cheap usb soundcard suggestions

[fugu]

My roommate has an old laptop that we're going to use as a livingroom mp3 player and maybe for movies. Problem is the audio out is really noisy. Any decent USB soundcards that are cheaper than the Extigy or Audigy2? I've seen a ~$50 USB SBLive! box on Newegg and a $25 Turtle Beach thing. 5.1 would be nice, but isn't necessary.

 

[Mister X]

What is the "receiver" again?

I am asking because the M-audio transit might be just the ticket for you.
The Transit is a pretty decent 2 channel source but the cool part is it also functions as a USB S/PDIF interface so you you are not limited by the internal DAC.
The catch is they are kinda spendy.
Froogled link-----> http://www.audiomidi.com/Transit-USB-P4034.aspx?CPID=392&AFID=3

 

[fugu]

I'm hooking it up to an HK receiver. What's the difference between the digital out on this one and the one on the Turtle Beach?

http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audioadvantage/indetail.asp

 

[Gavinfoxx]

The Turtle Beach is GREAT if you just want normal stereo stuff to sound good. In fact, that Audio ***EDIT: Advantage*** and a set of Sennheiser HD201's are suggested as about the best sound quality you can get out of a PC for under $50.

 

[Mister X]

that Audio Alchemy

DAC?
What DAC?

What's the difference between the digital out on this one and the one on the Turtle Beach?

Other then the Audio Advantage micro needs an adapter.... Not much

 

[fugu]

Well, looks like I'll pick it up =) Thanks for the input.

 

[Mister X]

Let us know how it works out for you.... a review would be even better

 

[SoundBlaster]

Have a look for external SB live! 24-bit, it offer great quality with 100 db SNR and 5.1 surround at affordable price

 

[fugu]

Came in the mail today, I'll give my impressions later tonight or this week.