What are some decent sound cards under $50

[Coltor]

I would like to know what some good lower end sound cards are.

I am running a stereo setup anyways, I just want to see about upping some sound quality here and there as well as trying my hand at audio editing/mixing/music.

I know you can get really invested in ProTools and all its surrounding software but I would like to dabble for a while.

 

[Cristi72]

Hello,

The low-end market for audio cards are ever shrinking, given the quality of the on-board audio solutions (what audio interface are you using right now?). However, for your budget you can buy a Xonar DS/DG/DGX/DSX, Creative Audigy FX/X-Fi or a good USB DAC (Behringer UCA202/222 or FiiO D3; no drivers needed, so less software hassle). Or, try to search for a good deal on an used card, you could find some pro audio cards for decent prices (Yamaha, Creative Audigy Platinum, Auzentech, etc.).

 

[Coltor]

Hello,

The low-end market for audio cards are ever shrinking, given the quality of the on-board audio solutions (what audio interface are you using right now?).

I'm using good 'ol Realtek integrated HD audio, it has been good to thus far but I would like to upgrade a bit.

 

[Coltor]

Would the DACs count as hardware acceleration?

Would this be any good?:
http://www.amazon.com/Xonar-DGX-PCI-E-GX2-5-Engine/dp/B007TMZ1BK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425805206&sr=8-2&keywords=xonar

This?:
http://goo.gl/nyz7rh

 

[Cristi72]

Would the DACs count as hardware acceleration?

Would this be any good?:
http://www.amazon.com/Xonar-DGX-PCI-E-GX2-5-Engine/dp/B007TMZ1BK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425805206&sr=8-2&keywords=xonar

This?:
http://goo.gl/nyz7rh

No, the low-priced DACs are not doing any hardware acceleration (you won't need such thing anyway unless listening to DTS music, which needs multi-channel setup of course, which you don't have).

I would go for the Xonar DGX, it has the same audio quality as the Creative and it is much newer, so it gives you much better driver support (and warranty of course).

Platinum is a better deal if having the external I/O rack, enabling you to use RCA + 3,5" jack inputs for recording (the desired one is this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Creative-Sound-Blaster-Audigy-2-ZS-Platinum-PCI-Sound-Card-System-Live-Drive-/381093381239?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58baef8477; a little bit pricey, but it is the full package).

 

[Coltor]

[a little bit pricey, but it is the full package).

Indeed, I don't have that much at the moment but if I get an opportunity I'll buy it or similar.

Thanks for the help.