Best sound out of a laptop with a 3.5 mm headphone audio out jack?

Question

My laptop computer has just one 3.5 mm audio out headphone jack. Is there any type of converter cable or device that will allow me to get the best sound out of it, or at least better than a 3.5 mm to left and right rca audio cord, which is what I'm using now?

Answer 1

Just say NO to the Y adaptor. There is a better way if your laptop has a USB port-

http://cgi.ebay.com/Edirol-Roland-UA-1EX-UA1EX-USB-Audio-Interface-NEW_W0QQitemZ120009891843QQihZ002QQcategoryZ41784QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 2

Acoustic Research Y-Adapter Cable (1 mini to 2 male)
Model: AP042 available at Bestbuy.
I'm using one on my desktop and my laptop.
It's hooked up to a Denon reciever.
The sound is the bissomb.
It works the best with Soundblaster soundcards.

Answer 3

any cable will do.
You can be the shielded gold plated no oxygen copper cable it will work, but the 99 cents cable will give you the same sound.
Spend your money on the speaker and amp instead!

If you want good sound, you could get a usb sound card.
Philips makes decent and cheap ones. i have the aurilium and am very happy with it.
There is also the turtlebeach AudioAdvantage Roadie with spdif optical in/out. (about $70 at amazon)

I think there are also pcmcia sound card but usb is more widespead so it will probalby be cheaper.

Answer 4

Buy a Shielded Y-Adapter (3.5mm Stereo plug to two phono plugs) It's at Radio Shack or The Source. I just got one for only $10, and hooked it up to my ministereo

Answer 5

for the best possible sound go buy a creative soundblaster sound card, they make a special edition for laptops that use the pc card slot

Answer 6

sorry there is no better cable option, but a better quality cable of that type may help