[linux-audio-user] sub $200 sound card recommendations

[Emiliano Grilli]

Il giorno mar, 11/10/2005 alle 21.38 -0700, reuben ha scritto:
> Hello,
> 
> I'm hoping to spend no more than $200 to get a sound card that'll do 
> everything I need from it. It will function as the center of the sound 
> system in my art gallery; I'd like to connect it to a mixer via RCA. 2 
> output channels + headphone monitor would be ideal, although I could 
> live with just two of the three. I do not need digital, and I do not 
> need surround, although neither would hurt. I do like the idea of an 
> external interface but that is not necessary.
> 
> I'm running Ubuntu 5.4, 2.6 kernel, etc etc. I don't really have a lot 
> of time to spend futzing with compiling & recompiling drivers; I'd like 
> something that is easily (& well) supported by ALSA or some other 
> alternative.
> 
> I'd read a lot of good things about the M-Audio cards -- which one if 
> so? Or would you spring for one of the SB Audigies? Or other?

I tend to suggest M-audio audiophile 24/96 - its 129$ (88 EUR on
thomann.de so you might find it for less than 129$) - it's based on the
well supported envy24 chip and all the mates I suggested to are really
happy.

Here are the features:

http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496-main.html

It doesn't have headphones out, but it's a professional grade soundcard.
If your use is "consumer audio" (If I understand correctly for playing
background music only) you can do it with a lot smaller budget (sb128
for example or a cheap used sblive, or even the one built-in on the
motherboard).

With audiophle 24/96 you surely get high quality output, but maybe is
more music production oriented.

> Thanks
> Reuben

HTH
-- 
Emiliano Grilli
Linux user #209089 
http://www.emillo.net