If your Apple PowerBook has a FireWire I/O connection, I would forget about the USB connection route and take advantage of the higher bandwidth and stability of the FireWire connection. M-Audio offers the FireWire Audiophile, a compact audio/MIDI interface with 4 X 6 audio I/O, powerful on-board mixing, ultra-low latency ASIO software direct monitoring, and a 1 x 1 MIDI I/O, which sells for less than $200 on the street. M-Audio, KRK and Mackie Tapco offer very nice sounding powered (i.e., active) monitors for less than $400 per pair on the street. MAudio's StudioPhile BX5 Monitors, KRK's RP6 Rokit Powered Monitor and Mackie Tapco's Tapco S5 should provide far better imaging, higher resolution and more audiophile punch than your current PC speakers. Keep in mind that you will have to invest in a complimentary subwoofer in the future for low bass output.
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?
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?