How do I improve SQ from laptop to AVR/5.1 speakers?

I have been researching what multimedia laptop to buy to replace my aging Dell. Along the way I thought that I could add a Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card to improve whatever new laptop I bought.
I think I understand now that this may not be a viable option.

So I am wondering, how can I get good SQ when streaming both 256/320kbs and lossless to my Denon AVR and playing CD's on laptop drive through AVR, then off to my 5.1 HT setup?

I am lost.

 

Do I need an external DAC that is USB compatible? If that's right, which would you reccomend for me?
If not, can I/do I replace the internal card?
Most likely Dell XPS 17.

 

Are you streaming wirelessly to your Denon?

If not the easiest solution using what you have would be to run an optical cable to your AVR, I would start with this option personally and see if your happy with the sound quality before investing further.

A usb DAC would be a step up in quality from this (depending on the DAC), something like the HRT Music Streamers are a good starting point, and a good deal better than the X-Fi alternatives.

You could also look at using an HDMI cable if your denon has HDMI inputs and use this for audio.

Every laptop I have ever worked on has had the audio integrated into the motherboard so I would say no to an internal upgrade- someone may correct me?

 

Thank you and I think you are correct on the integrated audio. My Denon 1910 has plenty of HDMI....will this make a difference over the thick guaged L&R split from my laptop to AVR I have been using(on old laptop with no HDMI or Optical out) and looking to upgrade?

 

Any brands I should look at in particular? Thanks!
This is for a Dell XPS 17 most likely if that matters.

 

Yup, there will be a big difference over your thick gauged L&R split cable!

I would seriously try using an optical cable first when you get your new lappie, on from that you would be best to look at DAC's designed for the audio world rather than things like the X-Fi etc.

Have done alot of auditioning using different DAC's, for the money the HRT Music Streamers did a great job for the price, sure more expensive DAC's sounded better but your entering the realm of DAC's costing more than your laptop...

There are also alot of chinese no name brand DAC's that vary in sound quality, I have used a $45 Hifimediy unit which was ok, and a Maverick D1 (tube based Dac) which was pretty respectable after I upgraded the tube and opamp, cost about $280 with upgrades.

Audio is kind of a personal preference thing when it comes to the individual, what one person likes, another may not. If you have a hifi shop near you alot of them will let you take products on appro so you can try them at home on your system, your ears are the best judge.

Let us know how you get on

 

Get better speakers. That's where your money would have the biggest benefit.

 

On a dollar for dollar basis a USB dac will give the better performance upgrade when it comes to pc audio given the OP seems happy with his current sound system.

Most laptops integrated sound cards would be the weakest link in the chain, therfore provide the scope for the most beneficial improvement.

It wouldn't matter if you used $100 or $100,000 speakers- if a poor quality source (laptop integrated sound card) is being fed to them, the more expensive speakers will just make the poor quality source more noticable.

 

I am, especially since I just added an SVS PB12-NDS sub to the 5.1 mix.

 

Cool, thats a very nice sub

 

Ok, so I just ordered my XPS 15 with the full HD 1080p screen. I went for the 15" over the 17" for the times I do need to take it to lecture.

Now I just need to figure this out as far as what would be in my budget. I see many of the nicer units are $600-$2500 though.

 

That was true before, not so much now. Spurred on by multi channel listening, even basic audio components have come a long way in just the last few years.

Today these external cards are best suited for the professional with specific needs than the average laptop user.

 

It's fairly likely that the Denon AVR will outpace any budget DAC you intend to add. Just get one of these
USB Sound Card | Audio Advantage Micro II | Turtle Beach
and feed optical into the AVR.

The way I see it, shuffling back-end components around at a budget level brings you minimal benefits and as others have said, your money's best invested in speakers if there's nothing particularly objectionable about what you have already.

If you're really prepared to sweat every single component in the audio chain and you're prepared to look past diminishing returns, yes that can being some more discernible gains as a whole. But this is not something you can do on a budget.

 

So as to avoid any misunderstanding when it comes to interpreting this type of advice from where I stand, my supposition is that you must begin building your sound system with the final output modules in mind: the speakers/headphones.

That said, the speakers are the single most important component in any sound system; that's where at least half of your "system" budget should go. Start with your speakers, then build the rest of your sound system around them.

On a side note, if I personally felt I needed to tweak a bit more sound out of my sound system, the DAC would probably be last on my list. Not that I'm saying you shouldn't invest in one, (your laptop card could be pretty crappy) just that you probably shouldn't obsess over it.

Inbe4audiophilerant.

 

Exactly. 10char.