any laptops with 7.1?

ac1d1ty · 13 Oct 2009 at 14:16

Just wondering if there are any laptops with 7.1 surround sound capabilities.

Aod · 13 Oct 2009 at 14:55

you do realise that the definition of "surround" sound means that the speakers have to... you know, surround you. "virtual surround" programs and thingamajigs are all just fluff with no actual benefit.

it's possible that there might be a laptop that Claims to have 7.1, surround sound, but it's all just a sham really.

Izi · 13 Oct 2009 at 14:58

Aod said:
you do realise that the definition of "surround" sound means that the speakers have to... you know, surround you. "virtual surround" programs and thingamajigs are all just fluff with no actual benefit.

it's possible that there might be a laptop that Claims to have 7.1, surround sound, but it's all just a sham really.

he will mean outputs not the actual speakers.

the dell studio 16 xps has 2 outputs - not exact spec - google it.

Aod · 13 Oct 2009 at 15:02

...aaaaaaah, that makes FAR more sense.

that was really rather silly of me

i know that Creative used to sell USB and PCMCIA soundcards with 7.1...

ac1d1ty · 13 Oct 2009 at 15:30

Yeah, I was sorta assuming outputs xD

Anyone know any that fit the bill? Got a nice laptop with blu-ray + HDMI output, but need to be able to use 7.1 analogue speakers.

ac1d1ty · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:08

Aod · 14 Oct 2009 at 21:11

i looked on Creative's website for their laptop sound options, and the best they do is 5.1

and the USB xonar only does Digital or 2-channel.

you could just do a google search for "usb 7.1 audio"... *wink wink*

Alexrose1uk · 14 Oct 2009 at 22:10

Technically all the ones with the recent 4 series ATI cards and a HDMI output should be able to output PCM 7.1. Depends on whether you count that though.

Aod · 14 Oct 2009 at 23:07

Alexrose1uk said:
Technically all the ones with the recent 4 series ATI cards and a HDMI output should be able to output PCM 7.1. Depends on whether you count that though.

OP needs analogue 7.1 though

Margaret · 15 Oct 2009 at 01:19

Aod said:
you do realise that the definition of "surround" sound means that the speakers have to... you know, surround you. "virtual surround" programs and thingamajigs are all just fluff with no actual benefit.

You're not including Dolby Headphone or CMSS-3D there surely?

ac1d1ty · 15 Oct 2009 at 10:09

Dammit, thats a shame. I was sorta hoping not to have to build a pc for my 7.1

Ah well.

Aod · 15 Oct 2009 at 10:12

Margaret said:
You're not including Dolby Headphone or CMSS-3D there surely?

having tried using Dolby Digital (tm) headphone with my hi-fi headphones (sennheiser HD595's) and 24-bit 196KHz soundcard (Asus Xonar D2), i have to say that it's effects are truly laughable. it muddys and clouds the sound, reducing the width of the "soundstage" (as audiophiles would call it) and making everything sound, generally CRAP.

for surround sound, you need to be... Surrounded by speakers...