[OakIris]

Hello, I know there are a lot of threads about external sound cards here and I have read quite a few of them, but most of the folks here seem to have Windows-based laptops, so... The Macbook Pro has an ExpressCard slot, not a PMCIA slot; I have only found one ExpressCard sound card so far, from Creative, and it is for Windows only.

I am looking for a portable solution that will improve on the audio generated by my laptop. Many people here are very impressed by the E-Mu 0404 but that is not portable. I just need something that is portable, has a headphone connection - or a way to hook up my Horned headphone amp to it - and sounds decent.

Suggestions are welcome!

Holly

 

[thread]

I use my MicroDAC with my Macbook Pro, and love it.... if you call that portable. (The power brick is larger/heavier than the actual unit.)

I would be looking for a USB or optical solution -- not an expansion card.

 

[violin624]

hi, i am looking at upgrading my phones right now, and will use my macbook pro as source, so this thread is a welcome surprise right now i am using a pair of hd-497's, and would like to upgrade to a pair of AKG K-701's - this choice is not set in stone, but reviews lead me to believe that it is the best pair for the price range. my question is this - what external electronics do i need to maximize the listening experience? i will not use these phones with a portable device, and do not like to listen at high volume levels - do i even need a dac or headphone amp? in reality, im a bit confused about the necessity of all these components. thanks!

 

[OakIris]

Well, I was thinking about a USB solution like the TBAMM, just not sure that that would be the best solution, but I have read lots of good things about it.

What are the "optical solutions" that you are recommending, thread? Some sort of battery operated DAC? The MicroDac is not on my list - I definitely want something portable, not something that depends upon a wired outlet for power! I considered the Total Bithead from HeadRoom, but that seems to be a bit too big for my needs. Also, do I want to spend that much money? My MacBook is not my main source for audio, so I don't really want to spend more than about $100 on improving it sonically.

violin624 - Try out the MacBook Pro without any additional amp/DAC, just use the headphone out that comes with the notebook. If the sound suits you, then there is no need to buy any additional equipment and you are set!

Holly

 

[violin624]

well, i'm not really sure - the sound seems dry, and unless i'm just hearing things, i think it also crackles - even when i'm playing recordings that im 100% sure have no clipping. is this a symptom of the mbp being the weak link? i really am not sure what to listen for, as ive never actually gotten to hear a great audio system.

 

[OakIris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by violin624 /img/forum/go_quote.gif well, i'm not really sure - the sound seems dry, and unless i'm just hearing things, i think it also crackles - even when i'm playing recordings that im 100% sure have no clipping. is this a symptom of the mbp being the weak link? i really am not sure what to listen for, as ive never actually gotten to hear a great audio system.

Well, either your other source/s is/aren't picking up on a bad recording and the Mac is far superior, more revealing, or.... Dunno! If you are sure that your recordings are good, then I would say that you probably don't like the Mac's signature sound, so a different external sound card or a DAC may be the way to go.

I am now considering a DAC with an optical in, as the optical out on the MacBook is supposed to be very good. I can't seem to find any suggestions for a reasonably priced, portable DAC though, so I'm still looking.

Holly

 

[epaludo]

I also tried my MicroDAC with my girlfriends macbook and this combo is very good. It's portable and incredible good sounding ...

 

[grawk]

Apogee Minidac with a LiIon 9v battery from walmart is a great portable solution

 

[violin624]

@oakiris - i cross-posted my question in 2 other places (don't kill me!) and ive been recommended the Corda Move multiple times. I ordered it, and will be sure to let you know how it sounds!

 

[OakIris]

violin624 - Let us know how you like the Meier Corda Move when you get it. I don't need a DAC/amp combo because I already have a good portable headphone amp (RSA Hornet,) but I'm glad you found the solution you needed.

grawk - At over $800 the Apogee MiniDac is way over my budget; I guess I should have explained that what I meant by "reasonably priced" was something around around $200.

This kind of cuts down on my choices, but after already spending "an arm and a leg" on the MacBook Pro, I can't really afford one of the pricier DACs out there.

epauludo - The MicroDAC from Headroom does seem to be a possibility. Did you use it with the optical output from the notebook or with the USB connection?

Holly

 

[shellylh]

You could try the DIGITAL SUPER PRO USB DAC from

http://www.diykits.com.hk/dac_super_pro_dac707.htm

It has USB and optical input and uses the CS4398 D/A chip. I haven't tried it but remember some other head-fier recommending it. I'm not sure how portable it is considering the external battery pack.

 

[violin624]

just got my corda move dac/amp today, and all i can say is WOW. this is an enormous improvement over my earlier setup.

 

[OakIris]

I ended up buying the MicroDAC from another head-fi member. I hadn't budgeted for a new MicroDAC (that's why I stated in my second post that the MicroDAC wasn't on my list) but a used one, though still more than I had planned to pay, was doable! I've read a lot of good things about the MicroDAC - including what epaludo & thread wrote earlier in this thread - so I think the MicroDAC is going to make me happy.

violin624 - I am glad that you are happy with your choice. Enjoy!

Holly