I can't access the link that comparisons - I sometimes use a SCS PTC-II
which was reported by QST some time back to be the best - but sound cards
certainly are very convenient.
For what it is worth - It has recently been a source of discussion on the
Ham Radio Deluxe Yahoo group in the context of their PSK31 software that
sound card performance is a BIG VARIABLE and that "amazing improvement" can
be had with aftermarket devices. It also appears that there is potentially a
difference in the same basic product when it is an internal board vs.
external USB device in that the internal board lacks shielding and may pick
up noise form other stuff inside the case where the USB type is fully
shielded. Plus - there is the advantage that the USB box can be used with a
laptop with a resulting improvement in performance over the laptop's sound
card.
The device under discussion on the group is Creative Sound Labs Sound
Blaster Audigy 2 NX. Turns out that Creative has a sale of sorts on it - you
may have to call them to get the price because try as I might to order it
from the page below I could not get the sale price of $89.99 - just the
regular price of $129.99.
http://us.creative.com/local/1/newsletters/soundblaster/product.asp?product=
9103
I ordered two but I have to yet try it, but I have no reason to doubt the
reports on the group and it only makes sense that if it improves the
performance of their PSK31 software then it should also help with others.
Don
W6ZO
PS - Happy Holidays to all - see you on SKN
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