Audio Interface to replace internal Macbook output?

[infiniteB]

My Macbook, which has a 16-bit headphone / stereo out, has a problem with the port (I have to wiggle, hold in place, sometimes doesn't work at all, etc...)... I believe the port is connected to the circuit board... so, instead of paying $300+ to apple for a new circuit board, I'm thinking about getting a USB audio interface. I just just need the same capabilities as the internal output port, so I'm thinkin' a relatively cheap (~$100 usd) audio interface should work fine. Am I thinking right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Mint Invader]

My Macbook, which has a 16-bit headphone / stereo out, has a problem with the port (I have to wiggle, hold in place, sometimes doesn't work at all, etc...)... I believe the port is connected to the circuit board... so, instead of paying $300+ to apple for a new circuit board, I'm thinking about getting a USB audio interface. I just just need the same capabilities as the internal output port, so I'm thinkin' a relatively cheap (~$100 usd) audio interface should work fine. Am I thinking right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If you want it to be decent might as well push out 200 bucks for a better model. Most of the ok cheap ones start at 200. I have an MAudio fast track pro. Works for me...

my 2 cents.... lol... cents

[infiniteB]

Is there a decent one that only acts as an audio out (thereby reducing cost, as $200 is pretty close to $300+ anyways)? I don't really need any inputs...

[SubFunk]

well, there are real cheap USB cards with just a mini jack I/O that are about the same or even worse then your built in card.

but for 100 dollar i would by a NI audio DJ 2 card, usb and something that has a bit of good use, OK quality, you can route 2 tracks into a mixer and can monitor via headphone.

[omg]

My Macbook, which has a 16-bit headphone / stereo out, has a problem with the port (I have to wiggle, hold in place, sometimes doesn't work at all, etc...)... I believe the port is connected to the circuit board... so, instead of paying $300+ to apple for a new circuit board, I'm thinking about getting a USB audio interface. I just just need the same capabilities as the internal output port, so I'm thinkin' a relatively cheap (~$100 usd) audio interface should work fine. Am I thinking right? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

which macbook is it?
depending on the model it is possible that the headphone jack sits on the left I/O board which does the power supply. if something breaks there you will have no fun anymore.
i would strongly recommend to either let this get repaired or to repair yourself (if you feel confident about opening and changing parts in the book).
check ifixit.com they have the replacement parts. i would guess a new I/O board is 80$...

get a echo audio interface if you want to have an additional interface. they are not as bulky as NI interfaces (which are slick already) and they offer good driver programming.

[infiniteB]

It's a late 2007 2.0Ghz basic Macbook

[[dfi]]

depending on the model it is possible that the headphone jack sits on the left I/O board which does the power supply. if something breaks there you will have no fun anymore.
i would strongly recommend to either let this get repaired or to repair yourself (if you feel confident about opening and changing parts in the book).
check ifixit.com they have the replacement parts. i would guess a new I/O board is 80$...

The audio in- and outputs sit directly on the logic board in (i think) all Macbook models.
The left I/O board is only part of the Macbook Pro models.

Nevertheless, i would also vote for fixing than for working around.

[infiniteB]

Well, the rough estimate I'm getting to replace the logic board is several hundred dollars ($300+), which give or take another paycheck is a whole new computer. If audio interfaces are purchased anyways to replace WORKING audio outs, why would paying $300+ to repair the audio out make more sense than $100 for a USB audio interface that has approx. the same audio quality as the internal audio out should have? All I really need is the equivalent of what I had. My Macbook's audio is working fine (and don't really use it much anyways). Is my logic board at that much risk because the audio I/O connected to it is loose / not working properly?

[[dfi]]

i don't know how much risk this is for your logic board.
of course it is tempting to spend the money on a new interface which also brings new features (or at least better audio quality than the built-in output).

if it would be my machine i would want to have it fixed rather than using a partially broken device.
i use the internal output very often, though, and thus really need it working.
that is my personal opinion, in the end you have to decide what works best for you.

[infiniteB]

point taken. thanks...