[super kermit]

I am looking for a soundcard that the SPDIF output is always on regardless of what output device I select in windows.

So I can have headphones and SPDIF to an amplifier to drive some butt-kickers.

This is a copy and paste of Creatives help file:

To enable stereo mix using digital output Enabling stereo mix using digital output will direct audio output to the digital out connector. This allows you to hear Mic/Line and other audio sources from your external receiver or digital speakers that are connected to SPDIF Out or HDMI Out.

From a reddit thread (NOT ME)

https://www.reddit.com/r/SoundBlast...jx/audio_playing_out_of_spdif_and_headphones/

 

[fjf]

I am confused, because you say:"When I select my system to play sound out of the speakers (2/2.1) port, sound plays through BOTH the SPDIF and speakers (2/2.1) port.", so it seems you already have it. Just select it and you'll have the spdif always on. Turn off the equipment you are not using.

 

[super kermit]

Sorry, it was a copy/paste from reddit, I am not the original poster

 

[fjf]

The behringer UCA 202 (and I think the 222) is inexpensive, measures reasonably well and I believe will give both, line out and spdif at the same time: https://www.behringer.com/Categorie...io/Interfaces/UCA202/p/P0484#googtrans(en|en)

 

[nanaholic]

It's got nothing to do with the sound card so you'll never find "the one". This is because Windows' sound mixer is coded in a way that only allows one default playback device at a given time.

This is actually what you need to do:
https://appuals.com/output-audio-multiple-devices-windows-10/

 

[ochildrift]

This is actually what you need to do:
https://appuals.com/output-audio-multiple-devices-windows-10/

Reading this. Thanks!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I think it depends. For example I can play Tidal hifi over one DAC and Deezer hifi over another DAC at the same time. I think as long as one of your players can use ASIO or WASAPI drivers you can get away with it. If they all use Windows audio stack then what @nanaholic said about Windows not letting this happen comes into play.

 

[super kermit]

Sound Blaster ZxR
Soundblaster AE-5

Both allow output stereo via SPDIF and headphones at the same time

SOlved for now