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    Sager NP5793 sound output questions

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by Boilermaker, Nov 21, 2008.

  1. Boilermaker

    Boilermaker Notebook Guru

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    I have some questions about audio output on the Sager NP5793 I am likely to purchase in the next week or so.

    The audio related specs on this machine are as follows:

    Built-in Azalia High Definition Surround 3D sound system w/SRS WOW support
    8 Channel output w/o External Decoder - 4 multi-function audio ports
    2 built-in speakers & 1 Subwoofer
    Built-in Microphone
    Sound Blaster compatible
    Headphone output / Microphone input
    S/PDIF Digital output
    AudioDJ front panel with MP3 playback ability

    This is all a bit Greek to me as this is my first real laptop (last one was 10 years old and a low end machine when I got it). I would like to hook up my laptop to my HDTV and receiver to watch Blu-Ray movies and play games. DVI allows me to output high def video to my TV, but I am unsure how to get decent audio to my receiver. My receiver is about 6 years old but it does have optical audio inputs and it is a 6.1 channel system.

    Questions:

    1) Are sound cards necessary to get surround sound or will this automatically be outputted through the built-in S/PDIF output?

    2) How many channels of audio output come with this laptop without an add-on sound card?

    3) There are two sound card options available for this laptop from XoticPC.com

    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 SB1090 5.1 Channels 24-bit External USB Sound Card - $99

    Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi 7.1 Xtreme Audio Notebook Express Card (currently on back order) - $119

    My current sound system has 6.1 channels. Will the 7.1 card work fine on a 6.1 system? Is the extra $20 worth the extra 2 channels? I am not familiar with 7.1 surround but I may update my sound system in the next couple years and I am guessing 7.1 is the current standard.

    4) Lastly, but most importantly, is the $99 (or $119) worth it for the sound upgrade or will an non-audiphile like myself be very happy with the standard sound output? I can appreciate good quality sound, but I probably have never heard it . If the sound cards deliver then I am willing to pay the extra money to achieve significantly improved sound.
     
    Boilermaker, Nov 21, 2008
    #1