[linux-audio-dev] Re: image problem [was Re: [Alsa-devel] help for a levelmeter]

[Kai Vehmanen]

On Tue, 22 Oct 2002, Peter L Jones wrote:

> I don't want to have to learn about DSPs and stuff to be able to identify a 
> _good_ sound card.  I've currently got a shortlist for my next machine:
>   * MidiMan Delta Audiophile 2496 (Envy24)
>   * Creative SB PCI 128 (ES1371)

I've used both of these extensively with JACK and numerous other ALSA apps
and they work really well (full-duplex, low-latency use). Other
soundcards/chipsets that I've used:

- snd-intel8x0 (nice chipset, is suitable for low-latency use)
- snd-cs4281 (good for low-latency although has a max two-interrupts
              per buffer limitation which can confuse apps)
- GUS MAX (this very, very old ISA-card can still beat a number of 
  today's crappy chipsets... I don't know whether to cry or laugh ;))

Cards that I have no personal experience with, but I've heard very
good things about:

- RME Digi9652

Beware:

- SB AWE models (ugh, crap!)
- Yamaha YMF7xx/DS-XG (some have reported that these work ok,
  but in any case they have a max 3 periods limitation
  similar to cs4281, which can confuse apps)

All in all, most of the PCI-cards supported by ALSA have fairly good 
drivers. 

-- 
 http://www.eca.cx
 Audio software for Linux!