Audio out?

[s4one]

I have a Dell Insprion 1420 and I need to find a device that gives audio out. I know there are external sound cards such as usb or express card. Where can I find one?? I want to hook up my notebook to an amp to power my headphones. Pretty much the audio out plug from the notebook to the L&R on the amp.

Best,
S4one

[backtoreality15]

Well if you want better sound quality, you will not be using the audio out from your notebook which uses an inferior Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converter. You will probably want to use a quality external USB DAC that can be had for as low as $100 and will still give you good quality and transparency. I don't know what your budget is but you can look through this list as a starting point:

All the DACs money can buy, pt. 2

I think the EMU 0202, Super Pro 707 and Musiland SVDAC06 (ebay) are the best out there for the $100-130 price range if that's what you are looking for.

[s4one]

I can just hook those up via usb from my notebook to my amp?

[backtoreality15]

Originally Posted by s4one

I can just hook those up via usb from my notebook to my amp?

Yep. It will look like this:

Notebook USB => USB capable DAC => Amp

All those I listed are quality USB capable DACs.

[s4one]

For the DAC am I using the audio out to the amps in?

[backtoreality15]

Originally Posted by s4one

For the DAC am I using the audio out to the amps in?

Yes it will either have a line out or pre-amp out, both of which you can connect to your amp set-up. Look at the pictures & descriptions. All of the ones I mentioned except the E-MU have stereo RCA out.

[revolink24]

The Fubar II is also excellent. So it doesn't have 24/96. Who cares. It's still extremely good.

[s4one]

I ended up picking up a M-Audio Fast Track USB, the local shop had one in stock so I thought I would give it a try.

For those headfiers that are familiar to this, there are three knobs on this unit, a mic, mix and output. My question is why do I need to turn up the mix knob and output? Is there a DAC where I don't have to adjust noise volume? Such as a unit with just the USB port and two RCA cables?

On the other hand, my receiver that I am using for my setup is not very powerful, I am thinking of picking up a little dot but which power level will I need to power grado's? I have 80i's right now but I plan to pick up some higher level ones in the future, HD650's or 325i's.

Best,
s4one

[Menisk]

Originally Posted by s4one

I ended up picking up a M-Audio Fast Track USB, the local shop had one in stock so I thought I would give it a try.

For those headfiers that are familiar to this, there are three knobs on this unit, a mic, mix and output. My question is why do I need to turn up the mix knob and output? Is there a DAC where I don't have to adjust noise volume? Such as a unit with just the USB port and two RCA cables?

On the other hand, my receiver that I am using for my setup is not very powerful, I am thinking of picking up a little dot but which power level will I need to power grado's? I have 80i's right now but I plan to pick up some higher level ones in the future, HD650's or 325i's.

Best,
s4one

Grado's are one of the easiest headphones to drive, but if you plan on buying HD 650s you'll need something with a fair bit of grunt. I don't know much about the Little Dot amps, but a fair few people around here do and I'm sure one of them will be able to advise you.

[rjoseph]

Looks like your needs are very straight forward. 1 usb in and 2 rca out in a DAC is a fair ask. The Pro-ject USB Box is economical at $95 at amazon Amazon.com: Sumiko Pro-Ject USB Box (Silver): Electronics

I have not used my Little Dot with a HD 650 but am pretty confident it should not be a problem. I use my LDII++ with a K501. These cans are known to require lots of current to drive them and the LD does it pretty well and sounds musically great as well. I have mine for sale in the FS section (if interested). A search in the amp forum should be able to provide you with more information on the synergy between LD and the various cans.

[s4one]

Thanks, I actually looked at the Pro-Ject, thats seems like a great product. I will probabaly go this route thanks!!

I'm debating either to get the LD III or IV, will I need the extra juice that the IV provides?

[revolink24]

To power Grados, you are better off with the Little Dot I+, as it is designed for low impedence headphones. I am pretty sure the III and IV are both used commonly with the 650, but I have never heard either combination.

[s4one]

Thanks I will consider getting a LD 2 or 3 just so I will be able to power other headphones in the future.

For the experts, I noticed on my setup right now that when I have my notebook hooked up the M-Audio Fast Track USB DAC I am still able to to control volume via my notebook's volume controls and the USB DAC. All in the all, I am able to control the volume on the DAC, notebook and the amp. Why is that?? I thought when I use audio out I am only suppose to adjust the volume via the amp. I am planning to upgrade to the Pro-ject USB box where it has no control for volume, is the better setup? I want to only be able to adjust the volume on the amp.

Best,
s4one

[rjoseph]

From what I've read, keep the volume at 100% for all components till the amp, from where you can turn the volume up or down.

FYI, I checked today and the Amazon has the Pro-ject on sale for $70 shipped. Cant go wrong with that deal.

[s4one]

Yea i noticed that.. Thanks!