The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Using Speakers with a Laptop

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Fire2Ice, Jul 6, 2006.

  1. Fire2Ice

    Fire2Ice Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I'm wondering if it will be possible to use Logitech Z-5450 5.1 speakers when my laptop only has a speaker out jack. I searched previous posts and I think if i use a 3.5mm male to 2 RCA male wire and then hook those two RCAs to this 5.1 Game Console Adapter Convert Rca Plugs http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0UJVO&coliid=I1H33VFJLYVNLJ&v=glance&n=172282
    then I'll be good. Trouble is, I already know I'll lose 5.1 but how badly will the converter to converter setup degrade sound quality?
     
    Fire2Ice, Jul 6, 2006
    #1
  2. The_Shirt

    The_Shirt Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    436
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    You could always get a USB sound card.
     
    The_Shirt, Jul 6, 2006
    #2
  3. Fire2Ice

    Fire2Ice Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    From what I've been told a USB sound card would greatly decrease sound quality as well.
     
    Fire2Ice, Jul 7, 2006
    #3
  4. dizzyegg

    dizzyegg Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    179
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    i dont think thats ture matey, or the Audigy 2 ZS notebook looks likes a decent card if you have a slot. but check compatabilty issues, i hear some people had problems with them.
     
    dizzyegg, Jul 7, 2006
    #4
  5. MadDog31

    MadDog31 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I've been wondering this myself. I have a Klipsch 5.1 system hooked to my desktop right now, but in a couple years, when I want to get rid of the desktop and just go laptop, how easy will that be to hook up to the laptop given it's limited ports? I'll be using a docking station but are there any docking stations out there these days that allow for a 5.1 desk setup?
     
    MadDog31, Jul 7, 2006
    #5
  6. Fire2Ice

    Fire2Ice Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Would an external sound card such as the Creative Labs USB SoundBlaster Live! 24-Bit External Sound Card give me true 5.1 sound or would it basically be the same as the cheaper setup I described above.
     
    Fire2Ice, Jul 7, 2006
    #6
  7. The_Shirt

    The_Shirt Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    436
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The_Shirt, Jul 7, 2006
    #7
  8. gethin

    gethin Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    401
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    A lot of laptops these days come with SPDIF out, in which case that can code for 5.1 or even 7.1 audio - presuming your speakers have a SPDIF in of course
     
    gethin, Jul 7, 2006
    #8
  9. JackBauer

    JackBauer Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    158
    Messages:
    749
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If your lappy has a PCMCIA slot, definitely go for the Audigy notebook card. I've used mine on several notebooks and the audio improvement is stunning. The card has cables for 5.1 and 7.1 systems. I'd only recommend a USB card if you rarely moved your notebook.

    SPDIF is great, if your notebook is equipped with such an option.
     
    JackBauer, Jul 7, 2006
    #9
  10. The_Shirt

    The_Shirt Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    127
    Messages:
    436
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    As much as I'd like to use the SB PCMCIA, the m1710 only has an express card slot. I've yet to even see a prediction that SB will be coming out with an express card solution.

    Although I may move my notebook, for me, if the speakers are stationary, then a usb card will work as I would only be plugging it in when I put the laptop back where the speakers are. Although I would LOVE a soundblaster express card =).
     
    The_Shirt, Jul 7, 2006
    #10