Topic: question about sound cards

[ryan750]

do you have any separate sound card, or external dac? or just use the onboard sound card?
my onboard sound chip use VT1708s chip which have this manufacturers specs.


PRODUCT FEATURES
Intel High Definition Audio Specification Rev.1.0 Compliant

Premium Audio Quality

    * Supports 44.1K/48K/96K/192KHz DAC Independent Sample Rate
    * All ADCs Support 48K/192KHz Independent Sample Rate
    * Built in High Quality Headphone Amplifier
    * Exceeds Microsoft PC2001 Requirements

Various Output Format

    * 4 Stereo DACs Support 24-bit, 192KHz Samples
    * DAC with 100dB S/N Ratio
    * 2 Stereo ADCs Support 24-bit, 192KHz Samples
    * ADC with 95dB S/N Ratio
    * 8-Channels of DAC Support 16/20/24-bit PCM Format for 7.1 Audio Solution
    * 16/20/24 bit S/PDIF TX Supports 24-bit, 44.1K/48K/96KHz Samples
    * 16/20/24 bit S/PDIF RX Supports 24-bit, 44.1K/48K/96KHz Samples

Added-on Function

    * High Quality Differential CD Input
    * HPF In ADC Path for DC Removal
    * Analog CD Input Path for Compatibility

Low Power Consumption

    * Supports EPAD (External Amplifier Power Down)
    * Power Management and Enhanced Power Saving Features
    * Digital: 3.3V; Analog: 3.3V/5.0V

Package

    * Compatible with VIA VT1618 8-Channel AC'97 codec
    * 48-Pin LQFP Package

[Stagea]

do you have any separate sound card, or external dac? or just use the onboard sound card?
my onboard sound chip use VT1708s chip which have this manufacturers specs.

I use a separate sound board hooked up to an external DAC (for my HiFi) via coaxial digital, and via optical digital to my video board. The video board then converts the signal and passes it on to my receiver via hdmi (for my HT).

[mikeer2002ph]

actually some motherboards (especially the high end ones) have a built in SPDIF out or even optical outs. you simply enable them and use the appropriate cables.

for NVidia video cards, there is a small notched connector on the video card wherein you can tap the SPDIF in on the video card - you simply connect that to the spdif out on the motherboard via a small cable and voila .. no more ATI Radeon DVI/HDMI envy (ATI Radeons have a built in 5.1/7.1 channel sound via a codec embedded on the video card itself)

[Stagea]

The new Nvidias now have built-in HDMI audio as well (I have the GTX480).

However, unlike the current AMD/ATI implementations, Nvidias still cannot stream DTS HD-Master or Dolby TrueHD in the native form (they can stream multichannel PCM data though).

[Digities]

how about the gtx 460 ? i hear that's what they're raving about in avsforum.

[questforthegoodlife]

This is somewhat connected to the above topic on connecting amps to soundcards

Current Setup:

22" 2232GW LCD Samsung Monitor
2.93Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo E7500
4gb ddr2 RAM
Asus motherboard w/ built in 5.1 soundcard
3 x 1gb sata harddrive
Cooler Master 600W Power Supply
Altec Lansing VS325.1 (5.1 setup)

For my pc in my condo, planning to upgrade the speakers to DIY BS - (Genesis BS) and a sealed sub from sir anthony.

as i don't want to use a receiver to connect my pc for just speakers. can i use sir pilyo's AMP5 5 channel amplifier?  How do i connect it the amp to my built in soundcard? and how can i make the setup 5.1? buy AMP 4v2?

Or is it cost effective to buy an entry level receiver?

I won't be connecting the pc to 32" LCD TV.