Are all laptops equal when sending data via USB?

[Rayymondo]

I am looking at purchasing a new (windows) laptop and was wondering if they are all essentially equal when it comes to sending music data - specifically when using an asynchronous USB DAC, such as the T+A DAC8 DSD which is what I am currently using. I understand there are many options when choosing streamers and servers and bridges and the like but when using a laptop as the main source of your music files whether it will make any difference which make, model or spec is used. With desk top PC's people often upgrade sound cards and other bits and pieces but I don't want to get into taking a laptop apart to upgrade anything, especially as I even failed to change the battery on my old one tonight as I couldn't get the cover off even when following instructions on youtube
I did consider going down the server route instead but if I do that I still need a new laptop anyway as mine is getting old and the battery is nearly dead and the dvd drive falling apart. I also use my laptop to watch Dvds and Netflix as well as surfing the net etc so it's and essential item for me. It makes a neat home cinema set up via usb to my dac and I have a sub woofer connected to my amp so its a great for watching movies. I don't have a TV. I already have an aftermarket USB cable, it's a Chord one, not too expensive but not the bog standard that comes free.
Please don't suggest streaming via network as that's not possible at the moment, although I did stream for many years when using some Linn gear. I don't have any ethernet ports or modem etc, I just use Mi-fi (hotpot) for internet with a metered connection. That may change one day but not right now.

 

[Cable Monkey]

If you go cheap you might regret it. But a decent quality gaming laptop might be a good all round solution.

 

[Rayymondo]

Thanks, yes I have also considered this, although they are quite a bit more expensive and I don't need the backlight keyboard particularly. I'd be more tempted if I thought it would be better built and therefore last longer and not need replacing for a good few years.
I've been quite lucky with previous machines from Toshiba, Sony and Del with none of them developing any major issues.
Is a more expensive laptop more likely to have a better USB connection or is it due to the aditional computing power available?
Ray

 

[slavedata]

All Laptops I buy are ex corporate Lenovo T series excellent value for money top of the range units for a reasonable price.
e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/37408174...gLz4Jq6VIGBMXP0ilRyERXAQ==|tkp:BlBMUNLUqLrVYQ

 

[Rayymondo]

All Laptops I buy are ex corporate Lenovo T series excellent value for money top of the range units for a reasonable price.
e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/37408174...gLz4Jq6VIGBMXP0ilRyERXAQ==|tkp:BlBMUNLUqLrVYQ

Thanks for this, looks like a bargain, however, not sure if I mentioned it needs to be 17 inch screen as I use for movies and also needs bigger storage capacity due to holding all my digital music files.
500GB minimum but preferably 1TB to allow plenty of expansion to my music library.

 

[Man in a van]

@Rayymondo

You don't say which playback software you use, but I guess you already know about the possibilities to "tune" the output with Windows.

My only thought, is to check the output from each usb socket that is available (some may be "noisier" than others).

If you hear no extraneous noise on playback, then choose either the socket without noise (obvs ) or less noise, if the latter, then maybe consider a usb isolator.

Enjoy

 

[Rayymondo]

You don't say which playback software you use, but I guess you already know about the possibilities to "tune" the output with Windows.

Thanks Man in Van, I use Musicbee for playing music over usb to my DAC

I have no idea how you measure noise

My current Dell machine has been fine for a few years but battery only lasts about an hour max nowadays. I ordered a new battery which arrived the other day but my attempt to remove the cover failed! I removed all the screws as shown in the instructions and videos EXCEPT the 3 little ones inside the dvd drive, they are supposed to be the same size - M2 I think but I couldn't get any of them to budge and without removing them I can't insert the new battery. As I use my lap top everyday and without it I would only have the radio to listen to and nothing to watch (no TV) I didn't want to risk breaking anything and being left without. I don't have those drill type screwdrivers or anything techie like that. Quite frustrating actually! I will make sure my next one is more accessible - I remember some older laptops where the battery compartment just slid out without taking the whole machine apart.

 

[Cable Monkey]

The screws should be marked, i.e a little arrow next to them? Failing that you may fall lucky and find a YouTube video of how to fit a new battery In that model.

 

[Warszawa]

If you go cheap you might regret it. But a decent quality gaming laptop might be a good all round solution.

I would've thought they would be worse in terms of noise, no?

Probably wise to add some sort of DDC to clean up the output a bit.

 

[Linear]

I've had my current lappy for just over two years, use it every day, I'm still happy with it.
I got it from an online custom pc and lappy specialist. You can specify pretty much anything you want and they build it for you, prices are competitive.
When I do upgrade(the technology does move on) I will go the the same place again.

 

[MotherSky]

I started off using a laptop when I first dipped my toe in the streaming waters (as it were) - I found that one particular USB port sounded better than the others (maybe internal cable routing?) , and that it sounded far better when run off the battery.... I ended up adding a second hand Uptone Regen (the original version - under £100 second hand) - this made a huge difference, and obviated the need to faff too much with the laptop itself - I stuck with this setup until buying my first dedicated streamer: I hated having to have the laptop running to listen to music - I have found subsequently that there are large gains to be had by further refining your streaming source, but that is not what you asked - in short, I would consider a DDC like the Regen, and use let non audiophile criteria govern your choice of laptop - MH

 

[Lawrence001]

Have I read somewhere a few years ago that USB2 sounded better than USB3, which is why some streamers have one of each, one for hard drives and one for the dac signal? I don't know why that was though.

 

[Lawrence001]

It was probably Innuos as they have USB2 for Dac and USB3 for backup. So if your laptop has different types compare them. If you're not sure just do what Ronnie suggested and try them anyway as there could be other factors eg. Distance from noisy components.

 

[tuga]

Some laptops output more noise than others.
See these tests in Archimago's blog for reference/ illustration:

http://archimago.blogspot.com/2015/05/measurements-usb-hubs-and-8khz-phy.html

http://archimago.blogspot.com/2018/05/measurements-computer-usb-5v-power.html

A few DACs will deal with the incoming noise but if it worries you here are a couple of effective USB isolators:

Topping @ Amazon UK

Intona @ Amazon UK

 

[quinn_t]

I would suggest KGUSS Topping D10s for converting USB to Coax SPDIF, because some DACs would work better with the coaxial SPIF input.