[Mush77]

Oh dear, I've migrated out of the headphone forum and now I'm in the PC sound section... the Curse is taking hold.

Anyway, I'm looking to improve the SQ coming out of my laptop. Integrated internal soundcard, only one headphone out. So what is the absolute cheapest way to gain an increase in SQ? I've been hearing about external DACs, what do they do (I know the general theory), and how much do they run for?

Please limit your suggestions for whatever piece of tech that's going to help me to well under $100. $50 or under, if that's even possible.

 

[Alleyman]

Turtle beach audio advantage micro
M-audio Transit
Emu 0202

(ascending order by price)

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alleyman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Turtle beach audio advantage micro M-audio Transit Emu 0202 (ascending order by price)

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199506

A worthwhile consideration, and it is free of distortions (to headphones) that laptop on-board often suffer from.

 

[EnOYiN]

Above your budget maybe, but a good link to see what DACs you can buy:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199941

Edit: What does a DAC do?

Most of the times you buy a (high-end) DAC it will convert digital signal in to stereo analog signal. External DACs can be connected trough USB, coax, optical and IEEE 1394 (fire wire). There are loads of topics concerning what is best on these forums and they shouldn't be too hard to find. For the lower end DACs I think you should just pick the most convenient connection since you will most likely not be able to hear an audible difference anyway.