Advice renewing audio set up

[Hoppum]

So my D2X drivers have started randomly BSODing fairly regularly (tried both Asus and Uni Xonar), I was intending to replace it when I build a new PC next year anyway but as it's currently affecting my day to day usage I'd like to replace it now with a setup I can carry over when I update.

Current setup:
Asus Xonar D2X with 3x3.5mm jacks going to Logitech Z906 5.1 speakers, recently started to occasionally use headphones via the speaker controller.
Gigabyte Z77-D3H mobo with 2/4/5.1/7.1 and S/PDIF available.

I also currently use my main monitor for my Xbox and PS4 and play the audio via the PC using a 3.5mm jack from the controller to the Mic In. This is so can have both the console and PC audio coming through my speakers/headphones at the same time so I can have something on in the background or playing on my second monitor.

So from coming into this as beginner it seems that a USB soundcard or DAC is the way to go, but this looks to me like I'll have to sacrifice 5.1? I'd like to keep it but it's not a deal breaker. If I have to give up 5.1 I'd look at replacing the speakers with something more audiophile in the future.

Would I benefit from an amp as well?

I'd also like a better way of playing my Xbox/PS4 through the same speakers at the same time but as the Series X and PS5 don't appear to have dedicated audio outputs perhaps my current method is the simplest going forward.

Intended use:
Gaming, music, Youtube/Netflix etc, films and tv shows typically from 5.1 files.
Using both speakers and headphones depending on time of day, preference is speakers however.

Budget wise perhaps £150-300?

Thanks in advance.

 

[drichardb]

Slightly unusual setup you've gone for - running the console sound through the PC so that you can have the PC/Console sound simultaneously. Can't say I've come across anyone doing that before but if it works for you then happy days

Lot of things to cover here so bear with....

First off I'd recommend getting a new dedicated sound card rather than revert to your motherboard, I used to have a D2X myself and it will be a massive backward step in sound quality IMO. At present the only cards on the market that I would recommend are from Creative with the AE-5 giving you all the connections you need to continue using your setup as you are now. AE-5 is around £120 new.

Introducing a DAC to the party will mean you not only sacrifice 5.1 but you would lose the ability to play two sources via one set of speakers.

If you are intent on running multiple sound sources at the same time using a soundcard/motherboard audio to do it is by far the easiest with your current speakers.

If you were to move to an amp then I would recommend getting an AV-Receiver. This will result in a more complicated setup but there are some potential long term gains.

Connecting the PC to the receiver can be done in a couple of ways.

First is Multi-Channel analogue which would require you to get 3.5mm to twin phono cables for the connections. Modern receivers don't tend to have this type of input unless you get one of the top end models which will cost you well over £1k. I bought a second hand Pioneer model (SC-LX72) a few years ago which, while a bit older, absolutely kicks ass and has these inputs which I use with my Creative AE-9 for awesome sound. At £100 it felt like I robbed the seller!

Second is Optical. Most dedicated sound cards like your D2X and the various creative cards have optical outputs and Receivers will typically have at least one and sometimes multiple optical inputs, your Z906 has two on the back of the sub.

Lastly, and this would also be how you would connect games consoles, there is HDMI. For many years now gfx cards with HDMI outputs have been able to carry sound via this connection and av receivers typically have more HDMI inputs than you'll know what to do with.

It will be possible to use your receiver with the Z906 system, I know because I use the previous Z5500 system with my Pioneer. Connect the satellite speakers directly to the speaker outs on the receiver and then connect the receivers subwoofer out to the 3.5mm input on the sub. Trust me it works.

With this setup it will not be possible to hear two inputs via the one set of speakers but there is another function of many av receivers that you can take advantage of - multi-zoning.

Good receivers can have more than one set of speakers attached to it. In your case your Z906 would be connected as Zone 1 and another stereo pair of speakers would be connected to Zone 2. It is possible to chose which input is played out of which zone. So if you had your Zone 2 speakers next to the Z906 fronts you effectively achieve the same result you have now.

The last thing to consider is the connections to your monitors. Receivers will typically have one video out so I would connect this to your main monitor to allow you choose which console is displayed. As for the PC I would continue to use whatever connection method you do at present as receivers don't (to my knowledge) support multiple monitor setups.

You should also be able to use headphones with a receiver, its pretty unusual for them not to have a socket.

I mentioned long term gains - initially I would expect you to continue using the Z906 with a receiver but further down the road when funds allow you could start replacing the speakers which would give you a big step up in sound quality. My current setup uses my old Z5500 satellite speakers as the rear channels and the subwoofer unit. My front and center channles are Bowers & Wilkins Hi Fi speakers which I intend to upgrade soon (I've had them 20 years after all) and finally replace the sub with a better quality one.

A lot to take in I know and feel free to ask more questions, I will do my best to answer them.

 

[EsaT]

If you want to use optical connection for speaker set, then need for DD/DTS encoder limits choises.
Without that you'll only get two channel stereo sound from optical, unless signal is stored DD/DTS encoded format.

Analog 5.1 output is lot more common.
Though not every USB sound cards have it.
For example Sound BlasterX G6 lacks it, while otherwise being very good for its B-stock price.
Sound Blaster X3, which is step down in headphone ampfilier and D/A-converter wise again has 5.1 line outs.