Quite a few actually! Either now or in the past, the EP 630 IEMs, SB Live! 5.1 sound card, SB Audigy 2 sound card, SB X-Fi USB Surround 5.1. Even a software based Creative solution that came with my Dell XPS 1530. The EP 630 was the only non-sound-card product though.

Quote:   Even though the above is a good price (it is actually on sale till 9/26), I'm not the biggest fan of Creative - terrible driver support etc. even I am going with an ASUS Xonar for my USB sound. Consider that fair warning :)

Quote:   That would have been the ideal scenario, but sadly, not on this HP 2540p laptop, which has IDT HD audio, pretty terrible SQ IMHO.

Quote: Can all optical outputs transmit compressed bitstreams for 5.1 sound like Dolby Digital? Or does it depend on the hardware/implementation? So can I use this Zalman card (or any other card) to transmit 5.1 sound (compressed bitstream via USB from my laptop)?

How about the Creative X-Fi HD here for $85 shipped?

Quote: Thanks, any insight into why it would be better than the zalman optical out card I already have?

I've done a bit of searching on these forums and have found topics tangential to my question, but not quite what I needed. So here goes.   I am getting the Astro Mixamp 5.8 (which takes only optical input) and need an optical out from my laptop (which only has 3.5mm stereo jacks now, no...

Happy holidays all!

I have an iPod touch (1G) and the DT 990 250 ohm version.   For my DAP, I have about $200 to blow and am thinking of getting either (a) the Cowon J3 alone (i.e. unamped) or (b) the GO-DAP to use with my iPod touch 1G. Which would be a better choice for the best SQ?

I am here with an open mind and looking for a solution which keeps all parties happy by reaching out to some of the more creative thinkers on this forum. You, sir, as proven by your reply, are not amongst those. What IF you could have it both ways? Uncle-Erik suggested a proofing material which...

OK this is a total noob question - will staying on the ground floor of an apartment building help - does the bass sound travel upwards as well?   Quote:

  Quote: Quote:   Guys - the reason I'm posting here and trying to figure this out is because I want to keep the neighbors happy!!!

  Quote: So would a bass trap would be more effective than a floor riser? Had a look at some DIY bass traps online on youtube, and it looks like a fair amount of work. Am thinking $50 on a riser, or the feet-riser option suggested by j-ing might be easier.   Quote: Maybe...

Now now, you sound just like my neighbors :)   Quote:

Quote:   Very very helpful j-ing. Thanks. One follow up question - are the feet of the step-up unit really that effective, when you compare it to the Auralex? I would think that the Auralex material would absorb some of the bass. It costs twice as much, but I'm not sure if it is twice...

This is probably not very helpful, but exactly that item (4 inch, L-shaped 3.5mm plug to a straight plug) came with my Logitech X-240 speaker system.

Quote: Now we're talking. I had never heard of these before, but they sound like they might do the trick. Good reviews all around example here and here   Does anyone have personal experience using these?     Quote:   Wish I could, but that's not an option in my rented...

Wish it would work, but beer wont cut it with them fuddy-duddies. You'd think old people are heard of hearing, I'd say that's only true for the vocal midrange, not the lower range bass!   I know getting a set of cans is my best alternative, but I have 2 other people with me, we watch movies...

Hello everyone Z-5500 owner here. I love the bass on this - just wish my neighbors (below my apartment) did as well :( Is there a way to minimize the effect my sub has on the neighbors? Unique placement in a particular corner of my living room? Change the flooring under the sub (stone...

  Quote:   Creative use of a water bottle. I am guessing you have just enough water in the bottle to keep the setup from tipping over? Might try that with my cans soon.  

Thanks everyone for chiming in. So to summarize, we have   www.avsforum.com 3D TV section here www.audioholics.com TV section here www.hdtvtest.co.uk here   These should serve me well as I start my 3D HDTV journey. Thanks all!

What is the HDTV/3DTV equivalent of head-fi.org? I'm looking at getting one and am starting on some research. Googling just throws up cnet and fly-by-night review sites. TIA!

The Expendables - 3.5/5   Stallone's botox makes him incapable of having anything but a sour expression on his face throughout the movie.   Jet Li has the worst role among the other stars, his character just gets beat up almost all the time.   Jason Statham is the real star though...

I know you've decided already, but you could also consider this ESI UGM 24 XL here