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How to hook up optical to a computer?

Jul 5, 2016 at 8:14 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 12
Selbi

Selbi

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I got myself a new computer a few months ago and just today I also bought a 2.1 speaker system, Edifier S330D. The D because I wanted to finally hook up my computer to a digital output, after I've heard so many things about direct analogue signals being meh.
 
It was only then that I realized my motherboard has no digital output at all. I thought everything had digital outs these days, so I didn't bother checking.
 
So the question now is, what's the best (and preferably cheapest) way to get my system hooked up to my computer digitally? Are there adapters of some sorts? Or should I buy a sound card?
 
Jul 5, 2016 at 9:37 AM Post #2 of 12
selbi said:
  I got myself a new computer a few months ago and just today I also bought a 2.1 speaker system, Edifier S330D. The D because I wanted to finally hook up my computer to a digital output, after I've heard so many things about direct analogue signals being meh.
 
It was only then that I realized my motherboard has no digital output at all. I thought everything had digital outs these days, so I didn't bother checking.
 
So the question now is, what's the best (and preferably cheapest) way to get my system hooked up to my computer digitally? Are there adapters of some sorts? Or should I buy a sound card?
Click to expand...

 
Which motherboard model you have there? Could there be a connection for S/PDIF output (coaxial) onboard?
 
Jul 5, 2016 at 3:56 PM Post #4 of 12
Jul 12, 2016 at 3:23 PM Post #5 of 12
jiiteepee said:
   
So, here's the UG http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-z170-hd3p_e.pdf
 
As seen in UG, there's S/PDIF Out header (internal connector #10) available ... if it's not needed for something else (like by HDMI) then find a suitable S/PDIF addon bracked with Optical/Coaxial output or just prepare a (two pin header->RCA) cable for Coaxial output.
Click to expand...


Sorry for the late reply, didn't see you until now.
 
A PCI thingie sounds like a plan. However, I've just taken some research on Amazon, and these things happen to be extremely rare for some reason. I got plenty of recommendations for sound cards however. From what I remember, though, sound cards have zero effect on digital stuff, so I'm not too sure what to do here...
 
Jul 13, 2016 at 2:29 AM Post #6 of 12
selbi said:
 
Sorry for the late reply, didn't see you until now.
 
A PCI thingie sounds like a plan. However, I've just taken some research on Amazon, and these things happen to be extremely rare for some reason. I got plenty of recommendations for sound cards however. From what I remember, though, sound cards have zero effect on digital stuff, so I'm not too sure what to do here...
Click to expand...

 
I think you can get S/PDIF bracket through your local computer dealers. Many motherboard manufacturer sells this bracket as a separate extension (I have bought couple of them) and also 3rd party brackets are available ... bracket and S/PDIF ports are by standards but the coupling might vary ... but it is easy to fix it to fit to the connector found in your motherboard.
 
You can also DIY the coaxial S/PDIF connection quite easy. Google some instructions.
 
What comes to S/PDIF capable audio interfaces, I would recommend this path because of possible format (bit resolution/sample rate) limitations found in integrated port. There are many alternatives available so decide your needs and then get the one which fill them.
 
Jul 13, 2016 at 6:57 PM Post #7 of 12
I'm using the miniDSP usbstreamer b.  It connects to the computer via a USB 2.0 cable, and outputs (also has an input) that is an optical cable.  You can use a variety of formats over the optical.  I'm using TOSLINK, but it also does ADAT. 
 
I think it's known to work fairly well on Macs and Windows boxes.  It took some fussing but now I have it working nicely with Linux - just look up my posts if you're curious. 
 
Jul 15, 2016 at 11:19 AM Post #8 of 12
jiiteepee said:
   
I think you can get S/PDIF bracket through your local computer dealers. Many motherboard manufacturer sells this bracket as a separate extension (I have bought couple of them) and also 3rd party brackets are available ... bracket and S/PDIF ports are by standards but the coupling might vary ... but it is easy to fix it to fit to the connector found in your motherboard.
 
You can also DIY the coaxial S/PDIF connection quite easy. Google some instructions.
 
What comes to S/PDIF capable audio interfaces, I would recommend this path because of possible format (bit resolution/sample rate) limitations found in integrated port. There are many alternatives available so decide your needs and then get the one which fill them.
Click to expand...

Searched two media stores now. They got plenty soundcards and optical cables, but this bracket thing is nowhere to be found. I'm not sure if I want to make these myself, because I've never done anything with electrics before.
 
On Amazon I only find third-party sellers with shady ratings.
 
Is there no other way?
 
delooper said:
  I'm using the miniDSP usbstreamer b.  It connects to the computer via a USB 2.0 cable, and outputs (also has an input) that is an optical cable.  You can use a variety of formats over the optical.  I'm using TOSLINK, but it also does ADAT. 
 
I think it's known to work fairly well on Macs and Windows boxes.  It took some fussing but now I have it working nicely with Linux - just look up my posts if you're curious. 
Click to expand...


This would be perfect, were it not for the price. Why does that device cost a hundred bucks when the bracket costs less than ten?
 
Jul 16, 2016 at 7:14 PM Post #11 of 12
jiiteepee said:
  Try find GIGABYTE (motherboard) reseller and ask suitable bracket from this list - http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/accessory.aspx
You may need to fix the socket to get it fitted to pins in your motherboard.
Click to expand...

 
I've taken a look at the page. It seems that all SPDIF brackets have 3 pins (Power, SPDIF, Ground). From the user manual though, it seems that there are only two pins available on the mainboard (SPDIF and Ground).
 
What to do?
 
Jul 19, 2016 at 10:45 PM Post #12 of 12
You could add the Creative Soundblaster Z or Zx card, they both have Optical out and the Zx was only $78 on Amazon today.
 
http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B009XDWUCQ
 
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