2. pc-audio
  3. 1092243013

Advice on Setting Up A Laptop-Based Audio System?

Hey, I'm looking to set up a workspace audio system based around my Apple Powerbook G4. I've got about 100 GB of uncompressed audio on an external hard drive. I currently have Monsoon planar speakers and matching subwoofer hooked into the laptop through the 1/8" audio out, which soundsokay, but I think I could do better.

I don't have a PC card slot in the Powerbook, so I'm limited to a USB audio connection. I'm not looking to hook this system up to my "big rig" -- it's just for my workspace. I was looking to bypass getting an amplifier, unless it's fairly small.

I was thinking of going with some powered mini-monitors and maybe some kind of adapter/DAC in between, but I'm space-constrained and not looking to spend more than say, $600 total.

Any suggestions?
marc_dc
puerto
372 posts
 
Regalmal: Can you capture and store music from the Squeeze Box transmissions directly into your music library or is it for "listening only"? Couldn't quite tell from the ads. Maybe that is a function of the software that you install. Perhaps the music library that Squeeze Box can control for you is one that you have compiled yourself from your own sources such as I have done in Media Player with CD burn software. Is there a monthly charge to use Squeeze Box? I think I would see how the DAC in my Krell HTS 7.1 does with this before purchasing an external DAC. One review that I read claimed that there was very little quality difference between the Squeeze Box DAC and an external DAC that he had added to his system. Seems that you automatically have two DACs to chose from - Squeeze Box and your Processor. Puerto
sufentanil's avatar
sufentanil
782 posts
 
The Squeezebox uses your own library to work. (It can also work with internet radio.) I believe it works with iTunes, as well.

The Slimserver (which the Squeezebox uses) is installed on your computer. You use the server to send the audio data to the Squeezebox. The Squeezebox is hooked up to your stereo, either via analog or digital connections. There is no monthly charge; you're using your own music library.

I'm currently using the Slimserver software on a Linux box with 300 GB of FLAC files. I have a wired ethernet network in my house (you can also use wireless), and I control the server with a laptop. It's really a slick setup, but you can get away with a lot less.

Michael
puerto
372 posts
 
Sufentanil: Can you store the music coming from internet radio in your library or is it for "listening only" and cannot be retained in storage? Your system does sound pretty slick. Puerto
williewonka
3,125 posts
 
Have you seen the Scott Nixon USB-Tube DAC reviewed here http://www.audioreview.com/USBTDcrx.aspx

I think you can buy it in a kit to save money

Just plug it into your laptop and connect the other end to any amp

Of course the quality is only as good as your amp & speakers, but it gets you past the analogue output and with no other type of interface, like SPDIF, in between

Should provide the best quality available from a PC
juanpablocuervo
19 posts
 
$600 total ?
get M-Audio/RME/tc electronic and logitech x-540
uhmm... for a bit more:

most pcs have a feature that allow the soundcard to output s/pdif. from the 1/8" phono jack. not the best way, but works.
dont know if macs can do it.
if they can...
just add a nice DAC that has s/pdif input and jitter elimination system.
Mytek dac96, Benchmark dac1, Lavry Back, apogee minidac, Lucid DA9624, RME Adi-2, etc... etc...
altman micro machines, etc... etc... etc... etc...
More to discover