Solution to Clevo's crappy onboard audio?

My new headphones just arrived and even my ipod nano sounds AWESOME on them but I hook them up to the P151HM1 and its like Im listening to an old car radio. I installed all audio drivers and thx but it barely helped. Bass is especially lacking.

Right now Im looking at the FiiO E6 but I might go for the E7 (price is kinda scaring me). Has anyone tried either one on Clevo's laptops? Or maybe something else? Under $100 please, even better if $50

 

I'm using this and I'm very happy: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-70SB...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1323114707&sr=1-22

I'm not an audiophile but I would suggest getting an external soundcard instead of a headphone amplifier.

 

Check out some USB DACs

 

I'm using this one, which is pretty much the same as oan001's:
Amazon.com: Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Audio System with THX SB1095: Electronics

I couldn't be happier. It even sounds better than my desktop's sound which came as a shock to me.

 

Thanks I'll read into it. The cheaper I can get my bass fix the happier I'll be

 

I am currently using a Fiio E7 & E9 combination and the audio is as it should be. I am only using this combo as my headphones are a bit harder to drive and the E7 as dac E9 as amp works well.

Nice little dac the E7. Not the best not the worst. But very surprising and well built.

You can even use the E7 with your phone when you are not at the computer, best of both worlds (assuming you listen to music on your phone)

Hope it helps

 

did you get your wanted specs from malibal synce? how is the laptop now that you got your wanted specs?

 

I've had the FiiO E7 and Creative X-Fi 5.1, and I'm now using a FiiO E10. It's a fantastic DAC, with much better sound than the E7 and the Creative doesn't stack up to either of them.

The E6 would be a waste, as you need something which bypasses the onboard audio. Go for the E10, or the E7 if you need something with can also be used with a portable phone or ipod.

 

I've got my Hercules Deejay Trim 4&6 (yes, an USB DJ soundcard) and it also has a built-in headphone amplifier (which is totally seperate from the other outs) and a separate volume knob.

Also, I own a pair of Sony XB-700 headphones.

Now let me tell you - I've got so much power into those headphones, its ridiculous! The headphone amp is liquidifying my ear wax in 2 seconds, the bass is nerve-wrecking and brain-shocking.

Here's what I use to make my sound go ballistic:
-the Sony XB-700 headphones
-the Hercules audio card
-winamp 5 Lite
-dsp loader plug-in for winamp
-BBE Sonic Maximiser dsp loaded with the dsp loader.



This is the plugin's user interface^^^

Man, the BASS IS RIDICULOUS!! And the DAC in the soundcard is a Wolfson with 106db SNR.



This setup is superb and Im not changing it.

 

Before you spend money on hardware, try the demo of Breakaway Audio Enhancer.

 

+1

...but also, it's like "spend your money on software"...

At least it doesn't harm the environment and you don't have to lug stuff around.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I did some asking around on accessory forum and it looks like a simple usb card may be all I need. Will try the Micro II and if that doesn't give me authentic bass (which this laptop has NONE of) I'll spring for the E10