Need expresscard soundcard that works with windows 7

I recently tripped over my headphone cord while it was plugged into my T61, which broke the headphone jack on my laptop.

So my question is simple - what's the best sounding expresscard soundcard that will work with windows 7?

I will be using it with Beyerdynamic DT770 80ohm headphones, super.fi Pro 5's, and my Marantz SR4003 receiver. I don't care about surround sound, just the best stereo quality and headphone output.

Does it have to be expresscard or would you consider USB? Do you have a set budget?

If you don't mind USB, I'd consider the E-MU 0404 USB. Good HP amp the should be able to drive DT770s, has digital out so you can get DD/DTS with your SR4003 when you're watching movies. Expresscard solutions aren't that great IMO.

It has to be expresscard. Primarily because I'll be using it on the move a lot.

Plus, I have experience with the EMU 1212m (had a desktop card for a while) and they took about 12 years to get drivers for Vista out.

I guess DD/DTS would be a nice plus, but I don't usually use the laptop to watch movies (I have a bluray player and WDTV). The only time that I'll be using audio out is for watching red sox games via MLBTV on my projector.

can you just pop the lappy open, and put a new headphone jack in?

as far as suggestions:
X-Fi
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102025

the good 'ol TBAAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829118107

hella bucks Echo:
http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/ExpressCard/index.php
(each is about $230, check MF or B&H)

this might be an option, just adhere it to the back of the monitor or something:
http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/headroom-total-bithead.php

price has gone way up in the last year though, gotta <3 it

Hold on computerpro3, I thought you made a post one time about how you had the accident insurance for the thinkpad. Can't you get Lenovo to replace the headphone jack? I mean they replaced the mobo, a jack should be no problem.

Yeah the Indigo IOx is probably the best bet if you have to have expresscard and you want 1212m-like quality. This place has it for $188: http://www.djdeals.com/echoINDIGOIOX.htm

450 said:

Hold on computerpro3, I thought you made a post one time about how you had the accident insurance for the thinkpad. Can't you get Lenovo to replace the headphone jack? I mean they replaced the mobo, a jack should be no problem.

Yeah the Indigo IOx is probably the best bet if you have to have expresscard and you want 1212m-like quality. This place has it for $188: http://www.djdeals.com/echoINDIGOIOX.htm

Click to expand...

would you trust this website?

honestly i'd just eat the extra $30 and deal with B&H, at least you'll get the item as advertised

honestly I'd go with the X-Fi if you want the most consumer oriented solution, TBAAM if you dont mind modding, and Echo Indigo if you just want pure quality, although the price is a bit higher than I'd pay for stereo out (then again, it is ExpressCard)

450 said:

Hold on computerpro3, I thought you made a post one time about how you had the accident insurance for the thinkpad. Can't you get Lenovo to replace the headphone jack? I mean they replaced the mobo, a jack should be no problem.

Click to expand...

I did. I was an idiot and only bought it for one year. It ran out like 6 months ago.