Do you need a high end sound card to have the full advantage of these speakers or does it not make a difference sense its usb connected? Thanks.
292598
Well as with anything sound/audiophile the saying is "it all comes out in the end" which is to say you can have the best sound card in your computer, digital to analog converter and desktop tube amp, but they will only sound as good as the speakers the sound is coming out of. The same can be said for the whole chain really. On board sound and amplifiers aren't typically where motherboard manufactures invest serious R&D; money. So yeah start with speakers and work your way back to the source.
292599
From what I have read, better speakers would be a better investment before changing the sound card. Have a look at this forum. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/58378-6-speakers-sound-card
292600
When the USB is connected, it does not make a difference. A sound card is responsible for converting a digital signal to an analog signal (a DAC). Essentially the built in DAC is a built-in sound card. If you want to use a sound card, then you must connect the speakers via an analog source (RCA), so that the conversion is done in the sound card DAC as opposed to the speaker DAC, but from what I understand the speaker DAC is fairly high quality and should satisfy. This is another great feature of the speakers, since they don't rely on the sound card of a computer and will sound great regardless. When the USB is connected, it does not make a difference. A sound card is responsible for converting a digital signal to an analog signal (a DAC). Essentially the built in DAC is a built-in sound card. If you want to use a sound card, then you must connect the speakers via an analog source (RCA), so that the conversion is done in the sound card DAC as opposed to the speaker DAC, but from what I understand the speaker DAC is fairly high quality and should satisfy. This is another great feature of the speakers, since they don't rely on the sound card of a computer and will sound great... » Read More When the USB is connected, it does not make a difference. A sound card is responsible for converting a digital signal to an analog signal (a DAC). Essentially the built in DAC is a built-in sound card. If you want to use a sound card, then you must connect the speakers via an analog source (RCA), so that the conversion is done in the sound card DAC as opposed to the speaker DAC, but from what I understand the speaker DAC is fairly high quality and should satisfy. This is another great feature of the speakers, since they don't rely on the sound card of a computer and will sound great regardless. « Show Less
292601
It's essentially got a built-in sound card, so you don't need a sound card at all.
292602
From what I have read, better speakers would be a better investment before changing the sound card. Have a look at this forum.http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/58378-6-speakers-sound-card
1281198
The A/D cable does not work in both directions - the signal flow must be *from* the audio end *to* the USB end. That means you can not play out through your USB jack using this cable.You will need a D/A box to play out from your USB port to your speakers, and probably an amp as well (unless your speakers are powered). You can find these little guys branded as external USB sound cards, typically for under $50. Some of the nicer ones have gain and processing controls, but most will have an 1/8" TRS jack rather than RCA or full size phono jacks. When you go looking for a solution, remember to consider all the connections you'll have to make as well as power considerations. The A/D cable does not work in both directions - the signal flow must be *from* the audio end *to* the USB end. That means you can not play out through your USB jack using this cable.You will need a D/A box to play out from your USB port to your speakers, and probably an amp as well (unless your speakers are powered). You can find these little guys branded as external USB sound cards, typically for under $50. Some of the nicer ones have gain and processing controls, but most will have an 1/8" TRS jack rather than RCA or full size phono jacks. When you go looking for a... » Read More The A/D cable does not work in both directions - the signal flow must be *from* the audio end *to* the USB end. That means you can not play out through your USB jack using this cable.You will need a D/A box to play out from your USB port to your speakers, and probably an amp as well (unless your speakers are powered). You can find these little guys branded as external USB sound cards, typically for under $50. Some of the nicer ones have gain and processing controls, but most will have an 1/8" TRS jack rather than RCA or full size phono jacks. When you go looking for a solution, remember to consider all the connections you'll have to make as well as power considerations. « Show Less
882361
USB gets power from computer and is the bus through which the sound driver ports pc audio to the device. It's not a stand alone AD/DA. Works best as an ext sound card
2018054
the 363D comes with a in-line USB sound-card. which the Zero's do not. Also, i think the 363D's speakers are a bit more advanced to take advantage of the 'mimicked' 3d-surround sound the in-line USB sound-card produces.
777905
You need an audio interface. Usually plugs in via USB. The. The speakers can conect to that. They connect via 1/4 inch cables. An interface will run you about 200 for a cheap one that's good enough.
554615
No audio outlet because speakers are built in.USB connection that you much change your sound output destination each time you switch back to your laptop speakers.
446801
I'm not techy or a hi fidelity aficionado, but I use Bose USB external speakers and I love the output. This probably isn't much help, but there you go.
719732
I would tend to agree with the other response. I actually own three of these units and use them regularly. However, I have never used the USB port as I have only used them for mixing audio.....they work great for that!
889814
Nope--you're good to go! I've had my speakers for several months now & have been using them w/my MacBook Pro. They're great!!
1648688
These are not powered speakers, they need to be connected to a receiver or amplifier. If you wanted to use these with a computer you would first need to connect the pc's audio output to an amplifier.
2187388
I didn't get any special sound card. I am running mine on a MAC desktop that is about 2 years old, sounds great. So I guess it depends how old your computer is.
948919
you have to have at least a built in sound card to even process sound on your laptop. but no, you don't need one for this.
116300
Is it worth getting this speaker to use with a laptop, instead of one with two speakers or a bigger one? Can it compete against regular speakers?
120748
There really is no need for it, unless you want Super high quality sound and have some extra money to throw down for one... For me, I don't have A sound card, but it still sounds amazing.
1473170
I just plug them into the USB port and the picture of headphone port. Than I got sound. Make sure the volume on your computer is up and adjust the volume on your speakers wire. One time I had turned it the wrong way and got no sound. I hope this is helpful. The sound is great and loud with good base. I use them all the time with my Students skills DVD.
1654289
Sorry. Shouldn't need a sound card. Depending on your system config. What OS are you running?
510639
You don't have to buy a sound card to have them sound good but if your motherboard doesn't have on board 7.1 sound on it then it's best you get a sound card. I'm using my on board 7.1 and didn't buy a sound card and they sound great to me but could be better with a sound card. Getting a sound card isn't a bad investment for your computer though if you don't have one