I'm looking for external sound card up to $100 because I'm using build on MSI Z87i Gaming AC (or can I use internal sound card on this motherboard ?) I will be using it to gaming and music with 2.0 speakers for about $100 but I don't know which I will buy, yet (separate question).I was thinking about:ASUS Xonar U5 - $70Prodigy Cube Black Edition - $90Which product should I choose or maybe you have other more intresting propositions ?
External SoundCard under $100 (2.0 speakers)
audio;sound cards
When given the choice between onboard, Xonar U5 and Prodigy Cube under $100 one would probably go for the highest quality product available. A few years ago I would have chosen the Prodigy Cube, because it has designer components and an impressive professional looking product page. I bit later I would have gone with professional recording interfaces, but unless you can actually evaluate the objective audio performance of a device, a discussion will be more subjective based on taste and preference.Try onboard first. You are already willing to pay for it and it can be your fallback if the external soundcard drops out.I recommended to read a review about the Behringer UCA202 (~$30) in: External USB audiocard with 3.5 or 6.35 jack output. I feel a bit ashamed for dropping the name in every second answer of mine, but that is as much as I know or have experience with.Asus support staff was unable to answer a question about demanding low impedance headphones regarding their high-end soundcards. I have little to no confidence recommending their products if supports 600 is what they can say about it.I was interested in buying a Dr.DAC from Audiotrak until I read that the Alps potentiometer usually crackles and that this can be avoided in high quality designs.