2. pc-audio
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Digital audio to analog audio DAC on a PC?

Hi,

I have a 7.1 sound system and I'm trying to get my PC to convert a digital signal from a optical cable to a analog signal so it can be played through the sound system, however it seems I am having trouble getting it to work properly. I have all the speakers working fine with the conputer, but I don't know how to get the optical input to be converted over.

Any help on what I need to do this or cheap alternatives would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
t-robs66ce

Showing 2 responses by mark02131

mark02131's avatar
mark02131
99 posts
 
Your sound card should have a built in DAC and there should be an analog out on it.

If you only have digital/Optical output then you will need an external DAC to convert the Optical signal to analog. DAC's can run in any price range from moderiate to very expensive.

Some surround-recevers now have DAC's built into them where you can plug an optical cable directly into it and on the right input setting it should work. Some of these inputs are programable and may need to be set so you would have to check your manual on that.

Good Luck
mark02131's avatar
mark02131
99 posts
 
I just re-read your message, Are you trying to get a digital input INTO your PC and then out to the 7.1 If so you need to use the software that came with your sound card to redirect where you are getting the input from. I use an M-Audio audiophile 192 card that I can tell what input and output I want to use and it does the conversion for me.
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