I hope this is the correct forum for this, so here goes. I would like to take the audio stream feed from my lap top computer (Dell Latitude D820) and feed it into my pre-amp (via L & R RCA jacks). My question is what port do I use on my lap top (USB too dual RCA out?) for source signal.

T.I.A. - Kahuna :D

You can use the USB port if you get USB to analog convertor box. Otherwise you'll have to use the headphone jack, which probably won't have sound quality that you are seeking.

Not sure if that one has a line out, if not then you would be stuck with the headphone out jack which is not the best but will work.

A better option would be a USB sound card, a pretty good one for about $40 is the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro, it's about the size of a flash drive. There are cheaper on the bay, some are ok, some are horrible. There are many other choices in USB sound cards depending on how much you want to spend and size/portability.

Maybe someone else knows the Dell better than I?

- Dave

Just found this at Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=120191&WT.mc_n=4&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=COMPARISON%20SHOPPING&cm_cat=GOOGLE&cm_pla=DATAFEED-%3EPRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=4). (Thanks Guys.) I'm going to try to get over there later today. Looks like you guys are sending me down the right path! :thmbsp:

The Dell Latitude D820 is supposed to have a speaker out or line out, just connect that to you're preamp with a mini jack -> RCA cable.

Don't go and buy all kinds of stuff until you have tried the build in stuff, you can always upgrade later.

I use the Audio Advantage and have been pleased with it.

The Dell Latitude D820 is supposed to have a speaker out or line out, just connect that to you're preamp with a mini jack -> RCA cable.

Don't go and buy all kinds of stuff until you have tried the build in stuff, you can always upgrade later.

Local Circuit doesn't carry it. (On line purchase only, will hold of ordering it on your recommendation and try my line out source this evening after I get home from work. Thanks!

I just Googled this review. I was unable to find a description of a 'line out'. Any suggestions?!?

D820 review (http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2994&review=Dell+Latitude+D820).

In the review their are links to larger images of the lap top (each side and rear) but nothing specifically described as line out... :confused:

Acording to the manual there is an audio cornektion:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latd820/en/ug/about.htm#wp1174566

Number 4 is the audio output.

I can't find info on what audio chip that is on the motherboard, but likely something similar to the cheaper USB dongles. It will not be ultra hi-fi but properly ok for streaming audio from the net.

From the link you posted the Turtle Beach adapter requires that you have an optical input on your receiver/preamp to connect the card to the system.

I'd hold off for one of these:

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=15185

Much more expensive granted:no: But much better sound quality.

Jeff

From the link you posted the Turtle Beach adapter requires that you have an optical input on your receiver/preamp to connect the card to the system.

I'd hold off for one of these:

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=15185

Much more expensive granted:no: But much better sound quality.

Jeff

The TBAAM has both, I am looking at it right now, there is a tiny adaptor for optical, without it takes a standard 1/8 stereo plug.

I have the 0404, it is excellent, great DAC and pretty darn good headphone amp, not very portable though - a lot for the money.

Kahuna, if the Dell does have a line out, I would suggest to experiment with that for a while before spending, your wants/needs may change with time, I know mine did.

- Dave

Edit: Just looking at Mandaks' link, I don't see a line out there, the Turtle Beach might be the way to go, stay away from the Turtle Beach Roadie thing, it's not as good.

Just tried using the headphone out from my laptop into my power amp. The audio quality was acceptable, but down in level. Probably no more than 1 volt output compared to your average 2 volt line level outputs. Okay if you have the extra gain in your pre-amp.

I'm not holding my breath on the headphone out from the laptop, (I will be giving it a try though) but for $30 I think the TBAAM is worth a try...

From the link you posted the Turtle Beach adapter requires that you have an optical input on your receiver/preamp to connect the card to the system.

I'd hold off for one of these:

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=15185

Much more expensive granted:no: But much better sound quality.

Jeff

Nope, 3.5mm analog stereo output jack + FO jack.