Vantec USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter - Model NBA-200U

Pros: Works great via USB. I have not used the SPDIF. Connected to 5.1 channel system. Installed automatically on Win 7.

Cons: *** Setup File contains WORM. Detected by Kaspersky Labs Antivirus.
Worm.Win32.Luder.agzf Email

DO NOT use CD.

Pros: Tried to upgrade the drivers for the Sigmatel HD Audio chipset in my Dell Latitude D830, and finally gave it up as a lost cause. Nothing I tried (drivers, software equalization, etc., etc.) made any difference. The sound was just plain awful.

I took a gamble on the Vantec USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter because of the good reviews here, and I seriously could *not* be happier with what I'm hearing. I'm using the 2.1 jack on the front of the box, and running it into a Dayton Audio DTA-1 with Dayton Audio B-652 bookshelf speakers and a Dayton Audio 8" subwoofer, and you'd (literally!) have to be deaf to not hear how much better things sound.

Listening right now to Chic Gamine's "Closer" album, and *man* does it sound great. A massively extended range, and an actual *presence* and soundstage that just weren't there with that worthless Sigmatel chipset.

VERY happy camper!

Cons: None so far. Then again, I'm just doing 2.1 stereo with it. But *man* does it *work* for that!

Other Thoughts: Have to buy a couple more of these. Or see if Vantec has a newer model!

Pros: -

Cons: -

Other Thoughts: It works, but not on a PS3.. For anyone else trying to use this to convert PS3 toslink out -> this -> 3.5mm computer speakers. It gets power just fine from the PS3 USB ports but doesn't convert.

Pros: Amazing sound quality for a sound card this cheap, volume control buttons control windows audio levels rather than having a pre-amp control of it's own (a personal preference for me).

Cons: Blue LEDs are bright, but the worst part is that the power LED actually blinks when sound is 'detected'. Had to cover up the LEDs with electrical tape, otherwise I would see a bright blinking LED just about every time my computer is running.

Other Thoughts: Will probably buy a few more for my media center and laptop.

Pros: Has both analog and digital outputs, optical SPDIF, stereo mic in, line in ... wow and it's in such a small box too. Value priced.

Cons: I'm not a fan of these super bright blue LED's, not worth docking an egg though. I just turn the unit over.

Other Thoughts: Wow this is a nice addition to any laptop where you need something more than those puny built-in speakers. I use a laptop on the coffee table to view on-line and downloaded videos. This unit helps me get high quality multi-channel audio to my house audio system. I'm very happy with this unit so far.

Pros: Compact
No lag or problems with sound quality
Supports outgoing audio devices
Blue LEDs

Cons: Lights are very bright (hurts eyes)
Mic jacks are not on the front with the headphone/speaker jacks

Other Thoughts: Not using anymore just another device to stockpile

Pros: NewEgg Support Staff:

Cons: Does NOT have stereo headphones jack. It is a headphone jack (3.3MM) just like any standard newer device jack, not 6.3MM.

Other Thoughts: If I could just have this added to my previous review submitted.

Thank you NewEgg support staff.

Pros: Mobile, effective, high quality and useful.

Good for output when headphone jack is not an option. I use lots of speakers without a surround sound stereo, often I am using my computer to make up for that. With my laptop, I am able to replace the headphone jack (broken), make it easy to plug something in without worrying about bending anything, and even allows for duplicate in/out. Driver works great (when Windows isn't finicky*) and does what it says.
(The driver control in OS works great, and is very efficient with in/output)

Works well with my Studio Digital Headphones at high performance levels(Headphones: 5Hz-30KHz,63 ohms, 106dB/mW)-As well as my multiple stereos shared sound. (unfortunately my stereos are not surround sound)

No problems with hardware interface.

Cons: The LED light is extremely annoying. Not only is it as bright as an LED flash light but it blinks rapidly. This obviously could be fixed very easily by opening it up and disconnecting the lights (why did they think it needed LED lights in the first place?) or just placing some black duct* tape (Something of that sort) over the LED lights.

Sometimes the driver and the hardware commands (buttons) don't work perfectly together. What I mean by that is that the driver often decides to ignore any buttons pushed in favour of Windows Control.
-This is obviously a Windows issue. But just something to keep that in mind if you want button control (See Pros last line)

This product seems to give the impression that it provides you with the ability to turn a USB port on a computer or other device into a surround sound stereo. This is not true, it does not turn it into surround sound. Rather, it supports surround sound and can be used in addition to a surround sound capable device.

Other Thoughts: This item was purchased to replace use of a broken (very disappointing) headphone jack (Toshiba, I did not expect that from them) on a laptop. It works great as a USB output and as a USB input for Mic. It also relieves pressure for a laptop (or computer) if you were to want flexibility on where you set it down.

Great way to make a bad headphone jack on a computer, useful. Also extends the distance the speakers can be away, allows an additional output/input, and is small, mobile, low maintenance.

Effective Vantec product. Nothing I've purchased any time recently I can remember from them, but will remember the brand name.

There is two microphone/stereo inputs L R(one is left, obviously mono), headphones
|Also, first product review on NewEgg or any website, if you're wondering why it's so long. I will be posting under the name of FreeBrain for all my purchased products|

Pros: Small and easy to set up.

Cons: This item's description is very misleading. It does not support surround sound through the S/PDIF port. Optical connections, both input and output, are both 2-channel (aka, stereo). Nowhere on the product page on newegg, the company's product page, or the product packaging or documentation does it state this.

Annoyingly bright LEDs.

Constant, low volume sound (white noise) from S/PDIF.

Pros: Plugged it in, installed the drivers from disk, and it worked perfectly. Have my 2.1 hooked up to it and my Fatality headset.

Cons: None so far...

Other Thoughts: It is really small, able to keep it hidden/out of the way easily.