New USB soundcard

[Sussexlad]

I've just replaced my PC with another S/H Dell, an Optiplex 9020 and am generally please with it. I run Centros 7 Linux. However although not an audiophile, I enjoy listening to my music through headphones and was immediately disappointed by the tinny sound quality of the on-board audio, not a problem with my previous Dell. So I toyed with the idea of installing a S/H sound card but came across this device which I'd never seen before.

https://www.ebuyer.com/229052-startech- ... cusbaudio7
StarTech.com Virtual 7.1 USB Stereo Audio Adapter External Sound Card £14.49 97% would by again.

For £14.49 I couldn't really go wrong and so ordered one. It's great. I use VLC and it works well with the Equaliser, although it distorts a little if the preamp is too high. Don't ask me any technical question because I wont know the answer. I just plugged it in, selected 'Digital Output S/PDIF - Audio Adapter' as the sound source and it just worked. If your sound is similarly poor, it might be worth the meagre investment !

[PrincessB]

I've got a couple of these (they were on a buy one, get one free offer!)

Mine looks very similar to your item for considerably less - about £3 IIRC
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PC-Laptop-US ... SwAz9dANOQ

I bought it as the onboard sound from an elderly motherboard was awful, boomy, muffled and dull. They do work rather well and perked up the sound no end.

Something that might appeal to any others who find their computers sound leaves something to be desired would be this unit by budget pro audio company Behringer.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UCA2 ... B0023BYDHK

This unit is more suitable for those who use a stand alone amplifier and speakers, it does have a headphone socket (3.5mm) but the reviews indicate that the output quality from the jack is average at best. I occasionally plug in a set of lightweight earbud type headphones when I'm up later than everyone else and want to watch a film - It's ok but no brilliant.

Regards,

B.

[Sussexlad]

I've got a couple of these (they were on a buy one, get one free offer!)
Mine looks very similar to your item for considerably less - about £3 IIRC

Well obviously mine's much better built !
I've just found these instructions on how to permanently store the VLC equaliser settings.
The 'Write changes to config' option doesn't appear to work.

http://www.stufinnis.co.uk/vlcequalizersave.html