HTPC to Receiver question

[QuantumPion]

I'm trying to use my computer as a home theater PC. I have it hooked up to my VSX-1015 receiver by both a toslink, and using mini-plug->rca connectors to the analog in. When I use digital sources like dvd's, they work fine and I get dts/dolby signals. When I try to use normal, non-digital sources through the digital connection, I only get stereo sound, as expected. However, when I try to use the analog multi-channel-in mode, it sounds as if my speakers are not utilizing the crossover in the receiver. The sound is washed out with no bass, although all channels work when tested. What it seems like is that the receiver is just passing the analog signal straight through, and neither my PC sound card driver nor the receiver are using a crossover. What can I do to fix this?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: QuantumPion
I'm trying to use my computer as a home theater PC. I have it hooked up to my VSX-1015 receiver by both a toslink, and using mini-plug->rca connectors to the analog in. When I use digital sources like dvd's, they work fine and I get dts/dolby signals. When I try to use normal, non-digital sources through the digital connection, I only get stereo sound, as expected. However, when I try to use the analog multi-channel-in mode, it sounds as if my speakers are not utilizing the crossover in the receiver. The sound is washed out with no bass, although all channels work when tested. What it seems like is that the receiver is just passing the analog signal straight through, and neither my PC sound card driver nor the receiver are using a crossover. What can I do to fix this?

The 1015 may not do bass management on the analog ins. In that case your best bet would be to see if your sound card has a built in bass management system. I know the Creative cards at least have a basic "Bass-Redirection" system which might help you in your situation.

 

[XMan]

What sound card are you using? Most folks for HTPC use use something like an Auzentech X-Mystique, and then just use a digital connection. The card does all of the processing and the reciever just plays what it's told. Easy peasy.

 

[QuantumPion]

I'm using my motherboard's onboard sound, Realtek AC97, which happens to have a toslink out.

I think I managed to get it to work, there is an option in the Vista speaker properties page to enable bass management, and it seems to be working well enough. Now my only complaint is that every time I want to switch between a digital source (DVD) or normal source, I have to go back to the speaker property page and select the digital or speaker out as the default device. :\

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: QuantumPion
I'm using my motherboard's onboard sound, Realtek AC97, which happens to have a toslink out.

I think I managed to get it to work, there is an option in the Vista speaker properties page to enable bass management, and it seems to be working well enough. Now my only complaint is that every time I want to switch between a digital source (DVD) or normal source, I have to go back to the speaker property page and select the digital or speaker out as the default device. :\

That's the nature of the beast...annoying I know. That's why I went and bought the card I have now...the Auzentech Xplosion. It's not perfect but it works better for the purposes I use it for most.