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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
arrakian
36 posts
 
Okay, USB...

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/minidac.php
edumke
32 posts
 
I am currently using an Apogee MiniDAC, and I love it. The MiniDAC does require an external power supply, which might be a consideration for an iBook user. I have had a few problems with the unit dropping the USB connection. Apogee said that it is my computer. . . .

The MiniDAC does not have any digital output, so you have to use the on board DAC. Sounds great.

If you want to use your own DAC, the MiniDAC is not the solution.
dshea_32665
28 posts
 
I have been looking at the MiniDAC after a few people on Head-Fi actually said they preferred it to the Benchmark. I was thinking this might be what I get especially since I listen to classical music primarily and if I get a sound that is too digital/detailed I get listening fatigue. Although I have not heard the Benchmark, those who don't like it as much as some say it is a bit analytical.

Edumke, have you compared your MiniDAC to the Bel Canto or Benchmark units?

Thanks, dshea
edumke
32 posts
 
I have only compared the MiniDAC to a Monarchy DIP and Monarchy M22c DAC. It was really hard to compare, because I only had one pair of cables, so it would take me 5 minutes to switch between DACs. No obvious difference that jumped out at me.

I talked to an Apogee tech who said he thought the MiniDAC sounded as good as some of their high end DACs.

I have a McIntosh MDA1000 coming next week. We'll see if there is any difference in the sound for 8 times the price!
melomaniac's avatar
melomaniac
19 posts
 
I have a headroom total bithead right now, which goes out of the USB of any computer (instantly recognized as a destination for sound out in your preferences) and to some ultimate ears or powered monitors. it's more than okay and a huge improvement over the minijack out for the cans. however, I am looking into the apogee mini-dac, and the wavelength brick, for a more permanent setup with a computer that I might leave in my main system. another thing I tried is the new outlaw rr2150 receiver, which is a strong integrated amp that has a USB input. sounds pretty great for the money, but won't help you at work I guess. I would recommend checking out the total bithead.
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