Proper hookup for x-fi, z5500, and external amp

[monkeydust]

I currently have a Audigy 2 (going into other computer), Klipsh 4.1 speakers (one channel doesn't work anymore) and an external amp that I use occasionally if I want music to go into my other room. I have the front speaker mini-plug split and one of the cables going from a mini to rca into the other room into the amp. So, my current Klipsch speakers are using the analog front and rear connections coming out from the Audigy 2.

My question is should I use this same setup for my new x-fi (X-Fi Xtreme Music version), Logitech Z5500D speakers, and Yamaha amp? Or, should I use some sort of digital connection to some of this?

 

[A5]

To get the most out of the Z5500s, you will need to use both the digital and analog inputs on the pod - digital for surround sound in DVDs or other DD encoded material, and analog for everything else (EAX in games, music, etc). As far as the amp goes, I have no idea 😛 If it is analog only, you should probably keep your cabling the same way it is now.

 

[PurdueRy]

if you use the digital out then you will be bypassing any advantage the X-fi has over the A2ZS.

 

[monkeydust]

Ok, that's the part that confuses me. I thought I was upgrading by going with digital speakers that could be used with digital output on my new soundcard. This is not the case? It kind of sounds like I should go with the same connections that I had with my old setup.

 

[PurdueRy]

If you use a digital connection you will be using your receivers(in this case the "pod" of the Z5500's) decoder. When you buy the X-fi, you basically pay for its DAC's which is what give you its sound quality. For the most part a $30 digital connection and a $400 X-fi digital connection will be the same(with possibly a few exceptions). Also, if you hook up via digital there will be no option of surround sound in games. For computer speaker systems analog is really ideal.

 

[monkeydust]

I thought I would get better sound quality, surround sound, and lack of hiss at higher volumes via digital. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[PurdueRy]

you will only get surround sound in DVD movies or anything else ENCODED with surround sound. Games are not encoded and would need to be to be decoded by an external decoder over a digital cable. The quality should be very similar as long as properly shielded cables are used.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Yeah, I would suggest analog for the z-5500s. Digital might be a good plan for running to your receiver rather than splitting the front output to both the z-5500s and to the other room.

 

[monkeydust]

Thanks for the suggestions. Just got the speakers (the soundcard is still a couple days away). The subwoofer that comes with those speakers seems ridiculously huge to me. I have the speakers hooked up via analog right now. I may just keep the same configuration as I had with my previous setup as I rarely use the amped out signal so I probably wouldn't benefit too much by buying a digital cable for it (I already have an analog running through the wall to it). Speakers sound good though.

 

[caz67]

I have the Audigy 2 ZS Plat, with Z5500's. I use Toslink Digital cable for DVD movies and DD, DTS enabled stuff and i use Analogue 6 channel Direct for everything else.

I find that this gives me the best sound possible for movies, music and gaming etc.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: monkeydust
Thanks for the suggestions. Just got the speakers (the soundcard is still a couple days away). The subwoofer that comes with those speakers seems ridiculously huge to me. I have the speakers hooked up via analog right now. I may just keep the same configuration as I had with my previous setup as I rarely use the amped out signal so I probably wouldn't benefit too much by buying a digital cable for it (I already have an analog running through the wall to it). Speakers sound good though.

I used to think Logitech subs were big too.

 

[alcoholbob]

It's all relative...

They still are to me. I haven't dropped cash on a real subwoofer yet anyway : )