Need External Sound Card with Optical output!!!

pantonious · **10th November 2007, 05:31 PM**

ok...went out today and bought a Sony Sound system for the Sony Bravia 40X2000 LCD TV that is setup...

The amp comes with HDMI build, think, sweet this is going to be so easy (already having HDMI + 5.1 on my HTPC)

but no...apparently the AMP is a HDMI switcher, not a HDMI repeater...for those of u that don't know the differece, a HDMI switcher does NOT decode ANY sound from the HDMI cable...a repeater does...

so, the HDMI output i spent so many hours researching and trying to get working, is now useless

To get surround sound working i now need to get an external sound card with a optical output to input into the AMP. (my motherboard does not have optical sound onboard)

and the machine is a SFF with only room for one expansion card, which is currently used by a ATI HD2400PRO video card, so i can't simply drop in a new sound card

Anyone have any suggestions on what card to get that sounds good???

the system cost $1199, and has a RMS rating of 1510W i think...so its by no means a low end logitech setup :P so need something that will compliment it well

TiggerK · **10th November 2007, 06:52 PM**

Hi pantonius,

not too many around, this is a budget device, but might be worth a look, digital is digital after all... not a lot of difference is gained by paying more.

http://au.creative.com/products/prod...ct=10246&nav=1

Cheers
TiggerK

Henrik99 · **17th November 2007, 07:41 PM**

The only one I am familiar with is the Onkyo SE-U55X, which is basically their SE-200PCI card in an external box that connects through a USB port. I have not found much information about this on the net, but I think it might be worth looking into. Certainly the SE-200PCI card is great.

Do a search and see what you can find.

scottb721 · **18th November 2007, 11:44 AM**

From what i can see that MCE motherboard has coaxial Digital Out (RCA) on the back panel. If your amp doesn't have coax IN you could try a coax to optical converter from Jaycar and run that to the amp.

Henrik99 · **19th November 2007, 12:32 PM**

I realize I made a small typo in my previous post which has some significance. The model of the external audio card is Onkyo SE-U55SX (and not SE-U55X), and this does make a difference. Here is a link I have found with a small write up in English (most of the information available on the net concerning the Onkyo PC products is only in Japanese):

http://www.everythingusb.com/onkyo_s...ard_13666.html

Having a SE-200PCI card in one of my sets, I am actually thinking of getting on of these to use with another PC.

dgaust · **19th November 2007, 01:00 PM**

Take the receiver back and upgrade......

pantonious · **23rd November 2007, 02:37 PM**

We had that option...there was another set we could get...

an extra $300, and 500W LESS power (1000W comapred to 1500W).

an equal unit with a HDMI Repeater in it was $3000+ (opposed too $1199)

I haev just recieved my Sound Blaster Digital Audio LX external sound card today...picked it up for less then $50, so am quite happy with that..i just hope it works ok!!!!

pantonious · **26th November 2007, 12:01 PM**

ok, little update...

first of all, NO ONE BUY THE DIGITAL MUSIC LX!!!

i found out why it is so cheap

Quote:

Enjoy Virtual 5.1 Surround Sound
With CMSS® 3D1, you can enjoy virtual 5.1 surround sound over stereo speakers or headphones

yes...VIRTUAL surround sound...ie 2 channel...even over optical!!!!

so, that was a bust....admittingly, it was my fault cause i didn't research enough...but one would think if i had a digital output, it would output in 5.1...

i was able to find the SB Live External 24bit for $89

http://au.creative.com/products/prod...&product=10702

which works a treat. am very happy with it

oh, @ scottb721...the machine listed in my specs in not the machine i was talking about..sorry for the confusion...