conection between HTPC and Home Cinema amplifier (1 Viewer)

[Jose Luis]

I´d like to connect HTPC to a home cinema amplifier which has DD and DTS decoders, with an optical cable. Do I need a sound card ? . Is there any way to bring the decoded audio data ( by the software(Power DVD)) right to the amplifier? Thank you.

 

[Eric_L]

Unless your mobo supports it, you need a soundcard with optical spdif. Most are coax. I have an audigy2 platinum which has optical. It has a sticker price of $150 or so.

Most receivers have a coax input. With coax you can get a soundcard down around $100. The Audigy2 and the revolution 7 are two popular options.

Also, depending on the distance, you may want to consider coax as it is more durable than the fragile optical.

 

[Dan Marchewka]

Jose,
Newegg.com has an A-Open AW850D digital sound card that has both a coax and optical digital out for $23. I bought it and it works great with my HT preamp. It passes both DTS and Dolby Digital.

Hope this helps.

Here is a link:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...tby=14&order=1

Adios,
Dan

 

[Eric_L]

make sure the sound output is adequate. 96khz is optimum. 44 is barely adequate, anything else is poor. I'm not sure if digital out would be affected by this.