Audio

BudgetGadget 5.1 USB Sound Card

I recommend using Windows Media Player with the 5.1 audio plugin for optimum sound from this device.  I tried a couple of lower end players, but they just didn’t seem to deliver.  So I grabbed my copy of Dark Knight from my entertainment center and popped that puppy in the drive.  After fiddling with the settings a bit and moving the four speakers around on my desk, I was able to get the full effect of the surround sound setup.  While this is a bit bulky for any kind of travel, a more compact set of speakers would do wonders with this thing.  The sound was superb.

Most built-in speakers on laptop computers seem to crackle and distort the sound when it gets too loud.  Such as when a building explodes during a movie.  With this little gadget I was getting crystal clear sound all the way through.

In conclusion, I found this to be a handy little addition to the average traveler’s media bag.  I have to say that when it comes to everyday home use it probably wouldn’t be a magnificent addition to a home theater setup, but for a laptop or notebook the sound is absolutely great.  Some things go great with one set of hardware, and suck with other things.  Stick with a full setup in your living room, but I recommend getting one of these for the “on the go” theater experience.

REPORT CARD : BudgetGadget 6 Channel USB Audio
category rating comments
Quality 5 Light weight, but strong enough to hold up a fat man
Innovation 3 Could have been a bit more compact, even for 6 channels.
Performance 5 Superb sound all the way around.  Great audio from USB 2.0
Installation 3 Easy to install, but some 3rd party software could be required for optimum use.  Would have been better if it had been included.
Value 4 Many sound cards on the market for laptop, especially older laptops, don’t offer surround sound.  And for $22 it’s not too harsh on the wallet.
FINAL VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars
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