Using 5.1 sound

judder · 21 Jan 2008 at 13:37

This is going to sound really simple, but ...

If I have a PC with 5.1 sound, I assume I would reauire a separate 5.1 amplifier and speakers in order to hear that 5.1 sound would I?

In which case, would I need a connection converter (i.e. amplifiers usually incorporate phono (RCA) type connecters, but the output from (most?) PCs is 3.5mm jack type)? Do PCs have a digital output like DVD players?

Thanks very much.

Mansize_tissue · 21 Jan 2008 at 14:11

Yep, most have digital outputs, usually optical. However, it's possible to do it digitally via USB, but you'll obviously have to then buy a DAC.

Alternatively, there's always 5.1 speaker sets you can buy. Although buying separates is really the way to go if you want decent sound quality.

Surfer · 21 Jan 2008 at 14:19

im thinking about getting a £20ish usb 5.1 External sound card then connecting it to my speaker system setup via optical. Is this too cheap? Any recomendations on others?

Mansize_tissue · 21 Jan 2008 at 14:24

Surfer said:
im thinking about getting a £20ish usb 5.1 External sound card then connecting it to my speaker system setup via optical. Is this too cheap? Any recomendations on others?

Would you mind posting the model of the particular sound card you have in mind? Also, what exactly will this be connected to: laptop/PC motherboard/existing sound card? And how will this be connected: USB/optical?

Surfer · 21 Jan 2008 at 14:30

TRUST SC-5500P 5.1 EXTERNAL SURROUND SOUND CARD

(no idea on the quality really, prolly better ones out there)

USB > Laptop (see sig)

Laptop has a digital out connection (edit ACTUALLY dont think it DOES

)> optical cable <> HTTX30R

bam 5.1 sound ?

My onboard sound is not 5.1 only stereo 2.1 (sigmatel)

Surfer · 25 Jan 2008 at 15:59

*bump* help?

im intending to buy possibly an external sound card after work today maybe the Audigy Z 2 5.1 card

However i cannot use in any way the mic and headphones sockets on my laptop (buggered) hence why im going down the external setup route. I have a decent 5.1 speaker setup with the httx30r so i was hoping to connect it to the external sound card (usb connect to laptop) via Optical cable

is this ok you reckon?