INTERACT FORUM

More => Old Versions => Media Center 17 => Topic started by: Hal Brian on November 21, 2012, 07:38:20 pm

Title: Does the Choice of Notebook Computer Affect Sound Quality?
Post by: Hal Brian on November 21, 2012, 07:38:20 pm

This is my first post on this forum.

I have a good Hi Fi system and would like to try MC on a Notebook computer.  Does the computer hardware affect the sound quality?  USB output of the computer will be fed into an external DAC.  Recommendations re Notebook brands, if that matters?

Thanks in advance......
Hal

Title: Re: Does the Choice of Notebook Computer Affect Sound Quality?
Post by: InflatableMouse on November 22, 2012, 10:31:09 am

Welcome to the forums.

I think its very unlikely it would matter but given the infinite number of combinations of hardware, audio equipment, drivers and not to forget the human ears and brain, I wouldn't completely rule out the possibility that some people might actually be able to hear a difference :).

I'm afraid I can't make a recommendation either. sorry.

Not very helpful am I? I just didn't want to leave a first post go unanswered ::)

Title: Re: Does the Choice of Notebook Computer Affect Sound Quality?
Post by: Jong on November 22, 2012, 10:55:55 am

I would agree with IM. In fact I'd go further and say it is highly unlikely you would notice any difference. But when you find audiophiles who will say the power supply, and frankly just about anything in or around your system, affects sound quality it is impossible to say you are not in the sub-1% who might notice "something".

Title: Re: Does the Choice of Notebook Computer Affect Sound Quality?
Post by: ferday on November 23, 2012, 12:32:52 pm

if you use WASAPI / ASIO output then the files directly output through MC to the DAC, with no input from the computer hardware.  in this case it depends on your DAC only.  only some audio components will do ASIO, i've found every combo to work with either WASAPI or event-WASAPI.

if you connect directly to your soundcard, or the headphone jack on the computer, or use an output other than WASAPI/ASIO then it may depend on your sound card.

http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Audio_Output_Modes