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Is this a good soundcard?
Aug 2, 2015 at 1:34 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 26
IMPERIUS

IMPERIUS

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Hey guys!
 
I need a soundcard to connect some old (but high end!) speakers to my pc via an optical cable. I will be using them for general music listening (from youtube), gaming and movies.
 
I found this one: http://www.amazon.com/Xonar-DGX-PCI-E-GX2-5-Engine/dp/B007TMZ1BK/ref=zg_bs_284823_3 
 
it seems like it has everything I need (most important of which is the toslink port) and I will also be using them with my headphones
 
Your thoughts? Is anything wrong with it? Any other suggestions? Keep the budget low, please
 
Thanks!
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 4:36 PM Post #2 of 26
The Xonar DGX software can only send 2-channels of PCM (uncompressed) digital audio, thru optical.
So assuming your using just 2.0 or 2.1 speaker audio setup?
 
Just remember to disable the motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, before you install the Xonar DGX or the driver software.
 
Here are some third party drivers (Unified Xonar Drivers) I like to use with Xonar sound cards.
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 4:47 PM Post #3 of 26
purpleangel said:
  The Xonar DGX software can only send 2-channels of PCM (uncompressed) digital audio, thru optical.
So assuming your using just 2.0 or 2.1 speaker audio setup?
 
Just remember to disable the motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, before you install the Xonar DGX or the driver software.
 
Here are some third party drivers (Unified Xonar Drivers) I like to use with Xonar sound cards.
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
Click to expand...

 
Actually no, the whole speaker system is actually 5.1 but I'm only gonna use the sub, center and L+R speakers (and the receiver), so a 3.1 setup. I guess I could also get rca- 3.5mm jacks adapters? 
Also, where did you find out that it only supports 2 channels thru optical?
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 5:01 PM Post #4 of 26
imperius said:
Also, where did you find out that it only supports 2 channels thru optical?
Click to expand...


He said that it can only send 2 channels PCM uncompressed. All multi channel over optical will be compressed with any card, any device. If you want uncompressed multichannel, you have to use HDMI.

What make/model receiver, speakers, and sub do you have?

And does your computer have HDMI output?
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 5:06 PM Post #5 of 26
cel4145 said:
He said that it can only send 2 channels PCM uncompressed. All multi channel over optical will be compressed with any card, any device. If you want uncompressed multichannel, you have to use HDMI.

What make/model receiver, speakers, and sub do you have?

And does your computer have HDMI output?
Click to expand...


Ah so I have to go with HDMI. What about standard 3.5mm jacks?

Yes my pc does have HDMI however I don't remember the exact model of my speakers but I do know it has basically (for me at least) "old" jacks/ inputs. I've only got into this just recently and had no idea what all of this was. I think it has rca inputs, I'm sure for others I'll have to check tomorrow
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 5:17 PM Post #6 of 26
Yes. The Xonar has 5.1 out via the 3.5mm jacks on the back. But can your receiver take inputs for 3.1 (or 5.1) via analog?
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 5:33 PM Post #8 of 26
Assuming this is the correct picture for the back



on the bottom on the far left, you'll see what appear to be inputs for analog multichannel.
 
Aug 2, 2015 at 6:50 PM Post #12 of 26
Don't spend a ton of money on cables. These KabelDirekt 3.5mm to RCA would work well:

http://www.amazon.com/KabelDirekt-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B00DI89NPE/

They also have them in different lengths.
 
Aug 3, 2015 at 2:05 AM Post #13 of 26
imperius said:
   
Actually no, the whole speaker system is actually 5.1 but I'm only gonna use the sub, center and L+R speakers (and the receiver), so a 3.1 setup. I guess I could also get rca- 3.5mm jacks adapters? 
Also, where did you find out that it only supports 2 channels thru optical?
Click to expand...

 
The Asus Xonar DG/DGX are the only Asus sound cards that do not come with compression software, which is what is needed to be able to send 6-channels (5.1) of audio thru optical.
The optical output on the DG/DGX can pass 6-channels of digital (compressed) audio, the DG/DGX just lacks the software that can do compression
The Asus Xonar DS/DSX come with DTS compression software (DTS-Connect), the Xonar DX/D1 come with Dolby compression software (DDL).
 
Aug 3, 2015 at 2:13 AM Post #14 of 26
purpleangel said:
The Asus Xonar DG/DGX are the only Asus sound cards that do not come with compression software, which is what is needed to be able to send 6-channels (5.1) of audio thru optical.
The optical output on the DG/DGX can pass 6-channels of digital (compressed) audio, the DG/DGX just lacks the software that can do compression
The Asus Xonar DS/DSX come with DTS compression software (DTS-Connect), the Xonar DX/D1 come with Dolby compression software (DDL).
Click to expand...


But I wont have any problems IF I use RCA to 3.5mm Jack adapters?
 
Aug 3, 2015 at 2:27 AM Post #15 of 26
imperius said:
But I wont have any problems IF I use RCA to 3.5mm Jack adapters?
Click to expand...

 
Running cables from the Xonar's 3.5mm jack to the RCA inputs on the receiver, yes that will work.
The Asus Xonar DX & D1 can also connect to the receiver in the same way and they come with a better DAC chip, then the DG/DGX.
 
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