Adding a boost to laptop sound? Updated with vid.

Laptops, Notebooks, PDA's, MP3 Players, Cell Phones
Post Reply
User avatar
Koo Koo Mouse
Posts: 1712
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2000 5:09 pm
Location: Osseo MN

Adding a boost to laptop sound? Updated with vid.

Post by Koo Koo Mouse »

Been digging around to see what is the best punch in the bass area on a laptop. Had an older lappie that had a 1 out 10 on the out put. My newer one screams compared to the older one I gave away. But of course bass lacks.. they all do.
Silly of me to even think there is a way but. Is there a good bass only enhancement speaker that uses usb only AND let your lappie speakers stay on?
Sound bars are ok and only use usb (one cord) But looking for a one cord usb bass ONLY add-on. The bars sytems take over everything Shuts built-in speakers off.
I know you cant push a 5 volt usb to do much, but anyone have any luck without AC powered speakers? :)
User avatar
FlyingPenguin
Flightless Bird
Posts: 33161
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2000 11:13 am
Location: Central Florida
Contact:

Post by FlyingPenguin »

I've never seen such an animal, and Windows only wants to use one sound device at a time so I dunno how you would implement a woofer that works along with the laptop speakers.

They do make decent USB powered speakers. The cheap USB speakers that come with Dell PCs actually have pretty decent audio.

I did a quick search and this USB soundbar seems to have good reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Vaas-Portable-USB ... nd+bar+usb

BTW: There ARE some laptops with decent speakers. My Acer TimelineX has some damn nice audio. But yeah, it's rare. I always do a lot of research before buying a laptop.
---
“The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.” - Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez

Image
User avatar
Koo Koo Mouse
Posts: 1712
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2000 5:09 pm
Location: Osseo MN

Post by Koo Koo Mouse »

Hey Thanks FP.
I figured there wasn't anything mind blowing out there.
I did buy a sound bar close to what you linked there. It arrived at work and tested it there and never brought it home! lol.
Here's why.
Plugged it in and had sound instantly and not bad for the size. While playing some mp3's I received an email that made a sound. It was an important one too and realized that I would not have responded so fast without that little speaker. :) So I kept it at work just for that and an occasional YouTube informative video of course! Never thought I would desire sound on my at work machine. eh
Tomorrow I'll grab it and try it on my lappie at home, JUST to see the difference and maybe make a video too.
Thanks!
User avatar
Koo Koo Mouse
Posts: 1712
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2000 5:09 pm
Location: Osseo MN

updated

Post by Koo Koo Mouse »

Might buy the one you posted there FP. The one in the vid I want to keep at work but wanted to play with it at Steve's (pardon his mess) with my HP that I just leave there unless I need it.
Funny I found a nice difference in mine and Steve wanted to test it on his.
OK. He gave his lappie all its got. It was really bad..
Test time.
BIG HUGH different! He wants one now and I don't blame him.. unreal clarity change for him.
Anyway I mad a vid using it on mine. After hearing hearing his I think my HP aint that bad.. I shoulda recorded the change on his. wow!

now to link to the vid. Grunt groan..) I forget how. ahh! Got it! :)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k6I4SoIUScM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
User avatar
ZYFER
Posts: 2137
Joined: Thu Nov 07, 2002 4:10 pm
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida

Post by ZYFER »

It really does depend on the size itself. You can only expect so much from little speakers as well. The laptop I have already have a mini subwoofer and you can tell the difference. The same trend is happening with TVs too. The thinner they have gotten, the lower audio quality overall you get with them out of the gate.

I have seen some crappy USB speakers though, but there are soundbars as linked and ones with subs included as well.
When all else fails, replace the user.
Post Reply