Do I need a sound card?

jamesbond_007_2 · 06-27-2006, 05:51 AM

Hi - this should be relatively straight forward to resolve.

I currently have a Yamaha 7.1 surround sound amp. As far as the PC sound is concerned, it is connected to the amp via a mini-jack to twin RCA sockets (stereo).

I know that buying a sound card will add a digital connection between the two as it will come with a coaxial input. BUT do I need to shell out sheds loads of money on the performance of the sound card if the amp is doing all the work?

Many thanks

Indoril Nerevar · 06-27-2006, 06:45 AM

It depends whether you want surround sound or not. If you do, you'll probably need a sound card, because otherwise all you'll get is extended stereo. Higher-end motherboards come with 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, but not all do. If you're not worried about the surround sound, the system's onboard sound should do fine.

One note: decent quality sound cards capable of 7.1 can be found for as little as about $35.

jamesbond_007_2 · 06-27-2006, 09:31 AM

Thanks

So this would work for instance, giving me digital 7.1 if I use a coaxial lead from the new sound card to the amp?

http://www.soundblaster.com/products...4&product=4915

Indoril Nerevar · 06-27-2006, 06:03 PM

Yes, that would definitely work. I use that exact sound card myself (see "My System"). I have it hooked up to a set of Creative 7.1 surround sound speakers. Very nice sound. You'll be very happy with that card.

jamesbond_007_2 · 06-28-2006, 03:09 AM

Thanks - all clear now. My only (new) problem is that I am running Vista Beta 2 and no sound card manufacturers have developed a driver for their products. The forums are riddled with complaints about this.

When are driver is eventually released I'll follow your advice.

Cheers

Indoril Nerevar · 06-28-2006, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesbond_007_2

no sound card manufacturers have developed a driver for their products.

That can be a problem, can't it?

Good luck.

06-27-2006, 05:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
jamesbond_007_2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Do I need a sound card? Hi - this should be relatively straight forward to resolve. I currently have a Yamaha 7.1 surround sound amp. As far as the PC sound is concerned, it is connected to the amp via a mini-jack to twin RCA sockets (stereo). I know that buying a sound card will add a digital connection between the two as it will come with a coaxial input. BUT do I need to shell out sheds loads of money on the performance of the sound card if the amp is doing all the work? Many thanks

06-27-2006, 06:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,007 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	It depends whether you want surround sound or not. If you do, you'll probably need a sound card, because otherwise all you'll get is extended stereo. Higher-end motherboards come with 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, but not all do. If you're not worried about the surround sound, the system's onboard sound should do fine. One note: decent quality sound cards capable of 7.1 can be found for as little as about $35. __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

06-27-2006, 06:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,007 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	Yes, that would definitely work. I use that exact sound card myself (see "My System"). I have it hooked up to a set of Creative 7.1 surround sound speakers. Very nice sound. You'll be very happy with that card. __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

06-27-2006, 09:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
jamesbond_007_2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Thanks So this would work for instance, giving me digital 7.1 if I use a coaxial lead from the new sound card to the amp? http://www.soundblaster.com/products...4&product=4915

06-28-2006, 03:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
jamesbond_007_2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Thanks - all clear now. My only (new) problem is that I am running Vista Beta 2 and no sound card manufacturers have developed a driver for their products. The forums are riddled with complaints about this. When are driver is eventually released I'll follow your advice. Cheers