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View Full Version : Which HDMI soundcard for HTPC

DarthBeavis
09-11-09, 02:16 PM
I will be using it with my Onkyo TX-SR805 receiver. Sound system is currently 5.1 but I may add two more channels. I see Asus and Auzentech have options.
glObalist
09-12-09, 07:31 AM
Latest ATI video cards can push both video AND multichannel sound through HDMI using a special DVI->HDMI adapter (bundled with most cards but you better check before purchase).

I know my HD4850 can do this and I couldn't be happier, using just one HDMI cable to my plasma TV.
DarthBeavis
09-12-09, 12:24 PM
I have a 280 in it now and have another 295 on the way. I really want a higher quality sound to be honest as I have a kick arse sound system. I also am really tied to Nvidia so having ATI would not be the best thing ;)
Dr.Nick
09-13-09, 03:05 PM
You could use your 280 or 295 to pass sound through DVI or HDMI which would be the easiest way (plus you get video over the same cable). The sound will only be as good as your sound card though as nvidia only passes the sound it does not have onboard sound like ATi cards.
So if you have a nice X-Fi or whatever you can hook it up to your video card and be done with it. I'm not sure about 7.1 sound but it definitely handles 5.1 -its basically an spdif connection and comes with all its limitations.
If you want a no joke sound card with more hookups than you can dream of and don't want to mess with the video cards check out the X-Fi Elite and its breakout box.
emacs
09-21-09, 12:55 AM
Latest ATI video cards can push both video AND multichannel sound through HDMI ...

does the HD4850 support bitstreaming or LPCM of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio? last time i checked the audio stream from ATI cards is limited to only 6.144 Mbps.
Sazar
09-21-09, 01:01 AM
I have a 280 in it now and have another 295 on the way. I really want a higher quality sound to be honest as I have a kick arse sound system. I also am really tied to Nvidia so having ATI would not be the best thing ;)

You can always output video via hdmi with your nvidia card and do an output via optical for your audio :)

I do the same with my HTPC to my Onkyo receiver, no issues :D

I have almost the same receiver, except I have 4 HDMI in and 1 out.