M17x - Quality of Sound (for those w/o audio stuttering)

Any of you guys hook up the M17x to a dedicated stereo of decent quality? How would you rate the sound quality output? I'm just wondering if getting an add-on sound card is necessary for really good audio quality. Most other laptops I've heard sound like the inside of a tin can and i've had to buy external sound cards for decent audio reproduction.

 

Audio output quality is fine, you wont require an external sound card

 

It's subjective. I tried it with a 5.1 system (X-540 from Logitech) and I hated it. I much prefer my desktop system with X-Fi card. It really depends how picky you are and what kind of ear you have.

 

I'm pretty picky about audio quality, and I have a very good ear. Basically all integrated laptop sound cards I've heard have been wanting, but I was just curious if the M17x was any different in this regard. While manufacturers expend a lot of effort in upgrading processor, memory, and drive technology, updating the audio processing capabilities is a back burner deal.

 

Im kinda picky about sound too. I dont know if I have good ears or not but I used to play guitar in a rock band. And I have to say M17x sound is ok. Its better than many laptops out there but to compare it to a desktop with integrated soundcard is very demanding. I use a Logitech G51 for gaming with my M17x and its pretty good. For music I often use my Shure SRH440 and its pretty good too. It can be a lot better with a quality soundcard tho. I made a topic about external soundcard for M17x in Side Topic but I still havent decided if I want an external soundcard or not since I read many reviews said it doesnt help much at all, even laggy, too weak etc...