[sawdin]

I need some suggestions on how to connect my speakers and phones to my computer. I just purchased a new Dell XPS and it came w/ an INTEGRATED Realtek High Definition Audio soundcard that has Creative's THX Tru Studio PC software installed. The sound card has enhancements like "Cave", "Padded Room", etc., so I think they're stretching it a just a wee bit by calling it 'High Definition'!

On the back of the tower there is a connector for 'Front L/R line-out connector', one for the 'Rear L/R surrounds', one for 'Side L/R surrounds', one for 'Center/Subwoofer', one S/PDIF connector and one HDMI connector (there's also an IEEE 1394 and DVI). It's such a 'HD' audio card that it doesn't even have a headphone connection. There is one mini-jack phone connector in the front.

My plan is to get a Squeezebox when I relocate in the summer. At that time, I can connect to the SB, which includes a DAC. Any suggestions for what I can do until then? Let me rephrase that to, "Any suggestions that will cost less than $200?" Right now, I have a pair of Swan D1080 Mk II speakers connected to the Front L/R line out. My Perreaux Silhoutte SXH1 amp (only one set of RCA inputs & outputs) and Senn HD 650's are sitting on my desk looking lonely.

TIA for any suggestions!

PS... I don't have my main system set up, and it won't get set up until I move. However, I don't have room anywhere near my pc to just set up the DVD player.
======================
Senn HD 650, Perreaux Sihoutte SXH1 amp,
Denon AVR 3806, Denon DVD 1920, Revel Concerta F12 speakers
Dell XPS 8100 Realtek HD Audio SC w/ Tru Studio PC software (Creative/THX)
Swann D1080 Mk II speakers
Monster HTS 3500 Mk II and various cables.

 

[Hybrys]

With the Realtek utility that should be installed as it came, you can plug your headphones into the 'green' port (Or any, with some customization) on the back, and it'll pop up and ask you what you want it to be, in a Phones, 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 setup.

 

[sawdin]

Hybrys,

Thanks!

Dino

PS.. I was looking at the Asus Xonar cards, but they run about $200, which is close to the $299 for the new SB Touch (w/ 24/96 kHz DAC that is better than Duet's, but not as good as the Transporter), and I don't need the headphone amp. M-Audio's Audiophile 2496 is about $100, but I think I'd have the same problem making connections. I wouldn't be able to use the S/PDIF out as I don't have anything to convert into analog before going into the Perreaux amp. Is that correct?)

Thanks again!

 

[Hybrys]

Honestly, I'd look at getting an optical or coax DAC over a sound card, as your integrated sound has an out for it. (All I'm getting is 'digital audio output' so, you'll have to figure/see for yourself.) It's an easier way to get a better sound, especially if you don't need the inputs.

Hell, go right from the optical out on your integrated sound to your Denon receiver. I bet you can get it bit-perfect in the right setup. From your Denon, setup a send to your HP amp or secondary speaker amp (via line out RCA), and/or run both sets of speakers from it. (If you can) Much more cost effective, and a nice setup.