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Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)
I'm asking this question, since I don't know very much about SPDIF,
and this forum seems to be the right place to pose this question.
I am planning to build an HTPC based on Microsoft's Media Center
Edition OS (2004). I want to integrate the HTPC into my home audio
system which includes an Onkyo 801 receiver capabale of 7.1 surround
sound.
My question is whether I need to worry about the "quality" of a sound
chip/card if I'm planning to hook SPDIF out on the HTPC to an optical
input on my Onkyo receiver. I see a 7.1 SPDIF sound card from
Chaintech for $20, whereas SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS has 7.1 SPDIF for
$200 (that's right 10X the cost of the Chaintech). If I'm passing the
audio signal via SPDIF (no analog conversion), do I need to worry
about signal to noise ration of the cheaper Chaintech card? I know
the SoundBlaster will do a nice job, but wondering whether I need to
spend the extra bucks, if I'm only going to use SPDIF anyway.
Thanks for your help!
-Hungmeister
I'm asking this question, since I don't know very much about SPDIF,
and this forum seems to be the right place to pose this question.
I am planning to build an HTPC based on Microsoft's Media Center
Edition OS (2004). I want to integrate the HTPC into my home audio
system which includes an Onkyo 801 receiver capabale of 7.1 surround
sound.
My question is whether I need to worry about the "quality" of a sound
chip/card if I'm planning to hook SPDIF out on the HTPC to an optical
input on my Onkyo receiver. I see a 7.1 SPDIF sound card from
Chaintech for $20, whereas SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS has 7.1 SPDIF for
$200 (that's right 10X the cost of the Chaintech). If I'm passing the
audio signal via SPDIF (no analog conversion), do I need to worry
about signal to noise ration of the cheaper Chaintech card? I know
the SoundBlaster will do a nice job, but wondering whether I need to
spend the extra bucks, if I'm only going to use SPDIF anyway.
Thanks for your help!
-Hungmeister