Sound Card

[migt]

Can anyone recommend me a PC Sound Card, with digital I/O (preferably optical), 24/96, 7.1? What I got mow is a SB live! Platinum, but it just isn't enough anymore. Thanks

Edited March 6, 2005 by migt

[garyc]

what about the Audigy4 Pro?

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/Audigy4pro/

[dex Otaku]

On principle alone, I would avoid all Creative products.

Try browsing sites like minidisc canada [http://www.minidisc-canada.com], minidisco, &c. They usually have sound cards and USB adapters listed with SP/DIF digital i/o [coax and/or optical].

kurisu recommends a chaintech card that retails in the US for around $15USD, has 8-channel output, stereo analogue and microphone input, 24-bit support, and an optical output. Search the fora for 'chaintech' and you'll come across the model number.

I have an m-audio revolution 7.1 which is similar to the chaintech expect that it has a coax output rather than optical. It serves me quite well.

[migt]

the revolution 7.1 doesn.t have a digital in, right?

[dex Otaku]

Correct. Output only.

Most consumer sound cards do not have digital inputs; only outputs.

If what you want is digital i/o, there are USB devices that do both directions with optical and coax for <$100USD, and usually have 24-bit stereo analogue in and out as well. That doesn't satisfy your 7.1 requirement, but add that <$20USD chaintech card and you're rockin'.