hey so i am connecting laptop to an LXI speaker system via aux cord. which is better, to max the volume on the lap top and then eq using the LXI onboard controls? or have the volume low on the laptop?

thx

In general, it's better to provide the full signal as far down in the chain as you can so something later on doesn't have to amplify it later on if it needs it.

I would set the volume of the laptop at a level that doesn't clip the inputs to the speaker system and control the overall volume with the speaker controls. Make sure that setting a higher volume on the laptop doesn't degrade the audio quality; I've run across some computers which started distorting past about the 50% mark.

quote:

Originally posted by AnomalyConcept In general, it's better to provide the full signal as far down in the chain as you can so something later on doesn't have to amplify it later on if it needs it. I would set the volume of the laptop at a level that doesn't clip the inputs to the speaker system and control the overall volume with the speaker controls. Make sure that setting a higher volume on the laptop doesn't degrade the audio quality; I've run across some computers which started distorting past about the 50% mark.

+1

Just as an addendum to what AnomalyConcept said, the reason you don't want to have to amplify the signal late in the chain is that you would also be amplifying the noise that comes with sending electrical signals through metal wires, especially über analog ones like 3.5 mm TRS (mini-jack) to RCA (phono), which is what I presume you mean with 'aux cord'.

Also, as opposed to HDMI, more money usually buys you better cables, so don't get the cheapest shit you can find, but don't get Monster Cables either!