What is the best, loudest, sound card?

[jakobkraft]

What can I say about SoundMAX? Not much, which is why I'm in the market for a new sound card...but which one is the best for not only sound quality but sheer volume, even with headphones? I have older neighbors so, sadly, I'm dependant on headphone use a lot of the time. Everyone talks about Creative Labs, but then I heard something about a Hercules card? I'm used to obsessing over video card but I must admit I'm clueless as to the best sound card out there.

Any ideas? Remember - VOLUME....!

 

[Beau]

Most cards only put out a line level output, shifting the volume effects to your reciever/speaker setup. Perhaps you should look at investing in that instead.

 

[Idoxash]

My Famesurround Fortissimo II does has a clear loud phone jack that should be enought for anyone but if you looking for blood from ears you need some bigger amps.........

 

[Colt45]

my good old SB16 has 4w / channel built in

 

[Woody419]

Instead of spending money on a new soundcard, get a headphone amp. Probably a cheaper solution too.
Any of the amps on e-bay would probably go loud enough to make your ears bleed.

Or if you are handy you could build your own:
Headbanger
Headwize

 

[DSTA]

Heh - since Woody already came up with my suggestions - let me just add that any old school HiFi amp with a headphone plug will also do fine. If you look around you can probably get one from the trash or for very little money at least.

Little story: I hate to see good old electronics stuff wasted, so I recently picked up a 1975 Marantz receiver that my neighbours were about to throw away. After a bit of dusting and cleaning this thing sounds very nice. Also looks like Bugatti made it, from the inside (big fat discrete parts and great all metal shielding)!

 

[TimeKeeper]

Agree w/ Colt45. Those ISA SB16 or SB64 are amazing!!!