Pete H Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 I've got to replace my laptop. It's been a great machine, but it's time to go. I've been trying to find something that has a really good built in sound card and it's become frustrating because I can't seem to find specs. This is the piece that I will use to stream music when I'm downstairs, in the shop etc. The same machine will have REW, mini dsp interface, and other audio related items and software, so that's it's primary function. Does anyone have any insight on this? I should mention that I'm strictly a PC guy and that's not changing as I will still have MS office that will be utilized on the machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 So you're not using a DAC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zack R Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 I'd find a standalone DAC that has a USB input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 Some folks don't listen Carl. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 39 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: So you're not using a DAC? Will be yes. 21 minutes ago, rockhound said: Some folks don't listen Carl. No, some folks don't read. lol The question remains, does anyone know of a laptop that has a very good built in sound card. I just don't accept that no manufacturer incorporates a great sound card in any laptop. We've discussed this and thinking that maybe someone out there had an answer, I thought I would throw it out here to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 1 minute ago, Pete H said: Will be yes. No, some folks don't read. The question remains, does anyone know of a laptop that has a very good built in sound card. The sound card isn't used as the lap top dac? I guess I never thought that the sound card had any function other than maybe being a digital pass through when streaming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 @Thaddeus Smith, any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 Check gaming laptops from the various brands - HP, Dell, Razer, etc. They tend to include that kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 Just now, CECAA850 said: The sound card isn't used as the lap top dac? I guess I never thought that the sound card had any function other than maybe being a digital pass through when streaming. I would imagine it has to. If it's pushing a signal out to a 3.5mm headphone jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 12 minutes ago, Pete H said: I would imagine it has to. If it's pushing a signal out to a 3.5mm headphone jack. OK, then why would you use the laptop DAC if you have an external DAC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 2 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: OK, then why would you use the laptop DAC if you have an external DAC? When on the road with the laptop and headphones. I'm totally onboard with an external for the laptop at home, but I'm not taking all of that with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 1 minute ago, Pete H said: When on the road with the laptop and headphones. I'm totally onboard with an external for the laptop at home, but I'm not taking all of that with me. Then get any old laptop and buy a Dragonfly DAC and call it a day. It'll be better than a soundcard. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivernuggets Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 15 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: Then get any old laptop and buy a Dragonfly DAC and call it a day. It'll be better than a soundcard. This will also be much more affordable than a gaming laptop or similar. Even with a holiday sale (last Christmas) combined with my bro's employee discount, a gaming laptop for my teenage son cost over $500. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 36 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: Then get any old laptop and buy a Dragonfly DAC and call it a day. It'll be better than a soundcard. Like I said earlier some folks don't want to listen! Get one of those 1,500 dell xps's or dell alienware ones if you must. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 30 minutes ago, rockhound said: Like I said earlier some folks don't want to listen! Get one of those 1,500 dell xps's or dell alienware ones if you must. Pete............where did we go wrong raising that boy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 2 minutes ago, CECAA850 said: Pete............where did we go wrong raising that boy? Stop already, I'm going to get an external DAC, but I'm also going to get a laptop that performs. I told you I wasn't purchasing any external DAC until I get a chance to hear a few at SWAG. The dragonfly (which I had never even seen one) looks perfect for the laptop when I travel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 1 hour ago, Pete H said: The dragonfly (which I had never even seen one) looks perfect for the laptop when I travel. And that was my point. You'll hear one DAC prior to the SWAG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 1 minute ago, CECAA850 said: And that was my point. You'll hear one DAC prior to the SWAG. And I looked at it and agreed with your point. I just think it's sad that you can't buy a laptop with a decent soundcard/dac, already built in. Refresh my memory, prior to the Bifrost, you had a ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 I do wish the Marantz unit wasn't quite so much. I really like the look and all the reviews I've read have been solid. Should be for the price point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MookieStl Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 1 hour ago, CECAA850 said: Pete............where did we go wrong raising that boy? Pete, I can't believe you are going to drive all the way to Beaumont to listen to this crap in person. Turn the Devastator up so you don't hear him. Then I guess if you close your eyes, you'll be ok And don't forget your sarcasm, you'll need lots of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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