Sager NP8130's Sound

Hi, I'm looking at various laptops since I am in the market for a new one. The NP8130 is looking like a VERY attractive option.

My question is if this laptop supports 5.1 surround sound speakers. I know it has SPDIF out, but I really want to know if you can hook up normal 5.1 PC speakers (like the Logitech 540's) using the normal 3, 3.5mm jacks.

Thanks!

-Charlius-

 

Yes. It supports 5.1 and 7.1 sound. There are four 3.5mm jacks.

The 1st one is your headphone out.

The 2nd is the microphone jack but it can also operate as center/subwoofer

The 3rd is the optical SPDIF but it can also operate as side speaker out

The 4th is the line in jack but it can also operate as rear-speaker out

The biggest issue for me is all the jacks are on the side so it interferes with your mouse if you are right handed. But if you are using it as a desktop computer basically and plugging in your surround audio while using another keyboard and display, I guess it's not a big problem. I would personally rather use the optical SPDIF out to an external receiver with a higher quality DAC (even recievers 10 years old and older will have this) or use the HDMI out which includes digital audio for surround.

 

Hey Electric Shock...do you mind if I add your post to my review? (And credit you, of course) I had no clue what the 3.5mm jacks were....

Mr. Mysterious

 

^ Sure, NP.

 

Electricshock - Thanks a lot for the info! Exactly what I wanted to know. I will be using my laptop as my main computer though (no desktop), so the issue with the 3.5mm jacks sticking out on the right side interfering with the mouse hand is a tad worrisome.

Have you seen the Creative Soundblaster X-Fi 5.1 External USB Sound Card? Amazon.com: Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Audio System with THX SB1095: Electronics

Having it connected to one of the USB 2.0 ports on the left side would alleviate that issue, and possibly provide a better DAC. In terms of sound quality, do you think the onboard sound on the NP8130 is better vs the X-Fi External Card? I'm thinking more for games and movies, not music. I mean, even if it isn't, I probably will still wind up getting it just so I don't have to wind up dealing with the cord sticking out issue..

Mr. Mysterious - You are my hero!! I read your review for the 8130 and is the biggest reason I'm really thinking of getting it! The fact that you helped confirm that you actually can upgrade the video card at a later point in the future really helped sweeten the deal.

-Charlius-

 

Awww shucks I'm glad I helped you decide the 8130 would work for you. I hope you get one of the machines that work perfectly.

Mr. Mysterious

 

There is a dual purpose USB/Esata port on the back of the laptop which is good for USB devices and cables you want to keep out of the way.

The other cheap option for hooking up surround on right side where the audio jacks are is to get some L shaped 3.5mm jacks on audio cables so they don't stick out and block your mouse.