As often was the research on the Internet time consuming but revealing. The selection of products was increasingly manageable. Ultimately, I decided for X-Fi HD.
The sound card should be installed quickly and easily on Windows XP Home Edition on my laptop and I am running on a 7-port USB hub with its own power supply. At this hub already hang an external hard drive and an external burner and a wireless stick and a mouse. The X-Fi HD runs without problems, without clicks and the like, which is why I can not understand the partly negative assessment-tions.
The sound is well balanced with my BEYERDYNAMIC DT-770 headphones and harmonious. Even longer and / or louder listening sessions are not unpleasant. Of course, the sound quality is not (m) can keep a high-quality hi-fi system, but the difference to the onboard solution is enormous and überra-dominant good for the price.
In addition, even recordings via the "What you hear" are far better than the onboard hardware. For me not to be underestimated purchase basic and crucial for the awarded 4 stars here. Why only 4 stars? Because the sound is above average, but not outstanding, and the at-lying software is not very self-explanatory even for a very experienced computer users like me. And because the device must be held to plug in the headset, so it does not slip away because of its light weight and not very grippy rubber feet.
