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Splitting HDMI?

I have a pair of Gallo Acoustics SEs and powered subwoofer laying around. I would like to use them as my "computer speakers".  Tidal will be the main music source, but the speakers will also handle gameplay and YouTube videos.

The PC is an original Alienware X51 with an NVidia 1060 graphics card installed. I suppose I could replace that with something more current, but it has been a long time since I have seen a sound card in a PC.

Right now, I am using the only HDMI output on the graphics card to connect to the computer monitor (which has no speakers). The monitor does not have a toslink connection.  Sound is handled by a simple CA-Audio CA3602 2.1 powered speaker system.

Is there a way to also use that one HDMI connection to connect to both the monitor and the stereo gear?  Is there also an USB option for sound?  The Gallo Acoustics only want <100 wpc, so what gear would make sense to connect the PC's audio to (DAC, preamp, amp?)

I understand I could also tap off the PCs audio out (green connection) with a cable that ends in RCA outputs, but I have read that connection is the lowest sound quality.

As always, don't hesitate to offer brand name and model suggestions.
kythyn
8 responses Add your response
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
@kythyn there are many integrated amps with USB input now, so I think it would mostly depend on your budget and if you have any particular preference in sound quality.

If you're looking for something $1000 or less, a couple of Internet-direct options with 30 day trial periods are the Outlaw Audio RR2160 is $1000 and the Emotiva TA-100 is $400.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I have a friend who went through a few different HDMI splitter devices.  They are not all made the same.  He finally ended up with a Gefen, which was more expensive but it ended up working the best.  The other splitters had signal problems as well as compatibility problems.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1202411-REG/gefen_gtb_hd4k2k_142c_blk_1_x_2_hdmi.html/?ap=y&a...

The Gefen 1:2 HDMI splitter above is a lot more expensive, but it works.  The BHPhoto seems to have one of the better prices on this item.
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Nekoaudio,

Your suggestion sounds right.  The subwoofer is also from Gallo Acoustics and is powered.  The speakers then connect to the sub.

I'll look for amps with USB input.  Are there are any brands/models you might suggest?
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
@kythyn the Alienware X51 has USB ports built-in, so getting an integrated amp with USB audio input is probably your easiest and most cost effective solution. Depending on what your subwoofer is, the integrated amp may need to have an extra set of pre-outs (in addition to the speaker binding posts) so you can connect your subwoofer.
kythyn OP
58 posts
 
Cleeds, thank you, I'll look at that.  I wonder what the sound quality of a split HDMI signal is like.

Fuzztone, thank you.  I was looking at the Schitt line of products, but haven't figured out what to put between it and the PC.  Maybe an external sound card with USB to the PC and toslink or coax to the DAC/pre
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
You’ll get better SQ with a cheap preamp DAC. I DO NOT recommend FOSI because they are bad news but you could try this if you dare:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VDQQY95/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U.tyFb5W23DPD
For $50 you'll get Volume, Tone and a headphone tap.
Just make sure you use Amazon or PayPal protection.
Or try APOS if they ever get their site up.
Post removed 
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 
kythyn
Is there a way to also use that one HDMI connection to connect to both the monitor and the stereo gear?
Probably. Something like this might work.
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