[clug-talk] High Quality External USB Sound Card?

[Mark Carlson]

On 1/13/09, Mark Carlson <carlsonmark at gmail.com> wrote:
> On 1/13/09, Peter Pankonin <r4nd0m1z at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > On 1/13/09, Mark Carlson <carlsonmark at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> <snip>
>
>
>  >  > I use the HeadRoom Total BitHead which is a "High Quality External USB
>  >  > Sound Card" but it has no inputs.
>  >
>  >
>  > Thanks...that would probably suit my needs. I'll check into it.
>  >
>
>
> It's a really nice device, that's for sure, but unless you are a hi-fi
>  nerd, something cheaper will suffice.  The BitHead is actually a
>  portable battery-powered headphone amplifier that just happens to
>  double as a USB sound card.
>
>  For $50 or so, you should be able to pick one up elsewhere.  USB sound
>  cards were very easy to get just one year ago, but now I can't seem to
>  find nearly as many locally.  Don't get a Creative X-Fi, as the
>  drivers have issues under Linux (there were official drivers, but they
>  were only available for 64-bit linux, and now they are no longer
>  supported.)
>
>  I wish I could recommend one, but it looks like all that's left at
>  Memory Express is one that I don't see anyone using under Linux,
>  Future Shop has none, and Best Buy only has the Creative X-Fi which I
>  doubt works well under Linux.
>
>  If you feel like picking up a ~$5 one off of eBay, I hear those
>  usually plug and play with Linux.
>
>  -Mark C.
>

As I was closing my tabs, I saw this:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX8246(ME).aspx

>From the looks of Ubuntu Forums, this device works, at least in stereo mode.

At half the price of the HeadRoom device (not counting shipping, duty,
and brokerage fees) I think it would be a good deal.

-Mark C.