I'm using the M-Audio USB Audiophile with my system and am amazed at the soundstaging I'm getting even from Internet radio stations. I'm about to pull the plug on all my standalone CD players in favor of a PC w/an outboard soundcard.
Initially, I used the Creative Extigy but found that the software they supply tends to 'take over' your computer. Also, their release processes for updates is *really* tedious and prone to updates crashing other software. This, I believe, is the result of using different software houses to produce their software products.
Granted, M-audio doesn't update their products often, the quality of the sound is excellent. No experience beyond that one model but I do see their stuff used frequently with semi-professionals around the area here in CA, which says something.
I'm just blown away with the quality of sound for the price. Forget outboard DACs from now on.....
Cheers,
David
Initially, I used the Creative Extigy but found that the software they supply tends to 'take over' your computer. Also, their release processes for updates is *really* tedious and prone to updates crashing other software. This, I believe, is the result of using different software houses to produce their software products.
Granted, M-audio doesn't update their products often, the quality of the sound is excellent. No experience beyond that one model but I do see their stuff used frequently with semi-professionals around the area here in CA, which says something.
I'm just blown away with the quality of sound for the price. Forget outboard DACs from now on.....
Cheers,
David