Best soundcard for recording stereo music?

[Steven Spits]

Hi,

What would be the best PCI soundcard for recording stereo music? At this
moment I'm using the linein on my mobo, but I'm looking for something with a
better signal-to-noise ratio.

I don't need MIDI, surround, a remote control or any other fancy stuff. I
only want the recorded stereo music to be as crystal clear as possible.

Any suggestions?

Steven

- - -

 

[JohnS]

Hi,

What would be the best PCI soundcard for recording stereo music? At this
moment I'm using the linein on my mobo, but I'm looking for something with a
better signal-to-noise ratio.

I don't need MIDI, surround, a remote control or any other fancy stuff. I
only want the recorded stereo music to be as crystal clear as possible.

Any suggestions?

Steven

Believe it or not the EMU 0404 is often cited as cheap great card. It
does have Midi though but Im not sure you can get a cheaper card with
better specs though someone may know of one.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/EMu-0404-PCI-Digital-Audio-Recording-System?sku=240390

Ill mention this place AMerican Musical Supply because
they really gave me a great deal and great service when I bought a
1212m EMU from them last month. Thats the bigger brother to the EMU
0404.
http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-EMU-8803.html

HEres a place Ive never heard of. Try to price match this to American
Musical Supply though they might refuse on the grounds theres no free
shipping or something but its worth a try. $74
http://www.techonweb.com/products/productdetail.aspx?id=C53581&src=FG

Do a search since Ive often seen it as low as $79 but factor in
shipping. Maybe the higher place has free shipping and the lower does
not.

reviews
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep04/articles/emu0404.htm

The BAD --- sometimes this card conflicts with something on the PC or
the patchmix software. Soime people have zero problems a few have lots
of problems. You might want to buy it from a place you can return it
easily like AMS, Amazon etc.

 

[DaveW]

The Soundblaster X-Fi soundcards are the highest fidelity, highest signal to
noise ratio soujndcards on the market. I love mine.