Best Audio Card

Hello,

I am looking to upgrade and would like to use an Audio card. What is the recommended audio card for a Dell Optiplex 7010?

It pretty much depends on how much you plan to spend. Another consideration is the number of audio output channels you want.

Rgds,
Ed

Hi Ed,

I am not planning to spend a whole lot of $$'s but would like to have something for in the home and would be looking at possible 4 channel output. Let me know what is a good sound card for a reasonable price.

I thought I wanted a four channel set up as well. So I bought an eight channel system thinking I would be well in.

However, while four main speakers were OK, I realised that I would like to use headphones occasionally and, of course, I would need a sub-woofer.

So I quickly used up seven channels without really trying!

Regards,

Look for an external USB audio interface. I have used the Focusrite Scarlet series which range from $110 to $550 depending on the number of outputs you need. I've had good luck with the Presonus AudioBox and Studio models as well at similar prices. There are many similar brands including MOTU and Behringer.

Check with Guitar Center or similar stores for open box or traded in units. I've found used interfaces at good prices this way, especially in the two and four output sizes.

Check RME website: https://www.rme-audio.de/home.html

Check RME website: https://www.rme-audio.de/home.html

weststrate said "I am not planning to spend a whole lot of $$'s ....", so RME is probably out of price range.