X-Fi Titanium Optical or Analogue

Coolasmoo · 12 Sep 2011 at 16:02

Ive got a set of Logitech Z906 5.1 speakers arriving soon and just wanted to be sure about the best way to connect them up to my X-Fi

I mainly use the PC for gaming so im guessing connecting through analogue would be better rather than using optical?

Coolasmoo · 12 Sep 2011 at 18:25

Hi elrasho

Its the Titanium PCI Express version

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-058-CL&groupid=701&catid=11&subcat=

So you would recommend the optical over analogue even for 5.1 gaming.

Coolasmoo · 12 Sep 2011 at 18:37

Ok I suppose there is no harm in trying both.

Thanks for the advice so far

Coolasmoo · 12 Sep 2011 at 20:07

From what I can gather, and im no expert on this

Using optical, the sound is Dolby Digital encoded by the sound card and not by the CPU

But without the encoding everything is sent in 2ch to the amp

Not sure what happens with the Analogue side of things yet

I take it if I did decide to go with DD encoding I would disable CMSS-3D (see below) :confused:

Uses a single digital cable connection - This ensures the integrity of the audio signal and eliminates the confusion, hassle and clutter of multiple analog and digital connections.
Transforms all PC audio signals into a Dolby Digital or DTS signal - This enables playback of PC audio over millions of home theater systems equipped with Dolby Digital or DTS decoding.
Optimized for low-latency interactive applications - No perceptible delay between video and audio in game play.
Provide realistic 5.1-channel surround sound effects during interactive video gameplay - Immerses PC and game console players in a highly realistic game experience