How to use SPDIF for 6 channel sound?

[Red]

Just built a computer for a friend last night (Asus P4S800) and we ordered it because he wanted 5.1 sound (6 channel soundmax) ... It has regular Line In, Line Out, and Microphone... and then a SPDIF port. I'm guessing that because there are not regular 5.1 channel outputs like on my Audigy, the SPDIF is the only output for 6 channel sound.... am I right? Is he going to have to buy 6 channel speakers with a SPDIF input? If he has a regular receiver with his TV and DVD player hooked up that has SPDIF does he use that? Heeeeeelllp =)

 

[Red]

I found a thread in tech support forum... it answers my question. But now I need to know, do they make 5.1 computer speakers that accept spdif?

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: Redhotjrm
I found a thread in tech support forum... it answers my question. But now I need to know, do they make 5.1 computer speakers that accept spdif?

i know the creative megaworks 510D's do

i paid about $280 for mine though i think the price has dropped

i think you are better off getting a soundcard with 3 stereo minijacks for 5.1 though because it will sound better with a sound card doing the digital decoding rather than speakers doing it

because most multimedia (PC speakers) sound much better using analog because of low quality Digital to Analog Converters IMO your best bet for any computer speakers is to send straight analog out

 

[T9D]

..

 

[Red]

What about from games and such?

 

[Howard]

Unless the audio-out signal is encoded in AC3 or the like, S/P-DIF can only do 2 channels.

 

[chocoruacal]

Originally posted by: Howard
Unless the audio-out signal is encoded in AC3 or the like, S/P-DIF can only do 2 channels.

Unless you have nForce2 😀 If you're looking to stick with computer speakers, you're probably better off with a nice set of analog ones. I'd go with a receiver/speaker setup for the SPDIF, because its really only useful for passing AC3/DVD audio along for a receiver to chew.

FYI...you came here looking for help...since you found a solution...why not post a link or instructions and maybe help someone else down the road?!?!

 

[neilm]

What is a good sound card though? I have the same problem as Redhotjrm, I bought a motherboard expecting 6channel sound, but my speakers didnt fit into the SPDIF holes.

 

[Goi]

Depends on your budget. For most, the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz and Hercules Fortissimo III 7.1 should be sufficient. The OEM TBSCs are going for ~$40 at newegg which makes them great deals.