High quality external sound card for Windows desktop PC?

[editor]

So my basic built in sound card has decided to stop working so I thought I might invest in something a bit decent seeing as the PC is hooked up to a good set of speakers, and I spend a LOT of time listening to music every day.

I'd prefer an external card because I really can't be arsed to rummage around in my desktop's case unless I can be convinced that's it worth it!

It's a Windows 11 machine and I've got no interest in surround sound or gaming.

Is it worth getting one with a DAC built in (I mainly listen to Spotify high quality streams as well as 320kbs MP3s)? Or will something a bit more basic do?

Thanks!

 

[pesh]

Scarlett 2i2

The original studio-quality 2-in, 2-out interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, has been remastered for the artist.

store.focusrite.com

Focusrite are doing cheap refurbished units at the moment

 

[editor]

Scarlett 2i2

The original studio-quality 2-in, 2-out interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, has been remastered for the artist.

store.focusrite.com

Focusrite are doing cheap refurbished units at the moment

That looks lovely but it seems over the top seeing as I won't be plugging in mics/guitars or anything else musical.

 

[souljacker]

So my basic built in sound card has decided to stop working so I thought I might invest in something a bit decent seeing as the PC is hooked up to a good set of speakers, and I spend a LOT of time listening to music every day.

I'd prefer an external card because I really can't be arsed to rummage around in my desktop's case unless I can be convinced that's it worth it!

It's a Windows 11 machine and I've got no interest in surround sound or gaming.

Is it worth getting one with a DAC built in (I mainly listen to Spotify high quality streams as well as 320kbs MP3s)? Or will something a bit more basic do?

Thanks!

Didn't you buy a DDJ-400 not long ago? It's an external soundcard. I use mine to power all the sounds that come out of my PC (which I then plug into an amp and speakers).

 

[editor]

Didn't you buy a DDJ-400 not long ago? It's an external soundcard. I use mine to power all the sounds that come out of my PC (which I then plug into an amp and speakers).

That's not a practical solution for me. I just need something for my PC. having to have that on my desk and turned on seems total overkill!

 

[platinumsage]

Zero need for any soundcard if you're listening to stuff, onboard Realtek will do just fine.

If you're recording with snazzy microphones it's a different matter.

 

[editor]

Zero need for any soundcard if you're listening to stuff, onboard Realtek will do just fine.

If you're recording with snazzy microhpnes it's a different matter.

As I explained in the OP. It's stopped working.

 

[platinumsage]

As I explained in the OP. It's stopped working.

I misread it as your soundcard stopped working, rather than your onbaord sound

There's no point in "investing in something a bit decent" unless you're using your PC to provide sound to a rave or record your local church organ or whatever. Anything that works from a brand you've heard of should be indistinguishable in terms of audio quality to your headphones or desktop speakers.

 

[not henry]

I have this going spare. It was my entry level to cubase. but I upgraded over time to pro. If you can use it let me know

 

[magneze]

Behringer | Product | UCA202

www.behringer.com

I have one of these, works great.

 

[xenon]

any USB soundcard for about 20 quid will do. though they usually only have mini jacks. I got an Asus one for my laptop as have the same problem. Works fine. They all have DACs as that is what they are doing, converting the digital on the computer to analog. audio files might get sniffy about the quality in cheaper ones, but I think it’s mostly bollocks. where it really counts is going the other way, i.e. recording with microphones and so on. Which you don’t need.

 

[ffsear]

any USB soundcard for about 20 quid will do. though they usually only have mini jacks. I got an Asus one for my laptop as have the same problem. Works fine. They all have DACs as that is what they are doing, converting the digital on the computer to analog. audio files might get sniffy about the quality in cheaper ones, but I think it’s mostly bollocks. where it really counts is going the other way, i.e. recording with microphones and so on. Which you don’t need.

 

[chandlerp]

Behringer | Product | UCA202

www.behringer.com

I have one of these, works great.

Can confirm these are great. I use one to pass sound to my mixer when DJing

 

[Magnus McGinty]

I use Komplete Audio One

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 Interface - Andertons Music Co.

Buy the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 Interface at Andertons. Ideal for solo musicians, podcasters & content creators, order yours today!

www.andertons.co.uk