IOGEAR USB Theater Sound Xperience GUADT51 (Black)

Until my sound went out I never realized how much I listened to my computer. Even my headphone jack was gone. A freind suggested a USB plug in rather than a new computer, and after a bit of searching this one seemed to have the best features for a decent price.Intallation was simple, a mini-cd comes with it(make note since this wont work for those with the slot feeding disc drives) took just a minute or two. Then it plugs in, lights up and with a set of headphones you have sound. I should note I only purchased a middling set of Panasonic earbuds for less than 10$ (although they were rated 4.6 on amazon) so theyre not audiophile gear. I loaded up the Dark Knight- and I was away by the sound quality. I've got a Sony 5.1 home system, and my laptop with 10$ earbuds and this IOGear plugin now sounded better! The quality of the bass & treble, just the clarity in general was much better than I expected and the surround emulator really does work- even though I was almost willing it not to, I have to admit it does!I havent got to test it with any games yet, and will update when I do.The only quirk of the device is during periods of silence. Such as when theres not audio- and then theres a windows chime/ping- you'l here something like some very quiet static and faint chirps then whatever system noise(like an email alert of IM notice). Its not a huge issue but might bug some.One other benefit of this thing- is it does boost the overall output. I rarely turn up the volume more than 10-20% for most music or daily applications. It might be because of the earbuds, but anything past that starts to get really loud.If you need to upgrade a weak sound system, or replace a burnt out one an ailing laptop this one is definitely worth considering and Im happy I chose it over one of the no-name 10$ models.

Let's face it - we like gadgets. The IOGEAR USB Theater Sound Xperience is a gadget. The question is - does it work? There lies the problem. Like little lights in children's footware, there is something amusing about a gadget that lights up in a cool, blue, tube-type mode. There is even some validity in the use of faux surround technology developed by Digital Theater Sound (DTS). It would be the icing on the cake if this gadget actually worked as advertised. Unfortunately, the unit I purchased fell extremely short in this regard. The sound heard through your headphones is processed sound (you know this because there is a light hiss in the background, kind of like the engine sounds in the various Star Trek TV shows). It does offer a very small enhancement to vocals, but even after tinkering with the scant adjustment options available on the software that must be loaded to make this gadget work, I was not particularly impressed. Now, I could have possibly become accustomed to using this unit, except for one drawback - IT STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY. I uninstalled then reinstalled the software, but to no avail. Therefore, my suggestion is - Don't bother spending the money. It's cute - but what cute item do you own that was actually worth buying, hmmmmmm?

It's a very cute little device and looks great in the dark. While you definitely hear a difference vis a vi just headphones, the sound is not totally awesome but come on what do you expect for $20 bucks. Fun to use every once and a while and kids love it and claim they REALLY tell a difference. I am happy with the purchase!

I purchased this to replace the non-functioning internal sound card on my Macbook Pro. In looking for a replacement external audio device portability was what i was looking for, Well I got that and more in this IOGEAR audio tube. Not only is it ultra portable but it sounds great, it's connections are solid, and it is ultra durable. When I was shopping around I was worried about plugging and unplugging headphones too frequently. I did not want a device whose jack would become loose from all this activity so I was really comforted when I began using the audio tube and realized that worry was for naught because these connections are solid. Even the THX sound enhancing utility it comes with is amazing. It gives your tracks, movies or recordings just that extra kick they sometimes need and can be turned on or off with the click of a button which is great because it is rarely that I would want that type of sound enhancing, but great that it is there. I am definitely glad I chose to buy this guy

Watching movies on the laptop and you turn this on and it sounds like your in the theater.Even works great for listening to music.