XBox 360 / Dell Dimension 8300 Recommendations

[MGarde]

Hi,

I currently have an XBox 360 on Pre Order and have been looking at possible ways to connect it to my TFT monitor as, at present, I cannot afford to purchase a HDTV.

My 17" TFT Monitor has both a DVI Input (currently used for PC graphics) as well as a VGA Input. After investigation I know I can use a Microsoft XBox 360 VGA HD AV Cable to connect to my TFT Monitor for High Definition gaming.

Now the problem I have, and where I am looking for some advice from people "in the know," is to do with the audio. Neither my sound card (Sound Blaster Audigy 2) or 5.1 Surround Speakers (Altec Lansing) have RCA or Optical Inputs on them.

From reading on this forum I have a number of options available to me but I want to choose the option that is going to retain "true" 5.1 audio as much as possible. Which of the following would serve me best?

1. Female RCA to 3.5mm Convertor into Line In on Sound Card

2. Logitech 5.1 Audio Game Console Adaptor

3. Buy a new set of 5.1 speakers with Optical Input. I have found Logitech Z-5500 Digital and Logitech Z-680 but was not looking to spend £200+. Anyone know of any other good quality speaker packages with the necessary connections?

4. Buy a new PC sound card with Optical Input. I have had trouble finding these so if anyone knows of any or has one they can recommend it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, can someone please clarify for me that the Optical connection on the Microsoft XBox 360 VGA HD AV Cable is TOSLINK?

I look forward to any help you can give me

 

[JonnyBlaze]

if you want to get the most out of it, get a new surround system with optical in. if you want to do it cheap & easy go with option 1

 

[MGarde]

Originally posted by: JonnyBlaze
if you want to get the most out of it, get a new surround system with optical in. if you want to do it cheap & easy go with option 1

Thanx JonnyBlaze - Would you recommend any particluar surround sound system?

 

[Eureka]

Well, the logitech 5.1 is the cheapest way to go, but if you want any true sound, I'd just say go with Z-5500. Well, the Creative S750 paired with the DDTS decoder they have would be better, but that's expensive, and you could always get a HTIB and pair it with a receiver, but that's also a bit pricey.

Norm

 

[MGarde]

Thanx 4 the info guys - have now ordered a Creative DDTS-100 so waiting for this to arrive next week in time for XBox 360

 

[kylebisme]

Bah I was hopping to find the real solution here as I have be wanted to do the same thing for digtial audio from my cable box. Your SoundBlaster has a digital in, so all you need is an optical port like seen on this. Granted, if you don't need all those other ports then a simple backplate with the Toslink in on it would be simpler, and I have one from an old motherboard but I can't find it and I also can't find where to buy another.

 

[vshah]

Originally posted by: TheSnowman
Bah I was hopping to find the real solution here as I have be wanted to do the same thing for digtial audio from my cable box. Your SoundBlaster has a digital in, so all you need is an optical port like seen on this. Granted, if you don't need all those other ports then a simple backplate with the Toslink in on it would be simpler, and I have one from an old motherboard but I can't find it and I also can't find where to buy another.

does the audigy 2 have a standard onboard connector for toslink/digital audio? i always thought that it was only on the audgy drive bay thing, which used a proprietary connection to the sound card itself.

 

[kylebisme]

There is the one on the drive bay thing, and that just hooks up to two pins near the back of the card so that is one option. Then there is also a digital-in plug along the side of card as well. The first would take a nomral two pin plug, and the other uses a three pin plug with the center one open if I recall correctly, either way the only issue is getting the right adapter to suit your needs, either way the 360 is just sending out a standard AC3 stream which the Audigy has no trouble decoding.

 

[MGarde]

Thanx 4 all the additional info guys - always nice 2 hear other ways of doing things

My next question is as I have ordered the Creative DDTS-100 does anyone have any recommendations for which TOSLink cable 2 get? What type / connection / manufacturer etc would give me the best sound out of the system. Looking for something preferably in varying range of sizes as not sure where it is going to be located at the moment!!!

 

[kylebisme]

Its all just fiber and pretty much either works or it doesn't, so whatever you find should be fine.