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    Laptop Soundcard, DAC Question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Infinity29, Oct 7, 2009.

  1. Infinity29

    Infinity29 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Alright, I have my eyes set on the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 PC Gaming Premium Digital Headset with Microphone

    I have a Gateway P-7805u FX Laptop.

    What do I need to get the best sound quality out of these headphones? I've been reading up on DAC's, but don't know that much about them to make an educated buying decision. I'm looking for the best bang for my buck I guess you could say. Anything under $100.
     
    Infinity29, Oct 7, 2009
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  2. Infinity29

    Infinity29 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Would it also be possible to just buy an external USB sound card?
     
    Infinity29, Oct 7, 2009
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  3. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    I am very happy with bluetooth sound & headphones. If your laptop Bt adapter runs version 2.0/2.1 EDR and the driver software runs the modern audio profiles, you'll get good sound.
     
    newsposter, Oct 7, 2009
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  4. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    I have heard of people pairing those very nice Beyers with the A40 Mixamp. I've never used either so you'd better check this out carefully.

    BTW, you do know that if you bought the equivalent DT770 headphones and a separate mike you'd save some money, but it might not be what you want.
     
    Nankuru, Oct 7, 2009
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  5. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    Go to Headfi.org and ask about DAC's there. Pretty much the only real option for really improving sound quality on a laptop.
     
    Trottel, Oct 7, 2009
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  6. Judicator

    Judicator Judged and found wanting.

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    Judicator, Oct 7, 2009
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  7. magzcampos

    magzcampos Notebook Enthusiast

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    alright alright, the best way to get better sound quality is through a better source aka a DAC, your going to have to look into an external DAC with usb input. Keep in mind your going to need an amp also(headphone amp).
    yes go to headfi.org and do some research on everything sound.

    now id recommend a AMB Labs Gamma 1 which can be built for 70 bucks, its the lite version(usb only), ask mister x for more details.and if you have the money you can get a gamma 2 which is a far more better bang for your buck ( prob 200 $ or more)plz visit amb labs website
     
    magzcampos, Oct 7, 2009
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  8. Infinity29

    Infinity29 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So the Beyer DT 770 Pro is pretty much the same thing, but without a mic? Which one is better.. the 80 pro or 250?

    AND if I were to get these what type of high quailty mic could I get to attach to it?
     
    Infinity29, Oct 8, 2009
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  9. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Laptop or desktop, you need a few things to get good sound:

    source material (music, games, etc)
    codecs
    DAC (internal hardware)
    control software for the DAC
    headphones or speakers

    Cheap out on any of that and ALL of your investment is running down the toilet.

    Also, look for software that can manage VST virtual devices/plugins.

    Considering that your source material is games (or not?), I'm thinking that the on-board audio of your gateway might be good enough until you refine your ideas about what you really need/want.
     
    newsposter, Oct 8, 2009
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  10. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Those headphones (linked in the first post) appear to come with an external USB DAC/soundcard. Why not try that out... maybe it's decent?

    If you still want to go beyond that, try the forums at head-fi.org, as someone else here also suggested.
     
    swarmer, Oct 8, 2009
    #10