optical->analogue solution

.:MBK:. · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:31

is there a pc sound card or amp box solution for this, as well currently my 360 is hooked up to my pc monitor and obtains sounds via the tv card in my pc...a rather crude solution to say the least

is there a sound card that takes optical in and can then output it over analogue to my standard pc 5.1 speakers (they arent fancy ones with an in built digital decoder)

or a digi decoder box that doesnt cost a small fortune, i dont mind the sound card being 100+ as i currently use on-board anyway and would throw it in my next upgrade

james.miller · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:43

well, there are a few options from what i can see.

creative do a decoder box, the DDTS-100 that fits the bill. plug the xbox in, get 5.1 analogue out. its currently around £180 new - ie not cheap.

second option, a sound card with digital input such as the x-plosion. would cost you around £65 but you'd have to confirm whether it can take that input and output it correctly via the analogue connectors before you buy. its one of those things it SHOULD do, but you know....

3rd option. an av reciever with analogue multi channel outputs. there's a yamaha rx-v630rd (i used to own one. no this isnt my old one) on the bay for £50 with 19hours to go. that would take the digital input and output that via analogue no problem. it would also make the basis of an excellent surrounds sound system. As an example, my friend picked up its predecessor, the rx-v620rds, for £45 delivered second hand. absolute bargains really.

smart money is on a second hand av amp

.:MBK:. · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:45

unfortunately when we drift into the realm of home ent amps we run in to the main reason my pc, monitor and 360 are intertwined in such a way....space, or a lack of it

and was thinking an auzuntech sound card, but whilst it may have optical in and analogue out, you do question whether it can do both at once

james.miller · 13 Aug 2007 at 22:50

in that case id go for the sound card. the xonar d2 also has digital input and output. its more expensive than the x-plosion but if you want a card with quality analogue outputs, it looks to be the one to go for

.:MBK:. · 13 Aug 2007 at 23:05

will just have to research thoroughly if they are able to do opt in->analogue out, cant see why not, but you never know

and whats wrong with the various auzentech solutions?

Phil99 · 13 Aug 2007 at 23:18

My Montego DDL (same chipset as the X-Mystique, same drivers) didn't seem to be able to do optical in decoding to analogue out, so I'd be doubtful if the later cards can either, so you'd have to get someone with one to test it to be certain, or perhaps email Auzentech.

Uriel · 14 Aug 2007 at 11:55

Edit: Sorry - you want digital to analogue.

I picked up a 2nd hand yamaha seperates Dolgy Digital receiver for about £40 2nd hand last year. It's a decoder only not an amp.

Kanifee · 14 Aug 2007 at 23:58

i picked up a philips fr984 digetal av receiver for £30 off of the bay im sure your monitor would sit on top of one easy enough and im over the moon with mine its unreal just how much difference there is.