Do USB soundcards lead to any noticeable improvement in sound

>>12283
It depends what your output device is.

Why isn't your output device accepting digital audio, either by TOSLINK or HDMI?

If you're stuck on analogue, your money would be best spent on an amplifier with a digital in.

>>12283
I don't understand, why would you mull a USB soundcard over a laptop? I'd pick whichever has more utility for you. That ThinkPad is not going to have a top-of-the-line sound card, >>>/g/ hype aside.

TOSLINK and HDMI are cool formats but IMO TOSLINK is pretty but overhyped/archaic and HDMI isn't conceived for audio-only even though it's certainly capable of it.

I would think a PCI-e or PCI sound card would be the best-case scenario if you like sound. If that's not priority number one, get the laptop for the animes. Keep it mind dual cores are needed nowadays for 720p-1080p playback.

I bought a $20 used M-Audio fast track pro and it completely got rid of the hiss in my headphones and speakers.