Multiple digital outputs from a PC

[herm]

Multiple digital outputs from a PC

I’ve seen this question asked a bunch, but never answered.

Here’s what I’d like to do: Play DVDs from my PC, using a software decoder for DTS or Dolby, and then do outboard DACs to get to analog.

How do I get 5.1 digital channels out of my PC without having to decode it afterward?
I’m dreaming of 3 stereo SPDIF to three outboard DACS. Like this:

DVD-ROM in PC -> software surround decoder -> digital output -> multiple dacs -> buffer -> amp

Any ideas?

-herm

 

[tschanrm]

Auzentech sound cards can do this if you buy the X-fi Prelude or Meridian and the DIN Extension. Audigy cards can do this as well, although you'll be hampered by the poor fixed 48khz resampling for most applications.

 

[herm]

Thanks for your help, tschanrm.

I have looked at both cards, and I can't tell if the extension is a
second output, or just the same output duplicated.

Can you get 6 channels of digital out?

-herm

 

[theAnonymous1]

I have an Audigy card with 6-channels of digital output going to three external stereo DACs. Like tschanrm said, the audio stream is limited to 48khz. This is good enough for me however.

I've never tried messing with 5.1 playback with my setup, so I'm not sure what is possible in that regard. I use mine as an active 3-way crossover.

 

[herm]

I must be a noob, but I only see one coax or optical digital out.

Which card are you using? How do you get six?

While we are at it, do you know of any solutions NOT limited
by the 48KHz sampling?

Like you, it probably won't make a difference to me, but I'm
just getting started in this.

herm

 

[phofman]

This may help:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/sound-card-multiple-spdif-outs-164061/

 

[theAnonymous1]

I must be a noob, but I only see one coax or optical digital out.

Which card are you using? How do you get six?

While we are at it, do you know of any solutions NOT limited
by the 48KHz sampling?

Like you, it probably won't make a difference to me, but I'm
just getting started in this.

herm

I'm using the Audigy SB0092 card + kxdrivers + Thuneau Allocator.

There are actually eight digital outputs available via the 40 pin header. Below is a link that shows how to connect to these.

http://electricstart.de/site/optical.htm

There are probably better options than one of these Audigy cards, but they are dirt cheap and fun to play with.

 

[phofman]

Most of available multichannel audio is limited to 48kHz anyway.

For higher sample rates - ideally buying a card with multiple SPDIF outputs supporting the required rates.

DIYers with linux background can use several inexpensive identical cards with single SPDIF output, re-wire their crystal clock to ensure synchronization and configure alsa to see one large multichannel device.

http://quicktoots.linuxaudio.org/toots/el-cheapo/

http://www.sound-man.co.uk/linuxaudio/ice1712multi.html

 

[herm]

Alright, there is something I can sink my teeth into!!!

Audigy seems like a real cheap way to get started.

Also, Musicians friend has refurb M-Audio 2496s for
$80 each. Not too bad.

Phofman, I just loaded Ubuntu onto my desktop! Great
timing that you bring up ALSA.

Thanks everyone.

Herm