Best *cheap* laptop sound solution?

[Illah]

Just got a new laptop at work where I was previously on a desktop, so now I'm wondering what sound solutions are available on a budget, like $50 or less. I'm completely open to buying used to save money also, though I don't want to rely on that.

PCMCIA / USB sound solutions will both work for me, and my work setup does have an amp so line out is preferred (see sig).

If possible in this budget range, some type of digital out for occasional hookup to my home theater would be a huge plus

Thanks,

--Illah

 

[77Pat]

would something like this work? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829118107

 

[Illah]

I tried one of those before with a different machine and didn't have the best experience with it...sound was heavily distorted. I might try it again since this is a new machine, but only as a last resort.

--Illah

 

[jinp6301]

try to get an Alien DAC. The one I had had a wierd hissing problem (probably a weird power supply thing), but it sounded great!

 

[Illah]

Hmm, interesting DAC! Are there any builders out there, and how much is it? I could build it myself but hate sourcing parts... Also I'm terrible with the enclosures.

--Illah

 

[NiceCans]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinp6301 /img/forum/go_quote.gif try to get an Alien DAC. The one I had had a wierd hissing problem (probably a weird power supply thing), but it sounded great!

I absolutely love my Alien DAC, it's a great laptop solution.
If you can get hold on one, grab it.

 

[feifan]

I don't remember exactly where I purchased this $10 wonder, but here's the homepage:

http://www.comodow.com/product_b.asp?model=PD552

It's a thumb-sized USB adaptor. Plug it into your notebook's USB out, plug your headphone into it, and you've got enhanced sound. How good is it? I was skeptical when I first read about it in a Head-Fi thread but decided to try it. I figured I couldn't go wrong for less than $15 (including S/H). It works. It's a quick no-fuss improvement to the laptop's HP out.

EDIT: The link is to the distributor's (manufacturer's?) webpage.

 

[gychang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illah /img/forum/go_quote.gif I tried one of those before with a different machine and didn't have the best experience with it...sound was heavily distorted. I might try it again since this is a new machine, but only as a last resort. --Illah

actually I am using it now (amazing card to get cheap quality sound out of laptop), got it hooked up to $25 Kenwood receiver and listening to Judy Collins... singing out of my DIY fullrange speaker.

sounds excellent in my opinion.

gychang

 

[D_4_Dog]

@ feifan & gychang... isn't that similar to the TBAAM that he's already tried and didn't like? although it could be that his original unit was defective...

Illah: Unless u can find the alien dac, otherwise those USB soundcards would probably be your only option given your budget. If you're willing to skip a few meals and save up a bit, there'll be a lot more options ~$150... i've been using the echo indigo DJ w/ great results although it doesn't have digital out...

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illah /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmm, interesting DAC! Are there any builders out there, and how much is it? I could build it myself but hate sourcing parts... Also I'm terrible with the enclosures. --Illah

http://glassjaraudio.com/displayProd...6&categoryId=4

the guy running that site is a head-fier, jrossel. Haven't had a chance to order mine yet (finals & end of semester crunch, ugh) but from what I hear he's a reputable guy

if you still decide you want somebody else to build it for you, post a request in the DIY forum

 

[Assorted]

How about this one? Dirty cheap and a good review

http://www.usbgeek.com/prod_detail.php?prod_id=0317
Review: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...b+audio+review

 

[iPatcH]

Is the usb x-fi significantly better than the TBAAM? I'm thinking about buying one or the other.

 

[Illah]

Does the TBAAM do line out on the minijack? Or is that always amped? I forget.

--Illah

 

[P.J]

X-Fi X-MOD ???

 

[Illah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illah /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does the TBAAM do line out on the minijack? Or is that always amped? I forget. --Illah

Bump, does anyone know? I know it claims to 'increase the output' which sounds like amping to me...if it can do line out I'll give it another shot. CompUSA carries it local so I can always return if it's bunk.

Thanks!

--Illah