Looking for a fully supported sound card under $150

blaster999 · 12-19-2006, 12:08 PM

I was using SB Audigy 2 for quite a long time, and was happy with it, but after I purchased a more "serious" speaker set (2xAudio Pro EVO 50 floor speakers, Audio Pro Sub 8 and a Yamaha RX-V359 reciever, to be precise) I was thinking of buying a better sound card (as Audigy is mostly targeted at gamers). I am looking for a not-very-expensive sound card that is:

Fully supported by ALSA
Sounds good (music/movies)
Can do 5.1
Has a hardware mixer
Has digital output (preferably coax, but optical will also do)
Costs less than or equal to $150

Are there any cards that meet these criteria? I would be glad to hear your opinions and suggestions.

farslayer · 12-19-2006, 02:18 PM

How about something like ...

M-Audio Audiophile 2496 $130.00
alsa ref to this card

or the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 $120.00
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...on71-main.html
http://www.phoronix.com/lch/?k=entry&l=69&t=M-Audio

Both of these cards should also work with Ardour if you decide to do some recording in your mini-studio.. Do some more follow up on these cards since I don't own either one I can't tell you if all outputs are working or not.. i.e. spdif etc..

blaster999 · 12-20-2006, 04:26 PM

Well, M-Audio cards look good, but M-Audio Audiophile 2496 isn't 5.1 and Revolution lacks a hardware mixer

Anyway, thanks for your reply! If I don't find anything with a HW mixer, I'll probably buy Revolution

farslayer · 12-20-2006, 07:19 PM

M-Audio has higher end cards.. but they didn't fit your budget requirements..

The M-Audio cards are one of hte brands recommended for the Linux Studio uses.. the other brand.. RME starts around $500.00 Yikes !!

Other than that you have your standard Sound Blaster etc.. cards..

Let us know what you end up wth . and browse M-Audios site for other options I just picked a couple that looked like they might fit your needs.