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PC audio cards to Processor

Hello, my question is probably out of the scope of this forum but I will ask any way.
I have decent audio system Mcintosh amps, processor Magico speakers etc.  The system is used for three purposes, home theater movies, stereo music and surround sound PC video games.  I connect the PC audio card to the processor via optical out from the audio card.  In order to get 5.1 surrond I have to set the audio card to 2 channel output even though it is a 5.1/7.1 Dolby DTS card.  If the audio cards software is  set to 5.1 etc. the result is stereo where only two channels received by the processor and converted to stereo on the system.  My question is this, does the processor convert the non Dolby non DTS two channel signal into dolby 5.1 surround.  In other words if I am using a quality PC audio card that is not Dolby and or DTS cabable and is two channel only (made for headphones) does the Dolby DTS enabled processor in this case a Mcintosh convert that two channel signal into the 5.1 surround signal?  

One other question:
Can anyone recommend the best internal PC audio card for 5.1  home theater use?  When PC audio cards are reviewed its almost always for use with headphones and not for componet (processor multiple amps mulitiple subs) driven home theater systems.

Thank you.
Guy
guyt

Showing 6 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
I also want to point out, you may wish to go this way:

Nvidia --> McIntosh --> TV

as this will let the Mc decode your audio directly. The other way:

Nvidia --> TV --> (via ARC) --> McIntosh


may work, but you have to use the right ARC port, and it’s iffy. If you already have it working though, you should be all set.
erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
If you want to try to usue 5.1 from a digital output, once you are there, select "Playback" tab, and then select your digital output, then "Properties" and finally, "Supported Formats"
erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
Assuming Windows 10:

In the search bar:
Search for : Control Panel
Click on: "Hardware and Sound"
Underneath Sound on the right click on: Manage Audio Devices.

You may even be able to change your digital output there. :)

Best,
E

erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
Sound cards are only needed to do the digital to analog conversion on the PC. However, that's not the only place this conversion can occur.

If you are using HDMI, there's no conversion. It sends the digital data stream including audio and video to your TV or processor, and the digital to analog conversion happens there.

You would connect your Nvidia directly to your Mcintosh processor. I notice you only have 1 HDMI port there. If your motherboard supports HDMI output you may be able to use it too if you need 1 for your monitor and 1 for your TV.

Best,
E
erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
HDMI provides full 5.1 digital output.

You don't even need a sound card for it. :)

You just have to select HDMI as the default audio. :)
erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
Why don't you use HDMI from the PC??
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