Muse XL over a SBLive. The sound is quite comparable and they can be had for as little as $12 online ($19.95 retail for 4.1 version, $29.95 retail for 5.1 version). They offer a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[bulldawg]

Originally posted by: Brian48
Well, if cheap is really the issue, then I'd recommend a Muse XL over a SBLive. The sound is quite comparable and they can be had for as little as $12 online ($19.95 retail for 4.1 version, $29.95 retail for 5.1 version). They offer a lot of bang for the buck.

I agree with Brian about the Hercules Muse XL. It is very cheap and the sound is really quite good. I have one paired with the Microsoft DSS80's on my other machine and like it very much. Also, I have put them in other machines and no one has complained. All in all, a good, stable card for a good price.