Audio question

[Orbs]

The speakers I own are a set of VideoLogic speakers. They're a couple of years old and may not even be on the market anymore. Anyway, they support Dolby Digital and DTS, so for DVD's they're sweet. The problem is, they have digital Coax and Optical in, but the only analog in is Stereo, which gets converted to Dolby Pro Logic.

I know for gaming, sound cards typically interface with speakers via dedicated analog cables to rear, center and front speakers (and one for the sub). My question is, can I get good positional audio with the digitial out on a sound card? If so, which sound card would you recommend? Will on-board sound's digital out for nForce 3 Ultra work as well as a dedicated soundcard?

Thanks in advance everyone!
Jared

 

[Sniper82]

95% will recommend a Audigy 2 ZS as I think its the best gaming card out there.

 

[Orbs]

Sniper, that's what I thought. The question is, if I only use the digital out, will I get true positional audio, or do I need new speakers to work with that card?

 

[Auric]

The digital output is limited to matrixed stereo (like DPL or any number of other DSP effects) for real-time. Positional audio, as in direction and distance of gaming effects does not require more than stereo. True multi-channel surround would only enchance that and only if a game did it and did it correctly. Only the Audigy supports the latest EAX schtuff. Try it out and see how you like it with the speakers or even try some good headphones for more isolation and detail.

 

[Orbs]

Auric, when you say "true multi-channel surround would only enhance that", do you mean analog output to individual speakers or do you mean my speakers with digital out, or are you saying that they will sound equally good / accurate?

Basically, when I play Doom 3 or Half Life 2, I want it to sound as good as it possibly can.

Thanks very much!!
Jared

 

[Auric]

True multi-channel as in four or more analog outputs where the game supported that number (and the sound card supported the game - not a problem with Audigy). I am not familiar with those games but assume they have such options.