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Thread ID: 131086 2013-04-25 01:39:00 Best way to connect HTPC to amplifier Myth (110) Press F1
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1338338 2013-04-25 01:39:00 I am looking for the best way to send audio from my home-built HTPC through the amplifier

Motherboard on HTPC is: www.asus.com I don't really want to upgrade this...

Amp is over 10 years old - VSX-454 Receiver. I am pretty sure this will need to be upgraded for what I want

So: what do I need to look for in a replacement amp/receiver; and is there any pci/pci-e card I can use on the PC?
Myth (110)
1338339 2013-04-25 06:04:00 The back panel has discrete 6 channel audio outputs, I'm assuming your receiver does as well. But thats using the PC to decode DTS/Dolby Digital rather than the receiver.

Another option might be the 1 x S/PDIF output connector this will be a 2 pin motherboard header than I think you can just convert to a single RCA plug for Digital Coax input.

It's ither that or look for a SPDIF daughter board for your motherboard it will normally have a motherboard header to a PCI backplane.
psycik (12851)
1338340 2013-04-25 07:48:00 I'm using the headphone out on my laptop to the auxiliary port on my amp, but then I'm only using stereo not surround sound gary67 (56)
1338341 2013-04-25 11:44:00 Spdif is the best option, either coax or optical if your receiver has it. Unfortunately there's a small adapter required to convert your MB header to the appropriate connectors. I had a very similar board at one point and managed to source the SPDIF adapter from the MB suplier (www.pp.co.nz) in that case. HDMI is good too but I'm assuming you don't have that.
There are USB external sound cards with surround and spdif support. If you just want stereo just get the appropriate 3.5mm to dual RCA cable and plug it in.
dugimodo (138)
1338342 2013-04-25 20:38:00 Spdif is the best option, either coax or optical if your receiver has it. Unfortunately there's a small adapter required to convert your MB header to the appropriate connectors. I had a very similar board at one point and managed to source the SPDIF adapter from the MB suplier (www.pp.co.nz) in that case. HDMI is good too but I'm assuming you don't have that.
There are USB external sound cards with surround and spdif support. If you just want stereo just get the appropriate 3.5mm to dual RCA cable and plug it in.

Yes this is what i do
gary67 (56)
1338343 2013-04-25 22:47:00 The other advantage of Toslink optical is you are less likely to get a ground loop or any unwanted noise going on. Alex B (15479)
1338344 2013-04-25 23:17:00 +1 for optical if possible.

www.ascent.co.nz

That would do nicely.
wratterus (105)
1338345 2013-04-26 00:40:00 Ive still got one here, there's two parts to it. The main soundcard and the card that you plug in. This has digital and spdif in/out on it. Havent used it since I changed to 64 bit. Dont even know, if there's 64 bit drivers for it (there's none on the manufacturer's site) Speedy Gonzales (78)
1338346 2013-04-29 20:33:00 +1 for optical if possible.

www.ascent.co.nz

That would do nicely.This card will work in with my motherboard ok? To do what I need to do

Also: update on the receiver... hoping to buy this: reviews.cnet.com

(means SWMBO's computer will need to wait :p)
Myth (110)
1338347 2013-04-29 20:37:00 +1 for optical if possible.

www.ascent.co.nz

That would do nicely.

Why optical when its still copper to the speakers?
gary67 (56)
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