[vanjoo]

I have a laptop (IBM T43) and an headphone amplifier PPA and also HD 580.
the headphone socket producted so so sound.

so is there any good method to get a better sound?

must not so expensive (<$300 is fine).

thanks in advance.

 

[Hey_Its_Cole]

I would look into a usb DAC. There a few good ones out, chrck out the headroom micro dac.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

Just to throw some caution in the wind, I'm using a headroom MicroDAC and I've found that my laptop emits some strange noises through the DAC when no sound is playing. You might just want to shoot for a quality soundcard instead.

 

[Wilson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanjoo I have a laptop (IBM T43) and an headphone amplifier PPA and also HD 580. the headphone socket producted so so sound. so is there any good method to get a better sound? must not so expensive (<$300 is fine). thanks in advance.

I have very similar laptop to yours, my solution is to get an Echo Indigo sound card ($100) and it provides satisfying quality, very low noise floor, drives a variety of headphones to satisfaction. I am on business trips quite often and this setup has provided me much mobile enjoyment.

 

[Ref]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Sneis Just to throw some caution in the wind, I'm using a headroom MicroDAC and I've found that my laptop emits some strange noises through the DAC when no sound is playing. You might just want to shoot for a quality soundcard instead.

have you tried it with another computer?

 

[Elephas]

1. An amp with built-in DAC and USB connection

HeadRoom Total BitHead
Meier-Audio Porta Corda III with USB
Meier-Audio Corda Aria

2. A DAC with USB connection

Apogee Mini-DAC with USB
Aqvox USB 2 DAC
CEC DA53
Firestone Audio Fubar

3. PC Card (or PCMCIA)

Echo Indigo DJ (headphone amp and line out)

4. PC Card plus breakout box

E-MU 1616m

5. AirPort Express with DAC

I use this with my ThinkPad T42. ALAC files stored on the Ultrabay hard drive are streamed to the AirPort Express which is connected to a Dialogue II DAC with a mini-toslink optical cable. Add an amp and headphone for good sound.
I believe an AirPort Express costs about US$100 and the Mhdt Lab Dialogue II sells for about US$200 on eBay; voila, total US$300 and you already have an amp. One limitation is you have to use iTunes on your laptop.

 

[DukeTogo]

Other options include:

PS Audio headphone amp (has USB input)
http://www.psaudio.com/products/gcha..._amplifier.asp

Grace Design m902 headphone amp (has USB input)
http://www.gracedesign.com/products/902/m902.htm

 

[vanjoo]

especially elephas,

following your advices, I did extensive research on internet,
and found might be Indigo DJ is my best choice, since I already
have a PPA with DM buffer and Indigo DJ has a line out socket.

an USB DAC seems to be quite attractive as well.

but can not locate a direct comparision between Indigo DJ + PPA
and headroom Micro DAC +PPA


Also, where to find the right bbs for hi-fi in home?
I want to upgrade my power amplifier, but difficult to choose
between Bryston 14bsst and Amplizza 2000

I use PMC IB1 speakers

 

[dac]

For hi-fi at home bbs, you might try AudioAsylum (different sections for amplification, speakers, etc.).
http://www.audioasylum.com/index.html
Cheers,
Daniel

 

[BradJudy]

As a HD600/SR225 owner with a PPA with DM, I highly recommend getting an Echo Indigo (I have an IO, not a DJ - it has an input instead of an extra output). I think you may find that you use your PPA less and less - the Indigo can hold its own without the need to hook into the PPA.