Upgrade from a Sound Blaster 5.1

[CoffeeZombie]

Hi,

After finally building a computer, I've been thinking about buying a high end soundcard to go with my sound system/headphones. At the moment I use an external usb card (Sound Blaster 5.1), and although its ok, I am curious how it compares to one of the Xonar or Sound Blaster cards.

I use my speakers/headphones for music, films and games. Most of my music is lossless. Annoyingly most of the cards on OC seem to lack an optical out, which is what I need for my speakers (not sure how else I would get 5.1 Dolby?).

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

 

[Marsman]

Most if not all do have an SPDIF optical connection. The majority are a 3.5mm mini toslink link. The Xonar's that have that type come with an adaptor, which allows a standard toslink cable to be used.

There won't be any benefit for the speakers, by getting a higher end card. SPDIF transmits data, not actual sound. The DAC in the speakers main unit, will be responsible for converting that digital data into analogue sound. If your speakers use Dolby Digital, which I'm guessing they do, going by your post, then any sound card with Dolby Digital Live is what you need. If your current external USB SB 5.1 sound card uses Dolby Digital, then you won't gain any better sound quality from a more expensive card.

With headphones it's a different matter, as they are analogue and may benefit from a better sound card. It really depends what headphones you have, and whether they are worth spending x amount of money on a better sound card.

 

[CoffeeZombie]

Thanks. Am I right in thinking I can use a coaxial cable in the same way as an optical cable ie. for DTS 5.1? It's a bit confusing

The Xonar Essence STX looks good for my headphones.

 

[Marsman]

Yeah, you can use a coaxial cable. Both optical and coaxial are used for SPDIF. Only the D2/X and Essence ST/STX have coaxial. The Essence doesn't have DTS Connect though, only Dolby Digital Live. If your speaker system can decode both, then it's just whichever card you prefer.

Essence would be the better choice for headphones, but only if the headphones can make good use of what the Essence has to offer.

 

[CoffeeZombie]

Thanks for the help!