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Home Theater => Sources => Audio Only Sources => Topic started by: warmaster on May 21, 2012 at 02:53 PM

Title: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on May 21, 2012 at 02:53 PM
I' starting down the path to convert my 3 year old laptop into a dedicated music source and BT downloader. so far I have installed both foobar and winamp and both now fitted with wasapi plug ins to be able to play 24-192 flac files. but between the two I settled for the winamp pro (this was my player of choice back when IRC was the rave) and have configured my ipod touch with iampremote to control winamp.

right now i'm only running my laptop to my integrated amp via the headphone out of the laptop but planning to get a USB DAC soon if and when budget permits.

my laptop specs are:
250GB HDD
1.99 memory + 8MB video
intel core 2 duo T5670 1.80ghz

can such setup really play high resolution audio files? any other ideas to improve the experience? i have files that i personally ripped while some others are acquired through "other sources". i also have quite a collection of high resolution flac files from 24-96 to 24-192. any other ideas brothers?
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on May 21, 2012 at 02:57 PM
based on my experience, use a USB-DAC as your original plan, or get a usb-spdif interface (like m2tech hiface) then hook it to an external dac. mas mura kung usb-dac ang gamitin mo.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on May 21, 2012 at 02:59 PM
That PC should be able to handle 2ch 192/24 just fine, unless you have lots of things going on.

I agree with geriboy.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on May 21, 2012 at 03:02 PM
kaya na rin ng laptop mo na maging audio source. ang mga na-try ko na usb-dac are super pro DAC and musiland 01, both of them are available dito sa marketplace ng pdvd. na-try ko na rin pala ang nuforce udac (which has a built-in headphone amp), but mas gusto ko ang performance ng unang 2 dac na nabanggit ko.

you may also consider buying an external amp for your headphones, too :D
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on May 21, 2012 at 03:05 PM
ngayon ko lang nabasa na may integrated amp ka na pala for your headphones. i think that adding an external DAC would give much improvement in your current setup :) YMMV
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on May 21, 2012 at 03:09 PM
audio technica sj11 lang HP ko. hehehe. this laptop is really more like a desktop because it almost never leaves the house because the battery is almost dead. i have used this for editing purposes before, running adobe premier. but now i actually use my wife's netbook if i need to use a lappy while on location (no more editing though). and when i do get the funds to upgrade, i'm gonna reformat this laptop and strip it down to the bare necessities for music playing, BT dl and the occasional web browsing.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Billabong on May 21, 2012 at 10:24 PM
I' starting down the path to convert my 3 year old laptop into a dedicated music source and BT downloader. so far I have installed both foobar and winamp and both now fitted with wasapi plug ins to be able to play 24-192 flac files. but between the two I settled for the winamp pro (this was my player of choice back when IRC was the rave) and have configured my ipod touch with iampremote to control winamp.

right now i'm only running my laptop to my integrated amp via the headphone out of the laptop but planning to get a USB DAC soon if and when budget permits.

my laptop specs are:
250GB HDD
1.99 memory + 8MB video
intel core 2 duo T5670 1.80ghz

can such setup really play high resolution audio files? any other ideas to improve the experience? i have files that i personally ripped while some others are acquired through "other sources". i also have quite a collection of high resolution flac files from 24-96 to 24-192. any other ideas brothers?

Okay yang Foobar with Wasapi. Maganda SQ. Adding a good external USB DAC will definitely improve the sound. You'll appreciate your CD collection better and even more so your high resolution 24-bit music. :)

kaya na rin ng laptop mo na maging audio source. ang mga na-try ko na usb-dac are super pro DAC and musiland 01, both of them are available dito sa marketplace ng pdvd. na-try ko na rin pala ang nuforce udac (which has a built-in headphone amp), but mas gusto ko ang performance ng unang 2 dac na nabanggit ko.

you may also consider buying an external amp for your headphones, too :D

Try mo yung Musiland Monitor 03US, okay yung built-in headphone amp niya. ;)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on May 21, 2012 at 11:15 PM
Okay yang Foobar with Wasapi. Maganda SQ. Adding a good external USB DAC will definitely improve the sound. You'll appreciate your CD collection better and even more so your high resolution 24-bit music. :)


thanks. but i just find winamp easier to use. plus using my ipod as remote is very convenient indeed. i am eyeing the musiland 01 as i am not really into headphones.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: shoktongxxx on May 22, 2012 at 12:07 AM

Try mo yung Musiland Monitor 03US, okay yung built-in headphone amp niya. ;)
bro kaya bang drive nun K701 at LCD2?
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on May 22, 2012 at 02:53 AM
bro kaya bang drive nun K701 at LCD2?

The Monitor 03 US comes with high impedance/high voltage and low impedance/high current headphone outputs. The high impedance output is particularly good for those with appropriate headphones. Both the K701 and the LCD-2 are moderate impedance headphones, so the low impedance out might be better for them.

PM me your location and availability, if you'd like to try this out.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: sientobente on May 27, 2012 at 03:26 PM
I' starting down the path to convert my 3 year old laptop into a dedicated music source and BT downloader. so far I have installed both foobar and winamp and both now fitted with wasapi plug ins to be able to play 24-192 flac files. but between the two I settled for the winamp pro (this was my player of choice back when IRC was the rave) and have configured my ipod touch with iampremote to control winamp.

right now i'm only running my laptop to my integrated amp via the headphone out of the laptop but planning to get a USB DAC soon if and when budget permits.

my laptop specs are:
250GB HDD
1.99 memory + 8MB video
intel core 2 duo T5670 1.80ghz

can such setup really play high resolution audio files? any other ideas to improve the experience? i have files that i personally ripped while some others are acquired through "other sources". i also have quite a collection of high resolution flac files from 24-96 to 24-192. any other ideas brothers?

I'll attest to this na night and day difference if you are using the headphone jack vs a usb dac. malaki ang difference. Mas ma-aappreciate mo ang hi-reso files mo this way.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 03, 2012 at 12:40 PM
I'll attest to this na night and day difference if you are using the headphone jack vs a usb dac. malaki ang difference. Mas ma-aappreciate mo ang hi-reso files mo this way.

100% agree with you sir! it's really a whole world of difference even with just a budget DAC like the musiland line.

been playing with settings of the J River Media Center i found on this site http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/436-jriver-media-center-17-detail/

now music just sounds so much better  ;D

(http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/527080_10151080125997248_1925889992_n.jpg)

salamat sa lahat ng mga suggestions niyo
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: shoktongxxx on Aug 03, 2012 at 01:06 PM
I' starting down the path to convert my 3 year old laptop into a dedicated music source and BT downloader. so far I have installed both foobar and winamp and both now fitted with wasapi plug ins to be able to play 24-192 flac files. but between the two I settled for the winamp pro (this was my player of choice back when IRC was the rave) and have configured my ipod touch with iampremote to control winamp.

right now i'm only running my laptop to my integrated amp via the headphone out of the laptop but planning to get a USB DAC soon if and when budget permits.

my laptop specs are:
250GB HDD
1.99 memory + 8MB video
intel core 2 duo T5670 1.80ghz

can such setup really play high resolution audio files? any other ideas to improve the experience? i have files that i personally ripped while some others are acquired through "other sources". i also have quite a collection of high resolution flac files from 24-96 to 24-192. any other ideas brothers?
try mo mag Encore Enmab-8cm bro..ganito lang gamit ko sa Envy 15 ko hehehe..laki ng difference sa SQ compare sa mga mamahaling USB audio DAC like Creative USB 5.1 X-Fi na gamit ko noon, kahit sa desktop PC ko na gamit noon ay X-Fi Extreme Music ng Creative. and others says kahit sa Asus Xonar na gamit nila mas maganda at malinis ang Encore Enmab-8cm sa SQ..in my own experience mas nag enjoy ako sa Encore kesa sa ibang USB DAC sa laptop ko..so YMMV..nga pala available sa CD-R King tong Enmab 7.1 USB Audio Box na to for P990 lang ngayon kasi P1080 ko sya nabili noon sa CD-R King..try mo then let it surprise you sa SQ.  ;) HTH

sample pics.kopya ko kay Neil sana di magalit. :P
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs772.ash1/166251_178329412190435_100000401315795_468605_114998_n.jpg)

http://www.encore-usa.com/us/product/ENMAB-8CM (http://www.encore-usa.com/us/product/ENMAB-8CM)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 03, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Musiland Monitor 01 US ang gamit ko bro shokx

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251948_10151080168617248_375332682_n.jpg)

(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395822_10151080168527248_1475935778_n.jpg)


pwede rin siya headphone amplifier kaso software based yung volume dahil walang physical volume knob yung unit. but it's all good, ang next step ko na lang siguro is to swap the internal hard drive from 250gb to 1tb.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Wildfire™ on Aug 03, 2012 at 02:05 PM
im also using j.river but instead of wasapi im using asio

(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k626/wildfire816/Asiojrmc.jpg)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 03, 2012 at 02:15 PM
ASIO rin gamit ko bro. But I disable DSP studio for bit perfect streaming.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Wildfire™ on Aug 03, 2012 at 02:24 PM
ASIO rin gamit ko bro. But I disable DSP studio for bit perfect streaming.

ako din pag flac naka disable pero pag mp3 naka enable  :D
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on Aug 03, 2012 at 05:43 PM
Musiland Monitor 01 US ang gamit ko bro shokx

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251948_10151080168617248_375332682_n.jpg)

(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395822_10151080168527248_1475935778_n.jpg)

pwede rin siya headphone amplifier kaso software based yung volume dahil walang physical volume knob yung unit. but it's all good, ang next step ko na lang siguro is to swap the internal hard drive from 250gb to 1tb.

eto rin ang balak ko gawin sa isang laptop ko, to upgrade the hard disk ko 1TB or even higher, wala pa nga lang ako budget...

re: use of musiland para maging headphone amp - another alternative is to connect the musiland to a dedicated headphone amp via RCA connection para ma-control ng maayos yung volume ng headphone. dagdag gastos nga lang :)

Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on Aug 03, 2012 at 05:45 PM
try mo mag Encore Enmab-8cm bro..ganito lang gamit ko sa Envy 15 ko hehehe..laki ng difference sa SQ compare sa mga mamahaling USB audio DAC like Creative USB 5.1 X-Fi na gamit ko noon, kahit sa desktop PC ko na gamit noon ay X-Fi Extreme Music ng Creative. and others says kahit sa Asus Xonar na gamit nila mas maganda at malinis ang Encore Enmab-8cm sa SQ..in my own experience mas nag enjoy ako sa Encore kesa sa ibang USB DAC sa laptop ko..so YMMV..nga pala available sa CD-R King tong Enmab 7.1 USB Audio Box na to for P990 lang ngayon kasi P1080 ko sya nabili noon sa CD-R King..try mo then let it surprise you sa SQ.  ;) HTH

sample pics.kopya ko kay Neil sana di magalit. :P
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs772.ash1/166251_178329412190435_100000401315795_468605_114998_n.jpg)

http://www.encore-usa.com/us/product/ENMAB-8CM (http://www.encore-usa.com/us/product/ENMAB-8CM)

buhay pa pala yung Enma after all these years. kung tama ang naalala ko, parang kayo pa ang nagsimula na mag-encourage na maging source nito sa headphiles. saw and heard this during our meet a few years ago sa Pasig. :)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 03, 2012 at 05:59 PM
eto rin ang balak ko gawin sa isang laptop ko, to upgrade the hard disk ko 1TB or even higher, wala pa nga lang ako budget...

re: use of musiland para maging headphone amp - another alternative is to connect the musiland to a dedicated headphone amp via RCA connection para ma-control ng maayos yung volume ng headphone. dagdag gastos nga lang :)



the musiland is connected to a cambridge audio 550a via rca. ok naman siya as headphone amplifier pero pag tinatamad ako mag on ng ampli, rekta na lang sa musiland yung headphones  :D
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: shoktongxxx on Aug 03, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Musiland Monitor 01 US ang gamit ko bro shokx

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251948_10151080168617248_375332682_n.jpg)

(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395822_10151080168527248_1475935778_n.jpg)


pwede rin siya headphone amplifier kaso software based yung volume dahil walang physical volume knob yung unit. but it's all good, ang next step ko na lang siguro is to swap the internal hard drive from 250gb to 1tb.
Wow congrats bro. :-)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: rascal101 on Aug 04, 2012 at 08:40 PM
Maganda rin iyung Musiland USD-03 1at ppm iyung clock niya.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on Aug 05, 2012 at 04:00 AM
some questions that I had in mind last night. if we have this setup: laptop --> external DAC --> amplifier (whether pre+power or integrated) --> speakers or headphones ...

1. how will the specs of the hard disk (i.e. 5400 rpm v. 7200 rpm, diff types of SATA) matter sa performance at SQ ng laptop audio setup?

2. will the amount of memory (2Gig vs 4Gig) matter?

3. ano sa specs ng processor (i.e. speed, # or cores, latency, etc) ang kailangan tignan para maganda ang performance at SQ ng laptop audio setup?

Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Aug 05, 2012 at 05:14 AM
1. how will the specs of the hard disk (i.e. 5400 rpm v. 7200 rpm, diff types of SATA) matter sa performance at SQ ng laptop audio setup?
There should not be much difference, as long as it's not a very old model. A large HDD will obviously help in terms of data storage. The only time you'd need a fast HDD for this application is if you plan on multitasking disk-intensive tasks. A fast HDD will make the computer more responsive, but it will not make it play music any better. Some argue that it actually detriments output quality because of the greater transient power demands (from the stronger actuator often needed to position the head fast enough).

2. will the amount of memory (2Gig vs 4Gig) matter?
This depends on your player, the files that you play and how much background tasks you're running. Typical players should be okay with 2GB RAM with typical 2-channel file types if you manage your OS and background tasks properly (even 1GB could work as a bare setup). 4GB would be a more comfortable spec in most cases, and is a sensible option if you're buying new (since RAM is cheap). Though not popular, memory-based players consume a lot of RAM when playing back high resolution files, and may be better off with 8GB or more.

3. ano sa specs ng processor (i.e. speed, # or cores, latency, etc) ang kailangan tignan para maganda ang performance at SQ ng laptop audio setup?
You don't need much processing muscle to handle just audio, but it helps when multitasking. A faster processor may be desirable if you plan to use the notebook for more demanding tasks (multi-purpose computer). For a dedicated setup, any recent entry level notebook processor (Intel Celeron or AMD Fusion A4) can comfortably handle high resolution audio formats.

Some purists actually prefer moderate power processors on the same platform because the lower load on the same power supply causes less ripple. There are people who go out of their way to under-volt components to reduce power demands, then disable power and clock gating features to make the draw fairly consistent. After which, they swap the power supply with higher spec and lower ripple replacements. I have gone this route in the past, and the gains are often too little that most people should not lose sleep over it.

Two cores in a processor is normally enough, granted that the cores are fast enough. This lets you manage affinity (if you're OC with latency) to let one core handle your application's processes and the other your background tasks and services. Again, the latter tweak is truly optional as windows can handle processes and services quite efficiently without user intervention.

Factors to consider when selecting a computer for audio:
1. Other intended uses
2. Playback formats to be used
3. Interface sensitivity to latency
4. Intended buffer depth
5. Software to use
6. Overall system cost
7. Expected lifespan
8. Power consumption
9. Individual preference

Though these things may look daunting to some, the level of complexity really varies per individual. It can be very simple or very complex depending on how you want it.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on Aug 05, 2012 at 06:02 AM
thank you sir stagea! :D
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Aug 05, 2012 at 07:11 AM
thank you sir stagea! :D

You're welcome. A laptop-based audio system need not be expensive. Laptops cost less than CD players these days, and it gives you access to online music sources. If you need a remote control, there are many Android applications to let you use your phone or tablet as a remote control for your software player (there are some iOS and BB ones too).

This is an example of an inexpensive yet capable computer for this application:
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Samsung_NP300E4X-A03PH (http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Samsung_NP300E4X-A03PH)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: DTNS on Aug 05, 2012 at 09:43 AM
I use my gaming laptop as a video source.  :D


oh, having a wifi repeater helps too. ;)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 05, 2012 at 09:48 AM
You're welcome. A laptop-based audio system need not be expensive. Laptops cost less than CD players these days, and it gives you access to online music sources. If you need a remote control, there are many Android applications to let you use your phone or tablet as a remote control for your software player (there are some iOS and BB ones too).

This is an example of an inexpensive yet capable computer for this application:
http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Samsung_NP300E4X-A03PH (http://www.villman.com/Product-Detail/Samsung_NP300E4X-A03PH)

nice find master stagea! indeed laptops are cheaper than some entry level cd players, plus it can play virtually any file type that NMTs can't (from video to music files). i could have done away with DVD players and NMTs a long time ago. well atleast i'm on the right track now
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 05, 2012 at 10:11 AM
laptops aren't as power hungry as people would make you believe. eto yung power specs ng lappy ko

    Nominal Operating Voltage: 18.5 V
    Average Operating Power: 12.5 W
    Max Operating power: < 65 W
 

at an average 12.5 W parang CD player na rin ang consumption. mas energy efficient pa than using an NMT plus an LCD screen to navigate through your files
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Aug 05, 2012 at 11:08 AM
nice find master stagea! indeed laptops are cheaper than some entry level cd players, plus it can play virtually any file type that NMTs can't (from video to music files). i could have done away with DVD players and NMTs a long time ago. well atleast i'm on the right track now

Thanks. I'm pretty sure they'd sell for even less kung cash purchase (or at least add free items like an OEM copy of Windows).

at an average 12.5 W parang CD player na rin ang consumption. mas energy efficient pa than using an NMT plus an LCD screen to navigate through your files

Depending on specs and configuration, a newer notebook is likely to consume even less (especially those running ULV components).
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: warmaster on Aug 08, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Thanks. I'm pretty sure they'd sell for even less kung cash purchase (or at least add free items like an OEM copy of Windows).

Depending on specs and configuration, a newer notebook is likely to consume even less (especially those running ULV components).

i'd keep these in mind when i shop for a new notebook soon. ty
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Aug 09, 2012 at 12:50 PM
i'd keep these in mind when i shop for a new notebook soon. ty

Ultrabooks and Ultrathins typically have low power components (to allow them to use smaller heatsinks and get decent runtime from small batteries), if you're willing to pay for the price difference.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: delinsk on Aug 12, 2012 at 05:31 PM
learn a lot from this thread ...thanks sir stagea i've got the almost all the answers of all my questions on how to use laptop as the source
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: koykoy on Aug 31, 2012 at 07:17 AM
Q lang mga sirs. Same lang ba ang quality if i use the 3.5mm-optical cable vs a usb dac?
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Philander on Aug 31, 2012 at 07:41 AM
Q lang mga sirs. Same lang ba ang quality if i use the 3.5mm-optical cable vs a usb dac?

No, if you use USB DAC, it will process and convert to analog thus the quality of sound will depend on the USB DAC.

If you use 3.5mm Optical, the DAC of the receiver will be the one to convert to ANALOG, thus the sound will be processed solely by the DAC of the receiver, the quality of sound will always depend of the quality of the Receiver's DAC (plus of course other components of the Receiver)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: sovrain on Sep 01, 2012 at 05:00 AM
I got a sony CDP, a dual DAC, lens is not working, is there a possibility to convert this as a DAC to my laptop? it has no inputs other than a 4 pin system control input :)

just a wild thought: CDPs uses multiple DACs, what happen if you use two DACs(say two musiland 01) for your laptop? :D :D will it give a better sound than a single DAC?

Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: rascal101 on Sep 01, 2012 at 05:09 AM
I got a sony CDP, a dual DAC, lens is not working, is there a possibility to convert this as a DAC to my laptop? it has no inputs other than a 4 pin system control input :)

just a wild thought: CDPs uses multiple DACs, what happen if you use two DACs(say two musiland 01) for your laptop? :D :D will it give a better sound than a single DAC?



Whether a DAC uses a single D/A chip or multiple D/A chips it is still highly dependent on implementation - theoretically multiple D/A chips should handle Digital to Analog conversion more accurately.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: sovrain on Sep 01, 2012 at 05:19 AM
Whether a DAC uses a single D/A chip or multiple D/A chips it is still highly dependent on implementation - theoretically multiple D/A chips should handle Digital to Analog conversion more accurately.
thanks bro rascal101, planning to go this route(laptop as music source) kasi e :D ;D
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Sep 01, 2012 at 07:27 AM
just a wild thought: CDPs uses multiple DACs, what happen if you use two DACs(say two musiland 01) for your laptop? :D :D will it give a better sound than a single DAC?

It doesn't quite work that way. The use of two dac chips is usually for differential mode operation, and that usually helps. Running two stereo DACs at the same time that are not operating in differential mode does not equate to the same effect (not to mention that you may have difficulty feeding data to both at the same time because of software limitations, especially when running them off USB).

Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: sovrain on Sep 01, 2012 at 07:39 AM
It doesn't quite work that way. The use of two dac chips is usually for differential mode operation, and that usually helps. Running two stereo DACs at the same time that are not operating in differential mode does not equate to the same effect (not to mention that you may have difficulty feeding data to both at the same time because of software limitations, especially when running them off USB).


thanks sir stagea. will you recommend low priced DACs? say, DACs from CDR-king
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: JoeyGS on Sep 01, 2012 at 07:53 AM
Low priced DACs with decent sound output that I may recommend are:
Superpro 707
Musiland 01US
HRT Streamer II
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: sovrain on Sep 01, 2012 at 08:14 AM
Low priced DACs with decent sound output that I may recommend are:
Superpro 707
Musiland 01US
HRT Streamer II

thanks sir JoeyGS, saan po available ang mga ito?
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: JoeyGS on Sep 01, 2012 at 09:15 PM
Locally available yan lahat.

Superpro - Skeesix
Musiland - Nelson de leon / Stagea
HRT streamer II - Sounds N Images, Cebu
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: haboky on Sep 02, 2012 at 08:09 AM
+1 hrt music streamer II  ;D
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: beringin on Sep 03, 2012 at 11:41 AM
No, if you use USB DAC, it will process and convert to analog thus the quality of sound will depend on the USB DAC.

If you use 3.5mm Optical, the DAC of the receiver will be the one to convert to ANALOG, thus the sound will be processed solely by the DAC of the receiver, the quality of sound will always depend of the quality of the Receiver's DAC (plus of course other components of the Receiver)

Sir, I am looking for this connection, 3.5 mm jack from laptop to coaxial para maikabit ko sa external DAC. What is your recommendation for this. Thanks
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: JoeyGS on Sep 03, 2012 at 11:47 AM
I am not aware if there is such a conversion connection.

As far I am aware of:
3.5mm jack = analog signal
coaxial       = digital signal

So, basically is does not match.

From a laptop, you need to extract digital signal (via usb or optical or coaxial) and then you can feed this into the external DAC with its corresponding digital inputs (via usb or optical or coaxial). These are basic.

Hope this helps.

Sir, I am looking for this connection, 3.5 mm jack from laptop to coaxial para maikabit ko sa external DAC. What is your recommendation for this. Thanks
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on Sep 03, 2012 at 01:06 PM
Sir, I am looking for this connection, 3.5 mm jack from laptop to coaxial para maikabit ko sa external DAC. What is your recommendation for this. Thanks

check if your 3.5mm audio out jack is also an optical digital out port (found in some models of macbook pro, acer laptops, i think). so ang magiging connection ay laptop --> optical out port  --> DAC --> pre-amp/amp --> speakers.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Sep 03, 2012 at 02:09 PM
check if your 3.5mm audio out jack is also an optical digital out port (found in some models of macbook pro, acer laptops, i think). so ang magiging connection ay laptop --> optical out port  --> DAC --> pre-amp/amp --> speakers.

I agree. May mga notebooks with this feature (though there are fewer and fewer of them around). Mini-toslink adapter or cable lang ang kailangan.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: JoeyGS on Sep 03, 2012 at 03:29 PM
Oh yes, the mac mini and macbook laptops have this.

BTW, are you using a Mac?
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Sep 03, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Oh yes, the mac mini and macbook laptops have this.

BTW, are you using a Mac?

Hi sir Joey,

Are you directing this question to Beringin or to me?

In case you're asking me, I use both Macs and PCs. I prefer PCs, however.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: beringin on Sep 03, 2012 at 07:29 PM
Thanks to all replies. Yes I am using an iMac and according to the manual, the headphone jack is also a digital output.  So I am looking to convert from 3.5mm output to either coaxial or optical input to my external DAC. Thanks

I have seen this from the net, but I don't know if this is commercially available or kung ano pa and options ko.

(http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/68/68411/op9905.2.jpg)

Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: geriboy on Sep 03, 2012 at 07:33 PM
I agree. May mga notebooks with this feature (though there are fewer and fewer of them around). Mini-toslink adapter or cable lang ang kailangan.

Thanks to all replies. Yes I am using an iMac and according to the manual, the headphone jack is also a digital output.  So I am looking to convert from 3.5mm output to either coaxial or optical input to my external DAC. Thanks

I have seen this from the net, but I don't know if this is commercially available or kung ano pa and options ko.

(http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/68/68411/op9905.2.jpg)

alam ko that sir anya is selling a mini-toslink adapter and some optical cables. ->http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,133291.0.html
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: JoeyGS on Sep 03, 2012 at 07:38 PM
Sorry, I was addressing it to Beringin.

Self tweaking is easier with PC and with tons of information in the Internet.  I think you can improve PCs at a cheaper cost as compared with Macs



Hi sir Joey,

Are you directing this question to Beringin or to me?

In case you're asking me, I use both Macs and PCs. I prefer PCs, however.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: JoeyGS on Sep 03, 2012 at 07:42 PM
+1 with geriboy's recommendation and check out Anya's thread.


Thanks to all replies. Yes I am using an iMac and according to the manual, the headphone jack is also a digital output.  So I am looking to convert from 3.5mm output to either coaxial or optical input to my external DAC. Thanks

I have seen this from the net, but I don't know if this is commercially available or kung ano pa and options ko.

(http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/68/68411/op9905.2.jpg)


Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: beringin on Sep 03, 2012 at 07:46 PM
Checked anya's  link.  ;D

Thanks to all for the help.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: lncc63 on Sep 17, 2012 at 06:59 PM
Great thread.  Thank you and kudos.

I've been using an HP netbook for my audio source drive a Musiland US03.  Sorry I don't remember the model offhand but it is one of the low end ones.  I play some Studio Master material and it copes well enough I think.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: smt on Oct 04, 2012 at 04:54 PM
How much yung musiland 01? Thanks.
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: Stagea on Oct 05, 2012 at 03:17 AM
How much yung musiland 01? Thanks.

May thread po tayo:
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,159512.0.html (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,159512.0.html)
Title: Re: Converting laptop to music source
Post by: smt on Oct 05, 2012 at 07:24 AM
Thank you sir...