PC soundcard upgrade vs. outboard USB interface?

[JohnL]

Is there (sonically) a reason that I should upgrade my PC's soundcard vs. an outboard USB unit? (Specifically, I'm looking at the Tascam US-122) The Tascam seems very flexible and portable, but I don't really know enough about internal soundcards (I was also considering one of the M Audio cards)to know what the advantage/disadvantages would be.

 

[JohnL]

Forgot to mention that both options are about the same, price-wise, and based on the price range, I am just wondering about sonic differences, if any. Thanks!

 

[JMX]

PCI will always give you lower latencies than USB. So if you need low latency, go PCI. USB will give you more flexibility in terms of portability.

 

[Oysterman]

PCI cards, or at least some of those with analog ins and outs, are more prone to picking up RF interference (generated by various components in your computer), which will distort and degrade your audio. I had a POS "professional" sound card which did exactly this. Noise floor was at times at -20 dB, which is outrageously bad. I don't think USB units in general are as likely to share this problem. But quality PCI cards shouldn't have it either.

 

[JohnL]

PCI will always give you lower latencies than USB. So if you need low latency, go PCI. USB will give you more flexibility in terms of portability.

That's interesting. The Tascam site claims the USB unit to have zero latency. I wonder if it's a little "creative" advertising on their part?