Which USB sound card?

[sathyan]

My current USB sound card (Creative Audigy 2 NX) has stopped working so I need to replace it. Playback quality is my main concern. I use this system for listening to music and Netflix online movies but not recording (WAVs imported from another system when needed). So I just want to listen with good quality.

OS: Windows XP
PC: IBM Thinkpad T40 1.5GHz, 1 GB RAM
Speakers: M-Audio DX-4

I was trying to find a USB to SPDIF coax device so I could just use my TC Electronic m300 as a DAC (I'm sure it beats what one finds in many USB sound cards). But I don't see any inexpensive devices which output SPDIF COAX. So I need a device with a decent DAC and analogue output stage.

Budget: I had hoped to spend around $100

Products I'm considering:
E Mu 0202 $130
M-Audio Fast Track $100


If one is not interested in the USB device's recording features, for playback only (WDM drivers/DAC/analogue output stage) is it worth stepping up to the E-Mu 0404/M-Audio Fast Track Pro over the E-Mu 0202/M-Audio Fast Track?

Any comments on these? Other suggestions?

thanks,
Sathyan

 

[Howard]

oops

 

[Ghouler]

If you are going to use DAC I would go with any budget option. Or use the onboard digital out if it is there.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

The Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro is $26 from Newegg shipped and features S/PDIF passthrough. Text Enjoy.

 

[konakona]

I am not too familiar with the DAC you have, but there are quite few "budget DACs" at various pricepoints. Personally I am in love with DIYparadise's USB Monica NOS DAC 🙂
People over at head-fi might give you better answers if your focus is on music. AT forums is more about gaming than anything else from what I have seen.