Can I use 2.1 speakers on a laptop normal earphone output?

Hey guys,

This sounds very basic but I just want to make sure I can use a 2.1 speaker system (Altec Lansing VS2421) on a laptop output.
My audio card is SigmaTel high definition audio, the average card that ships with Dell Vostro 1500. Do “2” mean 2 channels and “.1” mean subwoofer? Does my audio card support 2 channels? Do I need another channel for the subwoofer output which is .1?

Thanks in advance…

 

Yes, you can use external speakers as well, you just need to give power supply to speakers and insert pin in audio output of lappy.

 

yes, you can use 2.1 speaker.

the speaker will be connected to a standard headphone jack. only one cable needs to be connected to your computer, like you would with any standard stereo speaker or headphone.

yes, the 2 means the 2 speaker, and the .1 means the subwoofer.

the speaker usually cover the high, mid, and (the good one cover) low range, the subwoofer will cover the very low range.

 

Thanks wobble987... Just clarify myself here... So, does this mean I cannot use 5.1 speakers on my laptop? Do you have to have 5 channel audio to get the advantage of 5.1 speakers?

 

Yer Only 2.1 of speakers will work youll needa a sound card for 5.1

 

Yep, for 5.1 speakers, if you want to use them in 5.1 surround then you need a 5.1 sound card, which usually consists of 3 headphone ports. Your SigmaTel sound card has 2 channels, and the sub just pulls the low frequencies from those two channels. So a 2.1 system will work fine with your sound card, but you wont be able to utilize a 5.1 system to its fullest.

 

I'll just confirm everything said above and add that the way a 2.1 system works is by using a built in amplifier and equalizer which is usually housed within the subwoofer to distribute the high's and low's to the right speaker. In the case of my modified Cambridge Soundworks Megaworks 250D+Mission Bookshelfs, (2.1) the sub is capable of distributing the very highs to the tweeter, the mids to the standard speaker and the bass to itself without any hassle. It's more than enough soundpower for any needs. Personally, I think the whole 5.1 surround thing is overrated. It might be good for games and video, but it kills the music experience and forces you to buy a sound card should you not have one. Not worth it IMO

 

INFACT, your Speakers will sound better than a pair of Headphones (Good headphones)..

because your Speakers will have enough power to run with the AC adaptor ..whereas the headphones will need Amping.

I am not saying h'phones wont play..but if u are an audiophile then u ll notice the headphones Sound quality will suck & sound like cheap made-in-china mp3.
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Your sound card(source) will effect sound quality with headphones or speakers, you(well I can) easily tell the difference between sigmatel and a higher more expensive sound card with speakers.

 

The audio output device plays a more important role for an average listener ..because their entire equipment is avg. there is no bottleneck.


You can tell a difference between soundcards because u have above average Headphones.

 

I can also tell the difference with my Klipsch pro media 2.1 system. But I don't expect most people to notice, or for it to make to much of a difference. Your right that for the average user it doesn't really matter. But it does make a small difference.