Should I buy a soundcard?

[Viinerpedro]

I use USB headphones, but i watch some stuff on my 5.1 home theatre.
I use my onboard Realtek Optical Out, but the quality isnt the best.

Should I buy a soundcard?
If yes, what model?

 

[Ahmadjon]

If you want buy here is one option http://www.amazon.com/PCI-Express-XONAR-ESSENCE-STX-90-YAA0C0-0UAN00Z/dp/B001OV789U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393339188&sr=8-1&keywords=xonar+essence+stx
Here's review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iueTVM3xfFM

 

[americanaudiophile]

Since you are using the optical out the 5.1 system is where the processing is done not the soundcard. If you were using the 5.1 channel analog outputs then the soundcard would be doing the work. Since you are not happy with the sound your the 5.1 home theater system is at fault.

 

[Viinerpedro]

Since you are using the optical out the 5.1 system is where the processing is done not the soundcard. If you were using the 5.1 channel analog outputs then the soundcard would be doing the work. Since you are not happy with the sound your the 5.1 home theater system is at fault.

But if i use optical from my BLURAY player, it sounds amazing...

 

[americanaudiophile]

The audio quality of the file or stream that you are playing on the PC is probably not the same quality as the Bluray discs. In fact if you had HDMI inputs on your 5.1 the Bluray discs would sound even better. The lossless audio codecs on Bluray are only output through HDMI.

 

[Viinerpedro]

The audio quality of the file or stream that you are playing on the PC is probably not the same quality as the Bluray discs. In fact if you had HDMI inputs on your 5.1 the Bluray discs would sound even better. The lossless audio codecs on Bluray are only output through HDMI.

I tried the exact Bluray on my Bluray player and my pc.

I have HDMI inputs.
I have an Onkyo reciever.

 

[americanaudiophile]

Your Bluray should be connected to the receiver with HDMI not optical. This will allow you to access the lossless audio on the discs. Check the playback software on the PC that you used to play the bluray. Might have audio settings that are making a difference. You should also check the audio settings for the PC.

 

[Viinerpedro]

Your Bluray should be connected to the receiver with HDMI not optical. This will allow you to access the lossless audio on the discs. Check the playback software on the PC that you used to play the bluray. Might have audio settings that are making a difference. You should also check the audio settings for the PC.

I use Splash Pro EX, it has optical out enabled...

 

[Viinerpedro]

Anyway, I want a card with optical out and a XLR or 6.3 mm Jack in.