I apologize ahead of time if this question has been answered multiple times, but I couldn't find it. I am putting together a sound system on the cheap in my basement with discarded but still functional components - desktop computer with HDMI output, 55" TV, spare amps and speakers. I'm thinking I could buy a sound card (external or internal) that supports 7.1 or 5.1 / Dolby II, and directly drive my amps to watch/listen to online stuff like Netflix, Spotify, Youtube, etc. So the question is, do those sound cards support setting large/small speakers, distances, levels, etc., like receivers do? Or do I still need a receiver to properly set up a surround system? I have perused the specs of various sound cards but they don't seem to go into that type of detail. Thanks.
I know only about X-Fi Creative cards which have powerful on-board DSP for such features. Vast majority of other multichannel soundcards do this in software, before the actual driver. Many vendors include such software feature with their drivers.
Thanks, I'll take a look. I see the Creative Sound Blaster X3 with Super X-Fi for around $120 at Newegg - maybe better price elsewhere. I don't mind spending that if it'll meet my needs.
I repeatedly hear that most cards include the features I listed. I have studied users guides for various sound cards, but most don't go into sufficient detail to determine the actual settings. One card I looked at, don't recall which one, had fixed, non-adjustable delays for the speakers, so I know they don't all have the features I desire.
I repeatedly hear that most cards include the features I listed. I have studied users guides for various sound cards, but most don't go into sufficient detail to determine the actual settings. One card I looked at, don't recall which one, had fixed, non-adjustable delays for the speakers, so I know they don't all have the features I desire.
OK, back to square one. My system has no center channel as it is mainly used for music, with surround speakers providing some ambiance. "Sound Blaster Command", used for configuration on Creative's newer cards, does not support lack of a center channel in 5.1 mode. I couldn't believe it when Creative told me that, but I confirmed it via a question to Amazon users. The X-Fi cards seem aimed at gamers with headphones, with the on-board DSP dedicated to providing a virtual 7.1 sound field. So still in the hunt for a good card that will meet my needs.