Looking for a decent USB External Sound Card

[SpikeBolt]

Hello Audioshark,


I'm looking for an external sound card, my budget is around 70-80 euros. Here's what I'm planning to do:

• Connect a 5.1 sound system
• Connect an Headset (3.5mm jacks)
• Connect to PS3 (probably via optical?) and output it's sound via headset or 5.1 sound system

I was thinking about getting an Asus Xonar U7 (which seems amazing!) but apparently you can't connect the SPDIF to ps3 as it is an output port only


I'm not interested that interested in internal soundcards as I ocasionally use laptop/mac.


Thanks in advance!

 

[Glareskin]

I first thought that you were looking for what the Germans call a eierlegende Wollmilchsau

Literally "egg-laying wool-milk-sow", from the earlier "eierlegendes und milchgebendes Wollschwein". The concept of a "Schwein, / das Merinowolle trägt / und dazu noch Eier legt", a "pig / that bears merino wool / and furthermore lays eggs, too"

But apparently it is available. This is an example. And it even has a wireless mode. However I think it will be challenging to find it within the budget... Another approach would be to search for a USB to SP/DIF converter and find pure SP/DIF DAC to connect to. But here as well I see a problem with the budget.

 

[SpikeBolt]

I think what I am looking for shouldn't be as hard to find as you make it seem. Here's an example from my small local hardware store: chiptec.net/incs/verproduto.php?id=9706&session=63a695844f0573bfac31242b0994ecef

This has everything I need: SPDIF input, 5.1 support, headphone jacks... But the reviews are pretty terrible I don't understand that much about audio, nor the existing products so I'm asking for you guys assistance to find a better quality product.

 

[Glareskin]

I think what I am looking for shouldn't be as hard to find as you make it seem. Here's an example from my small local hardware store: chiptec.net/incs/verproduto.php?id=9706&session=63a695844f0573bfac31242b0994ecef

This has everything I need: SPDIF input, 5.1 support, headphone jacks... But the reviews are pretty terrible I don't understand that much about audio, nor the existing products so I'm asking for you guys assistance to find a better quality product.

I am already surprised about the functionality for that price tag. A good review would be pure voodoo I think. I am sorry I don't have experience in this area. I am a 2.0 guy with some escapes in 2.1 and 2.2 but 5 and higher is out of my domain.