2. pc-audio
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Advice on Setting Up A Laptop-Based Audio System?

Hey, I'm looking to set up a workspace audio system based around my Apple Powerbook G4. I've got about 100 GB of uncompressed audio on an external hard drive. I currently have Monsoon planar speakers and matching subwoofer hooked into the laptop through the 1/8" audio out, which soundsokay, but I think I could do better.

I don't have a PC card slot in the Powerbook, so I'm limited to a USB audio connection. I'm not looking to hook this system up to my "big rig" -- it's just for my workspace. I was looking to bypass getting an amplifier, unless it's fairly small.

I was thinking of going with some powered mini-monitors and maybe some kind of adapter/DAC in between, but I'm space-constrained and not looking to spend more than say, $600 total.

Any suggestions?
marc_dc

Showing 5 responses by puerto

puerto
372 posts
 
Regalmal: I am just now exploring the viability of laptop control and storage for a music library. Can you explain to me in simple terms what equipment is necessary. So far I have a good HP Laptop that I have sent in to have the HD cleared off and anything else not necessary to managing my system. It will be a dedicated PC. I use a Krell HTS 7.1 pre/pro that has an RS 232 Communication Port for computer use and Krell amps all-around to drive Maggies all around. There seems to be a ton of info on line and herein but I cannot clearly see just what exactly is needed in the way of other equipment. Obviously I would need an external storage unit but that is all I really know. You seem to have it working pretty well. Puerto
puerto
372 posts
 
Many Thanks Regalmal! I presume that the DAC then, in turn, is plugged directly into my pre/pro with a USB to RS 232 cable. Does the Squeeze Box and Transporter perform the same function as the DAC? Puerto
puerto
372 posts
 
Got it! Thank you both (Regalmal and Sufentanil). I've learned a lot from these threads but sometimes they get heavy into the techno-talk and I'm left behind! Your simple explanations were useable and appreciated! Puerto
puerto
372 posts
 
Regalmal: Can you capture and store music from the Squeeze Box transmissions directly into your music library or is it for "listening only"? Couldn't quite tell from the ads. Maybe that is a function of the software that you install. Perhaps the music library that Squeeze Box can control for you is one that you have compiled yourself from your own sources such as I have done in Media Player with CD burn software. Is there a monthly charge to use Squeeze Box? I think I would see how the DAC in my Krell HTS 7.1 does with this before purchasing an external DAC. One review that I read claimed that there was very little quality difference between the Squeeze Box DAC and an external DAC that he had added to his system. Seems that you automatically have two DACs to chose from - Squeeze Box and your Processor. Puerto
puerto
372 posts
 
Sufentanil: Can you store the music coming from internet radio in your library or is it for "listening only" and cannot be retained in storage? Your system does sound pretty slick. Puerto
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