152XS Connection to laptop using 3.5mm jack on front panel

Posted by: simon, but not simple on 04 March 2018

Probably a stupid question (sorry, I am a flat-earther when it comes to iphones; ie. I don't have/need one!) but can you connect a laptop to the front panel using a suitable adaptor cable? The manual states "portable music players" can be connected in this way. If not is there another way using the rear connections? Thanks.

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by Eloise

Yes that would be fine. Depending on your requirements you may find the quality out of your computer too LoFi, in which case a budget USB DAC such as Cyrus soundkey, Audioquest Dragonfly or a cheap Chinese import via eBay would be worthwhile.

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by simon, but not simple

Thanks Eloise. I know SQ will be poor but anything is better than laptop speakers and want to escape headphones somethimes. Eventually I will buy a Naim streamer and upgrade amplification (NAC-N-272/250DR?) so this is a temporary arrangement.

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by Richard Dane

Simon, it's sometimes a good idea to have some isolation between a computer and a good hifi system to avoid earthing issues. A DAC can help here. There are a number of good quality USB DACs that are small enough they just connect to the edge of the laptop and provide much better sound than the internal sound card from the computer. Some, like the Dragonfly also allows you to use the computer's volume control.

You can connect to either the front 3.5mm jack or else to any of the rear inputs, whether DIN or RCA phono. You just need a suitable cable.

Posted on: 04 March 2018 by simon, but not simple

Thanks Richard. i had not considered earthing problem. I will look into USB DACS.