Should I upgrade my old sound card(s)?

[Dalton]

Hi folks, hope everyone is enjoying this long weekend.

I have a couple of older computers running an "FM801" sound card from ForteMedia Inc. and another with "Creative AudioPCI ES1371/73" with Legacy Audio Drivers. I am interested in listening and recording streaming music from the net (MP3 Pro with 128kb/s and 44.1 hz, stereo stream).

Will a new sound card help things significantly? If so what make and model of card do you recommend for this purpose? Something REALLY easy to install (total plug and play on Win98 or WinXP would be best for a novice like me.

Peter Dalton

[j4ck]

Probably just about any sound card would do what you are asking. Those ones you listed look fine. If there is a problem with your listening to or recording streaming music it will most likely be the fault of a slow internet connection, or if your computer systems are *really* old, your processing capability.

Generally, high-dollar sound cards are desired by gamers and audiophiles who want superb surround sound/multiple speaker support, audio depth, as well as a large dynamic audio range. Unless you really know what you are doing, personally, I would not advise you to spend more than ~$50-60 on any sound card. But that is my personal opinion.