External sound card for my lappy

**talldude** · 10-30-2003, 02:50 AM

Well...as of now i'm stuck with a pair of altec lansing 621s (awesome) and onboard AC97 sound (teh sucky!). I, being very appreciative of good sound, want to get an external sound card. From the 15 min of research I've done on the subject, came to have 3 choices:

1. Creative mp3+
2. Creative audigy 2 NX
3. M-Audio Sonica

Now, I listen to a lot of music, and game quite a bit...I'd like the best of both worlds. However, the audigy 2 nx is 2x as expensive as the two other boxes. If the sound quality is THAT much better and there are some other benefits (features and support for EAX come to mind), then i'm willing to spend the money. I want you guys take on the subject. Money is not a problem to me, but I'm cheap...I want best bang for buck. I'm making this a poll, so give me your opinions!

**Isezumi** · 10-30-2003, 03:20 AM

dats a tough call, depending on what you do.

If the Sonica uses the same chipset as the Revolution then I would go for that one. Otherwise possibly the NX.

Its really hard to tell with external units what the quality is going to be like.

**CrawlingEye** · 10-30-2003, 03:22 AM

Originally posted by Isezumi
dats a tough call, depending on what you do.

If the Sonica uses the same chipset as the Revolution then I would go for that one. Otherwise possibly the NX.

Its really hard to tell with external units what the quality is going to be like.

He did say gaming though, which is why I'd go with the NX over the Sonica. The A2NX will provide excellent sound quality as well as great gaming support (providing it's the equal to the new A2ZS)

**talldude** · 10-30-2003, 03:37 AM

Ok...I'll take a serious look at the audigy 2 NX. Before committing though, I'd love to have a review of the unit from someone with first hand experience...I don't want to rely on generalized reviews.

Ack...just read up on the Sonica a lot more. It's not suitable for my needs. Oh well...then it's on to the 2 sound blasters.

**Fig** · 10-30-2003, 07:37 PM

I hear ya man...the sound (read noise) emitting from my laptop's soundcard is nothing short of shite.

**talldude** · 10-31-2003, 02:41 PM

Well...yeah. The truth about the matter is that the more money you have, the more money you spend. I had plenty, so the Audigy 2 NX is on its way right now. I can't wait to hear that puppy! Finally have a sound card that will do justice to my speakers + headphones.

**CrawlingEye** · 10-31-2003, 05:15 PM

Awesome, talldude.

Let us know how you like it then.

**coolqf** · 11-01-2003, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by CrawlingEye
Awesome, talldude.

Let us know how you like it then.

I'd rate the A2 NX less than the A2 ZS, but more than the A (original).
The MP3... It doesn't even support 4.1... It doesn't support Advanced HD either... Wouldn't this be a limit for gaming?! (considering that he wil be using his as his primary soundcard for 4yrs).

**soupnazi** · 11-01-2003, 02:25 PM

Originally posted by coolqf
I'd rate the A2 NX less than the A2 ZS, but more than the A (original).
The MP3... It doesn't even support 4.1... It doesn't support Advanced HD either... Wouldn't this be a limit for gaming?! (considering that he wil be using his as his primary soundcard for 4yrs).

I didn't know that the A2 NX doesn't support 4.1 and EAXHD.

**talldude** · 11-01-2003, 03:41 PM

no, that's the MP3+. The A2 NX supports up to 7.1 (IIRC).

My A2 NX will be here next week, tues-wed, depending on fed-ex. I'll post a review focusing on the functionality of the unit.

**soupnazi** · 11-01-2003, 03:57 PM

Ah, I see. Let us know what you think of it?

**coolqf** · 11-01-2003, 04:03 PM

Originally posted by soupnazi
I didn't know that the A2 NX doesn't support 4.1 and EAXHD.

I was fererring to the MP3+, or better said I guess the USB Soundblaster MP3+?
I also own the Audigy 2 NX. I love the gadget.

**talldude** · 11-04-2003, 12:57 PM

WOOHOOO!!! It's on the delivery truck! Too bad I have so much schoolwork to do I won't be able to do that review for a while...

**CrawlingEye** · 11-04-2003, 02:28 PM

Certainly at least give a brief summation of your feelings on it and some features, if you can.

Congrats on the new soundcard.

**Daywalker** · 11-04-2003, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by CrawlingEye
Certainly at least give a brief summation of your feelings on it and some features, if you can.

Congrats on the new soundcard.

I've considered one of those before - how much $?

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