This took me a while to figure out, so I thought I'd try to conglomerate this whole mess in one thread. First, there are 2 ways to connect the SB Audigy ZS 2 to your receiver.

Digital
Use a mono minijack to RCA connector. If you don't use a mono connector, it doesn't work. The part you need is this: RS 274-897 (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=274%2D897) Plug this adapter into the digital out hole on the soundcard and then run an RCA from it to the receiver. With this connection you will be sending a Dolby Digital signal to the receiver and the receiver will decode the signal. Realize that a DD signal doesn't mean that it will always be multichannel audio. A DD signal can be multichannel (DD5.1, DTS, etc) or it can be uncompressed 2 channel stereo. When you play a DVD the DD signal will be multichanne;. With all other sounds the DD signal will be only 2 channel stereo.

Analog
Use three stereo minijack to RCA connectors. This part will not work because the adapter is too big and the holes on the sound card are too close together: RS 274-369 (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=274%2D369). I just ordered three of these cables and I expect them to work just fine when they arrive: Belkin F8V235-12 (http://accessories.gateway.com/AccessoryStore/PC+Accessories_316441/Cables+and+Adapters_316495/Peripheral+Cables_316444/Audio_F1_Video+Cables_381975/1981670_ProdDetail) Plus these cables into the three holes in the sound card and plug the six RCAs into the analog inputs on your receiver (left, center, right, left surround, right surround, and subwoofer). With this connection you will be sending an analog signal to the receiver. When you play a DVD the soundcard will decode the DD5.1 signal and send the sounds to the correct speakers. With all other sounds, the soundcard decides which speakers get the sound.

So you want to play DVDs?
Both connections can give you multichannel audio, the difference is where you want the DD signal decoded. If you want the receiver to do this work, use the digital connection. If you want the soundcard to do this work, use the analog connection. I have a Denon 3803 receiver and so I would hope my $850 receiver is better at decoding the DD signal than an $80 soundcard. Any comments? In reality you probably can't tell the difference.

So you want to play games?
Most games sounds use EAX, which is something Creative invented just for that purpose. EAX provides multichannel audio and also applies effects to the sounds so that when you are in a tunnel sounds reverberate, when you are under water sounds are muffled, etc. With the analog connection the soundcard will apply the EAX effects and you will get multichannel audio. With the digital connection, games will only be 2 channel stereo.

What about this nForce2 Soundstorm thing?
Nvidia has a motherboard called the nForce2, but what we care about is that it has an MCP-T southbridge chipset. Any motherboard with this chipset has the ability to encode a DD multichannel audio signal. When you play a DVD the multichannel DD signal is passed through to the receiver. With all other sounds the DD signal will be only 2 channel stereo, except this chipset can handle EAX 2.0. Games that use EAX 2.0 and below will give you multichannel audio in the form of a DD multichannel encoded signal that your receiver will decode. However, the very latest version of EAX is 4.0, so motherboards with this chipset won't be giving you the latest and best EAX effects. I'm not sure if there are even any EAX 4.0 games at this time. I would assume that HalfLife 2 will be EAX 4.0, can anyone confirm?

Please feel free to add any info or comments.

Well this sunk like a rock. :) Hopefully people can find it with a search!

Great looking guide, only a few comments:

Originally posted by NaTeDoGG
Digital
Use a mono minijack to RCA connector. If you don't use a mono connector, it doesn't work.
You can use the left side of a stereo connector.

So you want to play games?
With the digital connection, games will only be 2 channel stereo.
Games that use Dolby Pro-Logic surround will provide surround sound via the S/PDIF connection (if the receiver is in Pro-Logic mode), but that's splitting hairs.

Originally posted by helzerr
You can use the left side of a stereo connector.I tried this and it did not work! Thought I had a bum card or something, but went out and bought a mono adapter and everything was gravy. Very bizarre as others have mentioned this works and some others have said it didn't work for them.

Originally posted by helzerr
Games that use Dolby Pro-Logic surround will provide surround sound via the S/PDIF connection, but that's splitting hairs. Not at all, that is interesting to know.

HorrorScope said:
Why digital out? I use it for stereo music. As you mention above I have the receiver turn the 2-channel stereo output into 5 channels so all the speakers are being used, to have full room sound.

Everything else I'm using Analog, although I could go either way with the movies. Once you have it setup it's a snap. Usually it will be one button on your remote to go either way on the receiver. In software you won't have to do anything. Games are analog, the receiver doesn’t know how to handle computer game surround, that is all done on the sound card.

Quality for everything imo is quite good for non-audiophiles.

Cable needs: Those mini-rca-stereo male headphone ends. Those go into the SB, check your receiver for analog in's they are usually standard RCA inputs. You will need three of these cable (males both end). (Front L/R, Back L/R, Sub/Center). That’s your analog path.

As mentioned above you also need the mono-mini headphone adapter mini(male) to rca(female) for digital out on the back of the SB. Then get a standard RCA cable (male both ends) and send that to your receiver. This will be your digital path.

Good job. Hope this will be a sticky note on top of the forum.

A few things I have to add:

(1) nForce2 SoundStorm - I believe DirectSound3D can also be multi-channel. Hence you will also get 5.1 sound out of your receiver if your game supports DS3D and multi-channels.

(1) EAX 4.0 or EAX HD. I believe UT2003/2004 supports this as well as Call Of Duty.

First, I got to say thanks for this FAQ. It really helped me out alot in solving some of the problems I have with my Audigy 2 ZS.

I've hooked up both the analog as well as digital outputs to my Yamaha RX-V340 as per the FAQ. Digital works beautifully, but I've some problem with analog.

The channels are decoded fine off the card to 5.1 and sounds great for games, but I seem to be losing bass, especially when playing mp3s, not to mention dvd-audio. My subwoofer just doesn't seem to be activated at all. (subwoofer sounds great off digital out)

Tweaked around alot of the settings for the soundcard but all I got was some distortion off the sub if I put bass high, with no improvement on the sound quality. When testing channels with the Creative sotware, the subwoofer also emits some weird squeaking sound after afew seconds (after the low test rumble). Any advice on this? I'm using a stereo minijack to 2 RCA as specified.

Currently I resigned to the fate that I have to use digital out for everything else, and analog out JUST for games. This really isn't a problem except I can't seem to convert my 2 channel stereo to 5.1 on my amp (damn DSP settings), and the fact that dvd-audio sounds really flat now without bass. :( Help!!!

Nate, if you want 7.1 sound out of the audigy zs you need different cables from the mini jacks...

http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&id=ID1357920&partno=05021&search=SOUND&rsite=pccables.com&rcode=

The only game I know that utilizes EAX 4 is Colin McRae Rally4 and it sounds good on a 7.1 setup!...oh, possibly the new Myst.

Call of Duty and UT2004 utilize EAX HD. Others that will probably support both EAX HD and DS3D is Half Life 2 and Far Cry.

I use a stereo rca cable for digital out with my Audigy 2 and it works.

Maybe there is a diff btw Audigy 2 and Audigy 2 'ZS'.

Originally posted by N3W81E
I use a stereo rca cable for digital out with my Audigy 2 and it works.

Maybe there is a diff btw Audigy 2 and Audigy 2 'ZS'.

ZS is 7.1 while the 2 only is 5.1

Audigy2 is 6.1 while ZS is 7.1.

mjcummings, thanks! I had no idea where to look for a 4 pole minjack--with your hint, I found one at rat shack, part #16-3686.

With the Audigy2 ZS Platinum, can you achieve getting the EAX sounds if you are using the optical out to an audio receiver?

Also, how does this hardware setup? Is there a PCI card and then something that goes in one of the DVD slots in your case out front for the optical hookups, etc.?

Originally posted by JoeFigueiredo
With the Audigy2 ZS Platinum, can you achieve getting the EAX sounds if you are using the optical out to an audio receiver?


No, you must use the analog outs. For DD and DTS you can use the optical/coax out at the same time. Just change the inputs on your receiver.

Will DVD-Audio disks play through a single digital connection, or do you have to use multiple analog?

Originally posted by Quest88
First, I got to say thanks for this FAQ. It really helped me out alot in solving some of the problems I have with my Audigy 2 ZS.

I've hooked up both the analog as well as digital outputs to my Yamaha RX-V340 as per the FAQ. Digital works beautifully, but I've some problem with analog.

The channels are decoded fine off the card to 5.1 and sounds great for games, but I seem to be losing bass, especially when playing mp3s, not to mention dvd-audio. My subwoofer just doesn't seem to be activated at all. (subwoofer sounds great off digital out)

Tweaked around alot of the settings for the soundcard but all I got was some distortion off the sub if I put bass high, with no improvement on the sound quality. When testing channels with the Creative sotware, the subwoofer also emits some weird squeaking sound after afew seconds (after the low test rumble). Any advice on this? I'm using a stereo minijack to 2 RCA as specified.

Currently I resigned to the fate that I have to use digital out for everything else, and analog out JUST for games. This really isn't a problem except I can't seem to convert my 2 channel stereo to 5.1 on my amp (damn DSP settings), and the fact that dvd-audio sounds really flat now without bass. :( Help!!!

I have the same problem w/ my original audigy 2. There were plenty of others that also had this. The old audigy threads are probably gone by now but you might try a search. I've never found a solution, but let us all know if you do. I've assumed that something is wrong with the bass channel on the card itself.

Creative has diabled the dvd audio-digital out (analog works) so we can't record it. If I would have known this I would have never bought this card.
Unfortunately I can't even listen to it now because I use digital out to my klipsch promedia 5.1(unless I want to switch my cables back and forth).
Just another example how we pay for something and can't use it due to some idiots fear we may copy it.
p.s left side of stereo mini/rca works for me...

Even if Creative some how let DVD-Audio pass over the digital out, will your receiver decode it? Probably not. So don't blame Creative for it.

There are a few proprietary digital out solution for DVD-Audio (like Pioneer) but you need both the player and the receiver from the same company to achieve it (assume both actually have the DVD-A support in it). There is no standard way of transport DVD-A digitally because Lables/Studios fear of illegal copying.

With the Audigy2 ZS Platinum, can you achieve DD/DTS out if using the optical connection to a Yamaha 540 receiver?

I have mine on all SPDIF bypass settings, including the DVD plalyer software (WinDVD), and can't get audio at all when SPDIF is bypassed, and when set to decode, I get sound but not DD/DTS.

I'm thinking I need to also hookup the mini-jack to RCA connector in the back of the unit to my digital connection on my receiver. Anyone able to let me know if this is the case?

Originally posted by JoeFigueiredo
With the Audigy2 ZS Platinum, can you achieve DD/DTS out if using the optical connection to a Yamaha 540 receiver?

I have mine on all SPDIF bypass settings, including the DVD plalyer software (WinDVD), and can't get audio at all when SPDIF is bypassed, and when set to decode, I get sound but not DD/DTS.

Make sure you have the Audigy 2 ZS's onboard DD/DTS decoding disabled. You'll find this setting in the AudioHQ application (one of the two icons in there on my system).

I'm thinking I need to also hookup the mini-jack to RCA connector in the back of the unit to my digital connection on my receiver. Anyone able to let me know if this is the case?
I have 3 stereo mini-jack to stereo RCA cables for 5.1 surround (EAX games and WMV audio). I also have a mono mini-jack to mono RCA for passing DD/DTS out to the receiver. I have just the basic Aud2ZS, so I don't have any optical connections. I expect if you disable the onboard decoding your optical cable will work fine.

So in using optical hookups do I disable it in the AudioHQ in two places:

Device Controls - Digital Input - SPDIF Bypass
AND
Device Controls - Decoder - SPDIF Passthrough

Finally, in for example, WINDVD5, what do I sleect in the Audio screens? Do I select Digital SPDIF Out to External Decoder, or do I select Analog Output?

bump

I seem to be having a problem with my Audigy sound card... hooked up to Denon 3805 through radio shack adapter using spdif pass through. I receive full digital sound on receiver when playing a DVD through TheaterTek software. My problem comes about when I check speakers in Audigy control panel and I only get sound out of my front right and left speakers... no sound from center, sub, rears. Also very strange when I play the Coral Reef Adventure DVD I get the same response as above. Do I have a setting wrong in my soundcard configuration? or on my Denon Receiver?

Also when playing a DVD through TheaterTek my receiver shows all speakers working... dolby digital etc. When playing The coral Reef Adventure the receiver shows PCM and no speakers?

Thanks

Keith

Yes, Coral Reef uses WMA which requires analog outs. Most, if not all, of the WM9 releases do. So in reality you need both analong and digital hookups if you both use Theatertek for DVDs and want to play WMA audio.

-MP

Thank you Mp I had a feeling that is what I needed to do... appreciate the quick answer.

Keith

Originally posted by JoeFigueiredo

Finally, in for example, WINDVD5, what do I sleect in the Audio screens? Do I select Digital SPDIF Out to External Decoder, or do I select Analog Output?

Digital SPDIF Out to External Decoder :)

Am I missing something? What is wrong with Coax/SPDIF out of the break out box directly to the receiver. What is the advantage of the RCA mini jack over this connection?

Well, some folks prefer analog, but more to the point, with the Audigy 2 ZS, I think it has to do with DVD-Audio support and possibly multi-channel game support. You need the analog outs for that.

- David

Time for my own question... is anyone having problems getting the subwoofer output passed correctly? I've got the standard Audigy2 (not ZS) connected via digital to my Denon 3805. My 3805 is set with a crossover frequency of 80, and my sub is also set to 80. If I leave the sub in auto on, it never gets enough signal to kick in when I play a DVD with TT. Even DVDs that should seriously power it like U571's depth charging don't turn it on. Other sources like my Voom box do kick it in, so it's got to be something with the Audigy configuration. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
MP

Madpoet - sounds like you have the same problem with the card's AC3 decoder taking the 5.1 stream, decoding it and then only passing front left/right through the spdif. Poke around the control panel for the card until you find mention of AC3 or dolby-digital and then make sure to disable it. Also make sure your DVD player is set to output to spdif. (If you don't disable AC3 decoding in the Audigy's control panels, it acts like a "virtual sp-dif" which over-rides the real sp-dif port and intercepts the AC3 stream and decodes it for analog output, but the real sp-dif carries a copy of the front L/R (in stereo-PCM) output that is also being sent to the front L/R analog outs, which you probably don't have connected).

Ahhh..... I will definately have to take a look. Many thanks.

-MP

Im not sure that Im getting this yet. If I use a mono minijack to RCA connector then connect and RCA cable to it, where do I connect it to my reciever (Denon 3803)? How can you get surround sound or even stereo from one RCA connection?

You connect it to a digital coax in on your 3803. It passes a digital signal which the 3803 translates to the appropriate sound type.

-MP

I get it thanks!

Ok, still having problems. I have the latest version of the Audigy control panel. I disabled CMS, and have effects set to off. I can't find any settings for EAX or Pro Logic :(.

In TT, I tried a couple things. If I set it to SPDIF, then when I play a 5.1 track I only get front left and right (which seems to indicate the problem you said above). If I set it to Dolby Pro Logic, then it plays the track but I lose some of what I feel like I should have in the surround. So, I'm mightily confused. Any advice?

-MP

I can't find anywhere to disable AC3 decoding... can someone point me to it?

Thanks,
MP

madpoet, I think it is in AudioHQ. Do you have that installed?

Yeah, I found it. I keep forgetting that the applet is there :)

I have an old AC3 decoder from the laser disc era and I was wondering if I connected my rca out into the decoder if I could get better luck with DD5.1 games. Anyone know if it would make a difference?

soo.. if you have your soundcard's SPDIF output hooked up to your receiver, (and AC-3 decode turned off) should you be hearing anything out of your center, and rear speakers when doing a "Test" in AudioHQ?

I've tried this over and over through the years, using different sound cards (all from creative), computers and receivers, it's always stumped me..

Groovadelic --> The only sounds coming from the test should be from the left and right channels, since the test only sends out analog signals. As an S/PDIF connection produces left and right channel "analog" signals already, you can hear those fine.

The rest -- nope. However, for example, if you connected your rear speakers directly to your sound card, you WOULD be able to hear the rear channels during the test.

Thanks, yeah, reading through the threads I realized I'll need to hook up analog output in addition to the SPDIF out
Thanks for the reply

I think I have this setup correctly, but I'm not getting a Dolby digital signal in/out of my receiver for .ts file playback. My receiver display changes on a digital signal indicating thats it's Dolby Digital or DTS.

Does Theatertek play .ts files?

If not, does anyone know of a player that will play .ts files and output the AC-3 audio correctly via my Audigy2 ZS spdif jack?

Thanks in advance

Are there any soundcards available that will encode all windows audio into 5.1? That way the spdif and optical connections will play surround sound in the same manner as connecting the analog cables for Fr/l, Rr/l, C/S...

If none are out now, in which generation of soundblaster cards will this feature finally be implemented?

how about 4-pole mini-plug to a single coax?

I get digital front R/L when using the Y-cable and left RCA.

I get digital rear R/L when using the Y-cable and right RCA.

I suspect that I would get center/sub if using the video RCA off a 4-pole to 3 RCA adapter.

(thats all using the speaker test, so I suspect that EAX games would be properly encoded too)

Can all 3 digital channels be combined for COAX input to my receiver?

BTW, I am using the Digital Out from a SBLive 5.1 card.

I could not get analog to work either. The problem was
with my av receiver setting. I was showing the input was digital and
It would light up dolby surround. I change the to setting to not digital
(of course no lights come on the av receiver) and I have the full sound.
Hope this helps.

regarding the nforce soundstorm, you can make it encode anything on the fly to dd 5.1 spec. Now, not everything has the appropriate channels (like center) I have a few mp3's that don't have a center channel, but have surrounds with no problems.
All games get encoded into 5.1 on the fly, it is truely amazing.

"Are there any soundcards available that will encode all windows audio into 5.1?"

the newest version of AC3filter should allow you to transcode 6-channel WMA to DD5.1. this should be able to be done on any card.

I am just now addressing this issue of hooking my Audigy 2 ZS to my RDC-7 pre/pro. Fortunately, it has a multi-channel input. Unfortunately, it has been a chore to find the "4-pole" 3.5mm to three RCA plugs required by the ZS. The lamers at CL are out of stock and don't have a clue as to when they'd be resupplied. At that point, i turned to this wonderful resource.

In reviewing this thread I discover two links to this elusive animal. One at PC Cables (http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&id=ID1357920&partno=05021&search=SOUND&rsite=pccables.com&rcode=) and one at Radio Shack (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F001%5F003%5F004%5F000&product%5Fid=16%2D3686&hp=search). As nobody has complained about these not fitting, may I assume that two of them fit side by side on the back of the Audigy?

It's a shame to have a soundcard with what seems to be audiophile sampling rates and word length DACs and then to run the signal through what is actually an A/V (stereo & composite video) patch cord.

Has anybody found an audiophile version on which I can spend an obsene amount of money and have piece of mind?

bump

I have an Audigy 2 zs running digital out through mini-RCA adapter to digital coax to receiver. However, I dont seem to be getting true DD5.1 sound -at least from DD5.1 games. I have disabled the encoding on the card (this is what is recommended, but shouldnt be necessary- as coax in from encoded component DVD player works fine for DD5.1 and DTS). My receiver shows incoming signal from games such as Far Cry (5.1) as ProLogic source. What gives? I dont have DVD-rom in my PC, so cant pop in movie and try that.

Unfortunately, receiver is about 20' from my PC, so I was hoping to just run a single cable (digital). But, sounds like I ought to hook up the analog tangle of wires though... yes? As this will allow use of all speakers- for games, mp3s, etc...

Main use for my setup will be gaming. Does EAX and HD simulate multichannel? (i.e. hear stuff behind- and around you?) - this requires analog, as i understand it.

btw- receiver is Panasonic saxr10 (til i get a real one...)

thx for comments

yes, to get *real* multichannel gaming sound off an Audigy, you need to run the analog cables. SPDIF will only give you 2 channel PCM since the Audigy does not contain a realtime DD encoder.

I can comment on your last issue. If I didn't play games, I'd have an M-Audio soundcard. However, I DO play games - and I want the surround environment that the creators incorporate. For that, one needs a Creative Labs card. I chose the 2 ZS because I have a 7.1 surround system. The Audigy has all the latest versions of all the popular surround schemes. It will decode DD5.1, but it's the EAX, specifically, that I wanted. The card decodes it and outputs it in analog, hence the need for the multi-channel 1/8" mini to RCA phono plugs. I use ones from Radio Shack - their A/V camera cable.

Originally posted by TheGloucesterman
I have an Audigy 2 zs running digital out through mini-RCA adapter to digital coax to receiver. However, I dont seem to be getting true DD5.1 sound -at least from DD5.1 games. I have disabled the encoding on the card (this is what is recommended, but shouldnt be necessary- as coax in from encoded component DVD player works fine for DD5.1 and DTS). My receiver shows incoming signal from games such as Far Cry (5.1) as ProLogic source. What gives? I dont have DVD-rom in my PC, so cant pop in movie and try that.

Unfortunately, receiver is about 20' from my PC, so I was hoping to just run a single cable (digital). But, sounds like I ought to hook up the analog tangle of wires though... yes? As this will allow use of all speakers- for games, mp3s, etc...

Main use for my setup will be gaming. Does EAX and HD simulate multichannel? (i.e. hear stuff behind- and around you?) - this requires analog, as i understand it.

btw- receiver is Panasonic saxr10 (til i get a real one...)

thx for comments

Just to note I am not having a problem getting the sub to kick in in either digital or analog mode like some have described above.

When you do your speaker sound tests does it send the signal to your bass? There series of drivers/apps are a bit daunting and they like to change on their own sometime. That would be honestly my only negative with the card.

Originally posted by HorrorScope
Just to note I am not having a problem getting the sub to kick in in either digital or analog mode like some have described above.

When you do your speaker sound tests does it send the signal to your bass? There series of drivers/apps are a bit daunting and they like to change on their own sometime. That would be honestly my only negative with the card.

Yes, signal is outputted on the subwoofer channel during speaker level testing.

Has anyone had luck using an I/O daughtercard? I hooked up my old sblive 5.1 I/O daughtercard to my Audigy2, since I didn't have a mini/rca cable. Not getting any sound out of the coax spdif. I guess I'll have to stop by ratshack on the way home and get the correct cable.

And can someone clarify the using the mini to stereo rca cables for analog thing for me, as far as what rca goes where in the receiver? I'm sure for the front & rear channels, its pretty straight forward (the white rca from the front output will go in the FL input on the receiver, and the red will go in FR, and same with the rear). But what about the rest? how do the center, rear center, and subwoofer work?

Originally posted by pepar
I can comment on your last issue. If I didn't play games, I'd have an M-Audio soundcard. However, I DO play games - and I want the surround environment that the creators incorporate. For that, one needs a Creative Labs card. I chose the 2 ZS because I have a 7.1 surround system. The Audigy has all the latest versions of all the popular surround schemes. It will decode DD5.1, but it's the EAX, specifically, that I wanted. The card decodes it and outputs it in analog, hence the need for the multi-channel 1/8" mini to RCA phono plugs. I use ones from Radio Shack - their A/V camera cable.

thanks- Another quick question:

I have to run cables about 20' to my receiver. For a 5.1 connection -correct me if i am wrong- I would need 3 3-pole miniplug to RCA Y-adapters and 6 20' rca (male to male) cables... girlfriend is gonna love that!

Btw- how does the signal split up into the individual rca cables? does this take some playing with to make sure rear left to rear left, etc.?

yeah, what he said.

Yep. Just use the Creative Labs speaker configuration to send signals to all the speakers and play with the cables until you get it hooked up right.

For 5.1:

One jack splits into Right/Left Front.
One jack splits into Right/Left Rear.
3rd jack splits into front speaker/subwoofer.

My Audigy 2 ZS came with a chart showing which connector was which, but you can figure it out easily from trial and error.

Originally posted by AVnuB
Has anyone had luck using an I/O daughtercard? I hooked up my old sblive 5.1 I/O daughtercard to my Audigy2, since I didn't have a mini/rca cable. Not getting any sound out of the coax spdif. I guess I'll have to stop by ratshack on the way home and get the correct cable.

And can someone clarify the using the mini to stereo rca cables for analog thing for me, as far as what rca goes where in the receiver? I'm sure for the front & rear channels, its pretty straight forward (the white rca from the front output will go in the FL input on the receiver, and the red will go in FR, and same with the rear). But what about the rest? how do the center, rear center, and subwoofer work?

Check your Audigy manual for a pin-out diagram. It will tell you which mini jack splits into which channels.

Originally posted by TheGloucesterman
thanks- Another quick question:

I have to run cables about 20' to my receiver. For a 5.1 connection -correct me if i am wrong- I would need 3 3-pole miniplug to RCA Y-adapters and 6 20' rca (male to male) cables... girlfriend is gonna love that!

Btw- how does the signal split up into the individual rca cables? does this take some playing with to make sure rear left to rear left, etc.?

Yep, you need 3 - 3-pole (2-channel) 1/8" mini plug to two RCA phono plug cables. Check your soundcard manual for a diagram showing the channel assignments.

I just finished setting up my audio connections today and finally got the s/pdif passthrough working with my audigy 2 to my denon 3803. Anyways I was playing the superbit spiderman today(looks great with zoomplayer and ffdshow btw), and halfway through I realized I was only playing the DD audio track. I went and switched over to the DTS track only to find there was no sound playing.

Any obvious reason for this? As I said I am using zoom player with the Ac3 filter on s/pdif passthrough mode. I have an audigy 2 hooked up with minjack y-splitter to the coax input on my denon. As I said DD was working fine but no dts....

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I cannot disable software decoding. there is no pass thru available in the audi Hq area so I guess I will have to go with Analog connections?

Originally posted by Dean Martin
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, I cannot disable software decoding. there is no pass thru available in the audi Hq area so I guess I will have to go with Analog connections?

Have you checked the control panel? There is a "decoder" tab that turns on and off the installed decoder. Here is a picture of it. (http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/creative-audigy2-zs_7.html)

Thanks for the pic pepar. It confirms what I thought, I do not have those tabs available.
I have a Dell Dimension XPS and I'll bet it's like a custome version or something. My card has a digital out on the back at the top of the card but I'll bet it isn't active or something like that.

Originally posted by Dean Martin
Thanks for the pic pepar. It confirms what I thought, I do not have those tabs available.
I have a Dell Dimension XPS and I'll bet it's like a custome version or something. My card has a digital out on the back at the top of the card but I'll bet it isn't active or something like that.

That's silly, even from Dell. Perhaps you can uninstall the software - and maybe the card as well - and then install the full suite of Audigy software.

I know. I don't understand why those tabs aren't there. I would think that is on all the audigy stuff.
I had a problem with my USB ports on this PC and expecting my replacement tower from Dell any minute now so I will check into it.

I'm wondering though, if I shouldn't just use the 3 y connectors and go with multi channel in on my receiver.

Originally posted by Dean Martin
I know. I don't understand why those tabs aren't there. I would think that is on all the audigy stuff.
I had a problem with my USB ports on this PC and expecting my replacement tower from Dell any minute now so I will check into it.

I'm wondering though, if I shouldn't just use the 3 y connectors and go with multi channel in on my receiver.

If you game, you need to use the analog outs because your receiver will not decode EAX or A3D. If you have an Audigy 2 ZS and play DVD-A's, you need to use the analog outs because the Audigy will not pass DVD-A on the digital output. Otherwise - for DVD-Videos - use the digital out and let your receiver do the decoding.

Well, I do a mix of things so I guess Analog would be the way to go but then I wouldn't get 'dolby digital' would I?

The Audigy 2 decodes DD - up to DD EX (6.1).

Right, but I was concerned if I used the Analog outputs that I would not be getting true 5.1 like i do with a DVD player.

Here's my minor dilemma. I have a projector home theater set-up in my basement. I also have my computer set-up near by so I would like to connect my PC to the projector. I don't always want to use my PC on the projector though but somehow I would like to integrate this stuff together when I do decide to use it.
Unfortunately I bought these THX Logitech speakers which sound fantastic but if I use my receiver, these speakers go to waste.

Originally posted by Dean Martin
Right, but I was concerned if I used the Analog outputs that I would not be getting true 5.1 like i do with a DVD player.

Here's my minor dilemma. I have a projector home theater set-up in my basement. I also have my computer set-up near by so I would like to connect my PC to the projector. I don't always want to use my PC on the projector though but somehow I would like to integrate this stuff together when I do decide to use it.
Unfortunately I bought these THX Logitech speakers which sound fantastic but if I use my receiver, these speakers go to waste.

Yes, you would get the same DD 5.1 (or 6.1) with the Audigy as you would with your receiver.

Your receiver switches digital audio? Has a 5.1 (or 7.1) passthrough?

I'm not sure about a 'passthrough' but it has multi in.

Originally posted by Dean Martin
I'm not sure about a 'passthrough' but it has multi in.

OK. Here's what I'm doing. The 7.1 analog output of the Audigy goes into my pre/pro's multi-channel input, essentially "bypass"-ing everything (but the volume control), and the Audigy's coaxial digital output goes to one of my pre/pro's digital inputs. The audio from DVD-videos played on my HTPC goes through this digital connection to my pre/pro as a DD or DTS stream and is decoded by my pre/pro. Game audio, decoded by the Audigy, on the analog outputs bypasses the pre/pro's controls - except for volume - and goes to my amps/speakers. As the pre/pro's circuits are bypassed, the setup for distance and level, etc, must be done on the Audigy's control panel. DVD-Audio, decoded by the Audigy, is also outputted via analog.

Did that help?

I CAN Connect Mine like that but I don't think I will get the digital to work.
I'll stick with analog I guess

Ok.

First off, you can't get Surround for games using Digital. 2ndly If you are going to a reciever with 5.1, you will need to get a 4 pole Mini to RCA cable.

the 4 pole cable is listed at monstercable's website as a video cam 8mm to RCA adapter. It has a Mini and 3 RCA's Yellow Red and White. The Yellow plugs into Sub, and White goes into Center, or something like that.


2ndly.

Most games don't program the EAX properly for the subwoofer, Battle Field 1942 is one of those, and farcry is the same. There might be a new patch for far cry that fixes the sub signaling. Try instralling the Games that came with the card, and try the 5.1 speaker setup for that game.

Also make sure you download creaitive labs. EAX4 Patch. That should fix any issues you are having if any exist.

That about wraps it up.

Originally posted by Dean Martin
I CAN Connect Mine like that but I don't think I will get the digital to work.
I'll stick with analog I guess

I must've missed your post Dean Martin.

Why would you think that?

Originally posted by CountLovE
First off, you can't get Surround for games using Digital.

Could you explain your statement? I'm not sure what you mean.

CountLovE, check out the first post in this thread. You can get 5.1 surround in games with EAX 2.0 support or above using the nForce2 MCP-T southbridge motherboard chipset. As for needing a 4-pole minijack (minijack to triple RCA) for 5.1, this may be the case with some other cards, but not the Audigy 2 ZS. You need three 3-pole minijacks (minijack to dual RCA) for analog 5.1 surround with the Audigy 2 ZS. I believe you will need two 3-pole and one 4-pole if you want to do analog 7.1 surround with the Audigy 2 ZS. I don't have 7.1 so I can't say for sure, but it was posted how to get it earlier in this thread.

Originally posted by NaTeDoGG
I believe you will need two 3-pole and one 4-pole if you want to do analog 7.1 surround with the Audigy 2 ZS.

It's 2 - 4-pole mini-to-RCA's and 1 - 3-pole mini-to-RCA's to do 7.1. I've found that Radio Shack has a high quality 4-pole cable. It's actually a camcorder cable meant for stereo and composite video, and not displaed in their audio cable section.

Originally posted by pepar
It's 2 - 4-pole mini-to-RCA's and 1 - 3-pole mini-to-RCA's to do 7.1.Oops, you're right!

3 + 3 + 2 = 7 + 1

I knew I should've paid attention better in school. ;)

Anyone used any of the Monster cables to hook your Audidgy 2 ZS to your AV receiver? My receiver is a 5.1 system, so according to this thread I should need 3 three pole (2 RCA plug) cables.

I was thinking about using one of the following cables:

Mini to RCA 2 plug #1 (http://www.monstercable.com/thx/productPageTHX.asp?pin=1613)
http://www.monstercable.com/images_db/home_av/thx/standard/THX_I_MINI_tn.jpg

Mini to RCA 2 plug #2 (http://www.monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=432)
http://www.monstercable.com/images_db/home_av/audio/IP200_GLAM_2_tn.jpg


I think the first one listed would be the best one to use as it looks more compact on the mini jack end to plug in to the card . Any ideas or suggestions?

Also, I know most people believe Monster to be overrated, overpriced, etc., so no flames please. I get Monster cables at a discount, but once I buy I can't return.

Thanks,
JT

Hard to say if either of those will fit. :( I was bummed when the Ratshack connectors were too big (though the cables I ordered from Gateway were way cheaper).

Yes, the center-to-center distance between the jacks is not all that large, but who would expect it to be? Lotta stuff to fit on a single slot solution. I use Radio Shacks cables, so I know they work well.

I would just like to confirm... Does none of this work on a regular Sound Blaster Audigy? The back of mine has 6 holes, and the 5.1 sound speakers that came with my Dell computer hook into the first 3 jacks and create 5.1 sound. So I'm using those three holes trying to get 5.1 in Doom 3 in my theater room, but so far only the third hole is producing any sound...any ideas?

Audigy - 5.1 sound - EAX, A3D, etc - 3 jacks, all 2 channels per jack = 6 channels (5 + 1)

Audigy 2 - 6.1 - as above with Dolby Digital 6.1 - not 100% sure of the layout, but one of the 2-chanel jacks is now a 3-channel, or "4-pole" as CL likes to call it)

Audigy 2 ZS - 7.1 - as above adding THX certification and DVD-A - 3 jacks, 2 3-channel ones and 1 2-channel.

I now know for sure I should be getting 5.1. But I'm always getting stereo. Does anyone have ANY idea where my settings are screwed up? Only one of my output jacks is working, and my Persono Aidio Control Center is only reading TWO speakers, Left and Right. I have it set to play 5.1 in Persono, but it won't. It's downright STRANGE.

Sorry, I forgot to mention... I now have it hooked up to where I have played 5.1 before. I've heard it with my own ears. Only now it plays stereo. SOMETHING is wrong...

Just a thought here, Kurozuguchi, have you looked at the manual? I have an Audigy 2 ZS, so I can't help much with where to plug what or software settings.

UNBELIEVABLE... It turns out the Audigy 2 is what I have. And not only that, but it took me hours to realize I had it set to Stereo in Mediasource. :-(

Originally posted by Kurozuguchi
UNBELIEVABLE... It turns out the Audigy 2 is what I have. And not only that, but it took me hours to realize I had it set to Stereo in Mediasource. :-(

Great! I guess that means you've got it all figured out?

Thanks for all the great information. Complete newbie to this A/V stuff and just upgrading everything at once. I am certainly biting off way more than I can chew which is exactly how I would want it.

My setup is going to be a Z2 projector with Xbox, Comcast HDTV, and HTPC. The PC and Xbox are the only parts of this this I currently own and I don't have any stereo equipment at all. I have an audigy 2 soundcard and some Dell THX speakers that are probably only suitable for sitting at a Desk.

As I understand it, there are no TV capture cards that can handle HDTV (except for over the air) so any sort of timeshifting would have to be done though comcast. the Z2 has no audio capability so I need some sort of receiver and speaker set to watch cable or to play xbox? And as long as I need this receiver and speaker set, it should take input from the Audigy for my HTPC sound? I am not an audiophile at all, any recommendations on something that would work for my situation?

Originally posted by haasd
Thanks for all the great information. Complete newbie to this A/V stuff and just upgrading everything at once. I am certainly biting off way more than I can chew which is exactly how I would want it.

My setup is going to be a Z2 projector with Xbox, Comcast HDTV, and HTPC. The PC and Xbox are the only parts of this this I currently own and I don't have any stereo equipment at all. I have an audigy 2 soundcard and some Dell THX speakers that are probably only suitable for sitting at a Desk.

As I understand it, there are no TV capture cards that can handle HDTV (except for over the air) so any sort of timeshifting would have to be done though comcast. the Z2 has no audio capability so I need some sort of receiver and speaker set to watch cable or to play xbox? And as long as I need this receiver and speaker set, it should take input from the Audigy for my HTPC sound? I am not an audiophile at all, any recommendations on something that would work for my situation?

Thgat's pretty much it. You sound like you're on the right path. You'll also need a way to switch video inputs to your projector. Perhaps the built-in switching will be enough. Research the various sources you'll have as well as the PJ and planned receiver and diagram it if you have to.

Will any receiver take input from the Audigy? Is there any feature I need to make sure I get? Sorry for the basic question but I really don't know anything at all about receivers.

Originally posted by pepar

Audigy 2 ZS - 7.1 - as above adding THX certification and DVD-A - 3 jacks, 2 3-channel ones and 1 2-channel.

Pepar, what do u do f you have Audigy 2 ZS and want to connect to 5.1 system?

Do I still use three 2 channel cables? Or is it the two 3 channel & one 1 two channel (and not use the RL and RR plugs)?


Thanks,
JT

Originally posted by gt5059b
Pepar, what do u do f you have Audigy 2 ZS and want to connect to 5.1 system?

Do I still use three 2 channel cables? Or is it the two 3 channel & one 1 two channel (and not use the RL and RR plugs)?


Thanks,
JT

Two paths are available to you:

1. Buy the 3-channel (4-pole) cables and only use the channels necessary for 5.1. You will be ready if you ever go 6.1 or 7.1. or

2. Buy only the 2-channel (3-pole) cables.

Originally posted by haasd
Will any receiver take input from the Audigy? Is there any feature I need to make sure I get? Sorry for the basic question but I really don't know anything at all about receivers.

The Audigy has digital output and analog output. If you game and want EAX and the other computer surround codecs, you'll use the analog outs. For that, you'll need a receiver with 6-channel - or 8-channel - analog bypass connections. The card does the decoding and sends signals through the receiver untouched - except for volume, usually - and out your speakers. Playing DVD-A on the A 2 ZS will also require the analoq bypasses on the receiver. All other audio - system sounds, CDs, MP3s, etc, outputs via the digital connection. For that you only need a receiver with a digital input.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer these basic questions. This is all pretty daunting to go into all at once.

Originally posted by haasd
Thanks again for taking the time to answer these basic questions. This is all pretty daunting to go into all at once.

Not a problem at all. I was where you are at one time and appreciated all the help I found on AVS Forum. Now I can - sometimes - return the favor.

I'm lost here; can you get me going in the right direction?

I have an Audigt2 zs in my new gaming PC that I'm trying to use as an mp3 jukebox. I ran RJ-6 from the pc to my Onkyo receiver (60 feet); I used a mono 1/8" to co axle adapter plugged into the data jack on the Audigy and a RCA to co axle plugged into the digital jack at the receiver. I set the receiver to receive digital signal from this port. I opened up windows media player and loaded an mp3 and got nothing from the receiver.

What is wrong here?

Do I have to disable ac3 decoding in audiohq? I can not find that option. I go to start>programs>Creative>sound blaster audigy2 zs>creative audiohq and it opens a window with two icons in it. Device controls and eax control panel with no options for ac3. And a drop down box with SB Audigy2 ZS [DE 80] in it.

Something really bugs me about the spdif (digital out jack) on the Audigy. My quick setup guide displays using either a 4 pole mini plug for 5.1 or a stereo to mono mini plug for 2.1 and everywhere I read on the net tells me to use a mono plug. I can't see how the internal workings of the jack could accommodate a 3 pole, 4 pole or 2 pole plug and not short out the lines. And using a stereo to mono adaptor on a data line just seems wrong to me. You can combine 2 analog signals on a single channel and do ok but to throw two digital signals on top of each other sounds wrong.


Thanks
Marc

Originally posted by walkngdude
I have an Audigt2 zs in my new gaming PC that I'm trying to use as an mp3 jukebox. I ran RJ-6 from the pc to my Onkyo receiver (60 feet); I used a mono 1/8" to co axle adapter plugged into the data jack on the Audigy and a RCA to co axle plugged into the digital jack at the receiver. I set the receiver to receive digital signal from this port. I opened up windows media player and loaded an mp3 and got nothing from the receiver.

What is wrong here?

Someone else will have to address the 60' cable run because I'm not familiar with any limitations - I'm sure there are some - of S/PDIF. Did you terminate the cable yourself or buy it already assembled? BTW, S/PDIF is a single channel - mono - thing. I'd probably start troubleshooting the cable first. A simple continuity checker or multi-meter can be used to check cable and adapters. You could also set the computer up closer to your receiver and hook up an analoq connection with a standard 1/8" mini to stereo RCA adapter cable to check basic functionality of your soundcard. Have you ever gotten sound out of it?

Do I have to disable ac3 decoding in audiohq?

No. It will only kick in if it detects an AC3 stream. In any case, it will not affect te SPDIF output.

Something really bugs me about the spdif (digital out jack) on the Audigy. My quick setup guide displays using either a 4 pole mini plug for 5.1 or a stereo to mono mini plug for 2.1 and everywhere I read on the net tells me to use a mono plug. I can't see how the internal workings of the jack could accommodate a 3 pole, 4 pole or 2 pole plug and not short out the lines. And using a stereo to mono adaptor on a data line just seems wrong to me. You can combine 2 analog signals on a single channel and do ok but to throw two digital signals on top of each other sounds wrong.

No, the S/PDIF is a single channel only. Your guide is referring to connecting it - with a single channel cable - to CL's speakers to reproduce 5.1 from it. For the folks who do not own CL's speakers, the analog line outs are used. And they are built to be used with 4-pole (3-channel) 1/8" mini to RCA plugs.

Okay - a weird one. I am only using my Audigy 2 ZS for digital out via a radio shack minijack to Coax Digital cable into one of the coax ins on my Integra Processor. Everything is set correctly in Audio HQ and the Creative Software to do SP/DIF (at least I believe). I am getting Dolby Digital no problem.

HOWEVER - On WinDVD 6, PowerDVD and ZoomPlayer (with and without FFDshow), I am getting intermittent audio drop outs. Like the audio just disappears for a couple moments and then comes back on. I can't say that these are in high passages or anything spectacular, but the audio just dies and then comes back in Dolby Digital as before.

I REALLY WANT TO USE THIS CARD (for DVD-A and Games too)!!! But something seems amiss. Any thoughts???

Originally posted by ckarabian
Okay - a weird one. I am only using my Audigy 2 ZS for digital out via a radio shack minijack to Coax Digital cable into one of the coax ins on my Integra Processor. Everything is set correctly in Audio HQ and the Creative Software to do SP/DIF (at least I believe). I am getting Dolby Digital no problem.

HOWEVER - On WinDVD 6, PowerDVD and ZoomPlayer (with and without FFDshow), I am getting intermittent audio drop outs. Like the audio just disappears for a couple moments and then comes back on. I can't say that these are in high passages or anything spectacular, but the audio just dies and then comes back in Dolby Digital as before.

I REALLY WANT TO USE THIS CARD (for DVD-A and Games too)!!! But something seems amiss. Any thoughts???

Yeah, me too! I have the Integra Research RDC-7 and an Audigy 2 ZS.

How does it perform using Windows Media Player?

Wow - I would luv to say I had a RDC - 7, but it is just a DTC-9.4 from Integra (minus the Research)...

However, much of these parts are similar. Let me tell you what I am going to try tonight...

1) WMP audio - Have not tried it yet.

2) Swap Cables - Using Audio Research Coax Digital Cable, and will move to something a little more high-end I have laying around. Will also try that monster cable with minijack to dual RCAs which I have. I am not sure that this may help, but I am beginning to suspect something between/in the receiver if you have the issue too. Maybe the signal is not getting to Processor correctly?

3) I acutally got the platinum drive thingie and took it out because I didn't need it and wanted the space for cooling. I can try with optical cable into processor too.

4) I have a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz in my office machine and may give that a whirl too via digital out. Have been using that with an old sony ES AC-3 processor for about 2 years and works like a charm (but want DVD-Audio and EAX 4.0 for games dammit).

Most of all however - This problem is really annoying!!! I specifically got the card for high-end audio to match my high-end components and it has been nothing but trouble.

Also - I noticed that wherever I put it, the onboard firewire controller will often share an IRQ with something else - very slot dependent. Have even gotten it to share with the graphics card!!!!

Basically, my first goal would be to determine if it's a hardware or software issue. If it does it on all A/V apps, then I'd suspect hardware. If it works on any software - consistently - and not on others - consistently, then it is software-related.

Swapping links in the audio chain is a good way to narrow it down. Cables are the easiest to swap, so I always start there. Next would be the soundcard. After that, my ears . .

Originally posted by ckarabian
1) WMP audio - Have not tried it yet.

2) Swap Cables -

3) I acutally got the platinum drive thingie and took it out because I didn't need it and wanted the space for cooling. I can try with optical cable into processor too.

4) I have a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz in my office machine and may give that a whirl too via digital out. Have been using that with an old sony ES AC-3 processor for about 2 years and works like a charm (but want DVD-Audio and EAX 4.0 for games dammit).

Most of all however - This problem is really annoying!!! I specifically got the card for high-end audio to match my high-end components and it has been nothing but trouble.

Don't worry, you will get it working as you expect.

Also - I noticed that wherever I put it, the onboard firewire controller will often share an IRQ with something else - very slot dependent. Have even gotten it to share with the graphics card!!!!

That's normal operation. If you're using Firewire, then I'd try to have it share with low bandwidth items, as opposed to hard drive, optical or graphics card. If you're not using Firewire, disable it

Thanks Pepar, I must have had a jack ajar or something. Works great now. MP3's sound very nice over my Onkyo surround system.

Do you know of a way to bypass the volume control in the master control so the volume setting of my desktop speakers will not effect the volume output by the spdif jack?

Thank again
Marc

Originally posted by walkngdude
Thanks Pepar, I must have had a jack ajar or something. Works great now. MP3's sound very nice over my Onkyo surround system.

Do you know of a way to bypass the volume control in the master control so the volume setting of my desktop speakers will not effect the volume output by the spdif jack?

Glad you got it working.

I don't know of any way to bypass the PC's mixer controls.

Is there a single person here who has succesfully used the Audigy 2 ZS's 7.1 analog outputs and managed to decode DTS-ES and/or DD EX movies?

I have 2 issues with mine. In 2-3 months, the guarantee will expire so I have to decide whether I should send the card for repairs.

1) The "8th channel" (rear surround) seems to be "broken". I set everything to 7.1, run the channel tests, and that channel is not only noisy and very faint, but when I turn on the power amp, the speaker pops violently. The 4-pole jack camcorder cables (a high quality one) seem not to be broken. So is everyone's broken or just mine :)

So I revert back to 6.1 (luckily the "7th channel" (rear center right) works. But I bought 7 speakers and 7 channels of expensive amps...

2) When I set my DVD player software to "spdif out" in order to let the Audigy 2 ZS (mine is a ZS platinum pro) do the DTS-ES or DD-EX decoding, I get high pitched whines sometimes. Othertimes, the audio goes berzerk (rhythmic clicking sounds), or the DVD player software resets the movie at random times... I have not yet heard this working from anyone else.. On another thread someone says to go download unnoficial 3rd party drivers named "YouP-PAX" to solve these problems... WTF?

I know most people use the digital out.. But really now...

Odi

"noisy and very faint" is indicative of a connection problem - either the cable or the physical connection of the jack/plug. Have you tried a different cable, or wiggled - a highly technical process - the connectors?

Setting the software to SPDIF out is telling the soundcard to pass the signal for external decoding.

Originally posted by Odi
Is there a single person here who has succesfully used the Audigy 2 ZS's 7.1 analog outputs and managed to decode DTS-ES and/or DD EX movies?

I have 2 issues with mine. In 2-3 months, the guarantee will expire so I have to decide whether I should send the card for repairs.

1) The "8th channel" (rear surround right) seems to be "broken". I set everything to 7.1, run the channel tests, and that channel is not only noisy and very faint, but when I turn on the power amp, the speaker pops violently. The 4-pole jack camcorder cables (a high quality one) seem not to be broken. So is everyone's broken or just mine :)

So I revert back to 6.1 (luckily the "7th channel" (rear center right) works. But I bought 7 speakers and 7 channels of expensive amps...

2) When I set my DVD player software to "spdif out" in order to let the Audigy 2 ZS (mine is a ZS platinum pro) do the DTS-ES or DD-EX decoding, I get high pitched whines sometimes. Othertimes, the audio goes berzerk (rhythmic clicking sounds), or the DVD player software resets the movie at random times... I have not yet heard this working from anyone else.. On another thread someone says to go download unnoficial 3rd party drivers named "YouP-PAX" to solve these problems... WTF?

I know most people use the digital out.. But really now...

Odi

Hi Pepar,

Thanks for the tips.

I did try different cables (you need 2 of the 4-pole cables to do 7.1, so I tried it with both. In fact, I actually tried it with 3) and I also tried wiggling them and also dusted the card and visually checked to see if anything is weak/broken.

As for the SPD/IF, I'm not sure you're right there - setting WINDVD for example to "SPD/IF", but telling the Audigy2 to "Use Installed Decoder" (versus "SPDIF Passthrough") is the method explained in the manual to use if you want the card to do the DD-EX and DTS-ES decoding instead of the DVD Software. This never seemed to work well so that's why I rely on the WINDVD to do it (it supports DD-EX and DTS-ES as well...)

But the "Use installed decoder" option is very flaky (the whole problem lies herein I think)

Odi

Good news. After posting about this here and in a Zoomplayer thread, I decided to "try everything until it works" thinking there must be something I could do somewhere.

Well, I got 6.1 and 7.1 decoding to work with the Audigy2 doing the DTS-ES and DD-EX decoding... (Tested with Gladiator DTS-ES and SW:EP2 DD-EX DVDs)

The secret is to tell the DVD player software, or decoder, to output using WaveOut device, not Direct Sound.

With Waveout, everything works like a charm.

Voila... Problems seem to be solved.

Originally posted by Odi
Good news. After posting about this here and in a Zoomplayer thread, I decided to "try everything until it works" thinking there must be something I could do somewhere.

Well, I got 6.1 and 7.1 decoding to work with the Audigy2 doing the DTS-ES and DD-EX decoding... (Tested with Gladiator DTS-ES and SW:EP2 DD-EX DVDs)

The secret is to tell the DVD player software, or decoder, to output using WaveOut device, not Direct Sound.

With Waveout, everything works like a charm.

Voila... Problems seem to be solved.

Excellent!

Hey guys, I am using this guide and having some problems.

First my setup:
I am using the digital way, by using a mono 3.5 to coax into my Yamaha RX-V650. I have an Audigy 2 ZS.

I am using a cable to send the data through coax, it is a cable with a built in adapter.
I cant post a link because the forum wont let me but it is model # 4202444 at the source. The Source is formerly Radio Shack Canada, but Circuit City has bought them out.

I have chosen SPDIF pass through in the Audio HQ, and I have chosen SPDIF setting in my PowerDVD 6.

Now the problems
1. I am not getting any forefront audio from my DVD's. I basicaly get background noise, like doors shutting, footsteps, voices from the background. BUT NO main character voices.

2. I get audio from winamp, but I am getting lags where the songs start skipping. This could be anything, so I will not say its the audio setup.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Bump

Bump

You picked a thread that is close to a year old. Try starting a new thread . . .

I'd answer, but I do not have a clue. Hopefully, a new thread will get you in front of people who do.

My Dell Gen5 came with the Audigy 2 ZS (C80). I've hooked it up to Altex 885 speaker system the has a DD amplifier 4 speakers and a sub. I have stereo connectors (3 pole) in exh of the analog outputs (Line 1 and Line 2) out. I also have a mono (2 pole connector in the DD out and an RCA going into the SPDIF connector on the speaker systems control panel. .After hours of hunting for a solution, I was able to get LF, RF, LR and RR and sub when playing a DD DVD. I did this by switching the POwer DVD's setting to DD.

I can not get the rear channels to play anything when I use the calibrate, test or channel buttons. Fronts work but rears do nothing. When i play anything other than a DVD, I get nothing in the rear. So what button do I push. I can't seem to figure this one out. Dell's support people offered to exchange the card. I think it is a setting problem. HELP!!!!!!!

I have your same setup but can not get any audio from the rear analog channels. When using the SPDIF connector to listen to DD encoded DVD's all channels work perfectly including LFE. How do I get the rear channels on?

MrHiFi
A S/PDIF can only carry 2channel of PCM audio or 'bitstream data' (usually DD or DTS). The Audigy can passthrough pre-encoded DD but as with most soundcards doesn't lossy-compress non DD/DTS material into DD. So when connecting to a receiver, if there's multichannel audio that isn't DD/DTS (i.e., game audio, WMVHD audio, etc...) the normal choice is to either hook up the analogs or get something that can lossy-compress to DD in realtime.

I'm not familier with the Altec 885 speakers - are they capable of handling mulitple S/PDIF? If so, then since Audigy features multiple S/PDIF you can decode the audio in the computer and send it out three S/PDIF, 2channel PCM audio each S/PDIF. Also, since you don't have a center speaker you could configure Audigy for 4 speakers and use the bass redirect feature - but I've heard from others here that that the bass redirect doesn't work well on the Audigy. But if the Altec 885's can't handle multiple S/PDIFs than basically you're going to have to use the analogs when playing multichannel game audio.

If you currently have the analogs hooked up as well as single S/PDIF, and if the Altec features DD/DTS decoder, then when playing DD/DTS material you set your software DVD player to S/PDIF, set your Audigy to not decode DD/DTS, and set the Altec to input & decode via its S/PDIF. And when playing multichannel audio that isn't DD/DTS you set your Altec to input via its analogs.

If you have more info about the Altec 885s, especially its inputs and decoding capabilities then may be able to provide more specific options for you.

weazel
I'm not sure if your still following this thread or have found an answer already, but just in case... see my description of what S/PDIF can carry above. Since your using S/PDIF and are playing audio material that isn't pre-encoded DD/DTS you will only have the FL and FR channels - no center speaker and no surrounds. You must either get something that can lossy-compress into DD in realtime or connect to your receiver's multichannel analog inputs.

Sherbona,

After days of trying to resolve this, I found a solution that allows me to listen to DD encoded material and Games encoded with EAX on my Altec 885's. Since this may be useful to many others, I am giong to describe the soution in detail. Let me emphasize that this solution provides reproduction of all channels including a center channel and bass from all channels and the LFE channel from the bass module.

Let me begin by describing the Altec 885's. This computer speaker system consists of 4 satellites and a bass module. A Dolby Digital decoder is included as well as inputs for left and right analog front and rear channels and an SPDIF connector which can receive either the DD bitstream or PCM LF and RF information. The mode settings are switchable--Stereo, Stereo x 2, Quad, ProLogic and Dolby Digital via a switch on the RF speaker module.

The Audigy 2 ZS card supplied with DELL Gen 5 computers has outputs which vary somewhat from the output conectors available on other sound cards like the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz series. These cards have outputs that match exactly the inputs of the Altec type speakers with one exception. The SPDIF connector use something called a VERSA jack which permits connection of a stereo miniplug. Depending on which leg of the two connector output one uses, you get either the DD bitstream or PCM. Material encoded with the DD bitstream is decoded by the speaker's internal decoder and played back on the four satellites. A phantom center channel is created and all bass including the LFE/subwoofer information goes to the bass module. Many speaker systems employ this topology.

The Audigy 2 ZS has one SPDIF connector which provides the DD, PCM or DTS bitstream if such material is available at the digital input, e.g. the CD/DVD digital input. You need a mono connector for the SPDIF. In addition, there are 3 analog 2 channel connectors which carry on Connector 1--LF, RF analog info., Connector 2--LR, RR analog info., Connector 3--Subwoofer, center channel analog info.. These signals are available when the intenal surround sound processor of the audigy card is in use.

The problem of connecting the Audigy card to these speakers or the many others configured the same way is that the proper selections for the various settings are not intuitive but nevertheless achievable. In order to get 5.1 channels including a center channel's info and bass/LFE information reproduced properly from the bass module, one has to adjust the input and output settings on both systems very precisely.

Connections--Run a mono coaxial line between the SPDIF/DD connector of the Audigy card and the speaker's SPDIF/DD input using a mono mini plug at the Audigy card end and a mono RCA jack at the Altec 885 end Run 2 channel cable, 2 conductor and 1 ground wire with miniplug stereo connections between the Front and Rear speaker connectors on both the card and the speaker. Note again--Both ends use stereo minipugs. The Center/Subwoofer connector on the Audigy is not used with these types of speakers, i.e. those with 4 small speakers and one bass module..

Control Settings

Audigy: Left Click on the Creative Volume Control in the Taskbar at the bottom right of your screen. The surround Mixer should come up. Select the Speaker Settings icon at the bottom of the window ( the single speaker). In the Speaker Settings box, select the Speaker Selection tab, then select 5.1 Speakers in the Speaker Headphone Selection dropdown box. Next, select the Bass Management Tab and select Bass Redirection. Set the Cutoff frequency to Low and the Speaker Volume to High.

Altec 885 Speaker Controls

For lisening to DD encoded material, switch the display available on the RF speaker to Dolby Digital. For games and coputer generated audio, select Quad on the display. This will produce 5.1 sound and EAX or any other source material from all the speakers and provide a phantom center channel which is quite stable. I've played Myst Revalation and Half Life II using this configuration successfully.

I hope these suggestions help others. It took me over 5 days and several worthless and destructive calls to DELL's support staff before finding a satisfactory solution myself. If it does, please contact me at aneilljr@comcast.net with your comments.

The Audigy 2 ZS has one SPDIF connector which provides the DD or DTS bitstream if such material is available at the digital input, e.g. the CD/DVD digital input. You need a mono connector for this connection. There are 3 additional analog 2 channel connectors which carry on Connector 1--LF, RF analog info., Connector 2--LR, RR analog info., Connector 3--Subwoofer, center channel analog info.. These signals are available when the intenal surround sound processors are in use.

The problem of connecting the Audigy card to these speakers or the many others configured the same way is that the proper selections for the various settings are not intuitive but nevertheless achievable. In order to get 5.1 channels including a center channel's info and bass information reproduced properly from the bass module, one has to adjust the input and output settings on both systems very precisely.

Connections--Run a mono line with a mono mini plug (Audigy Card) and a mono RCA jack (Altec 885) between the SPDIF/DD connector of the Audigy card and the speaker's SPDIF/DD input. Run 2 channel connections between the Front and rear connectors on both the card and the speaker. Both ends use stereo minipugs. The Center/Subwoofer connector on the Audigy is not used with these types of speakers, 4 small speakers and one bass module..


Thanks, MrHIFi. Very helpful. I'd like to expand on that:

The Audigy 2 ZS is actually a 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 device. Two of the three analog mini-jacks will output three channels - read your manual or Quickstart card to see which. The cable needed to get the 6.1 or 7.1 is a "four pole" (three channel) mini-jack to three RCA phono plugs and can be difficult to find. Radio Shack does sell them, as do other vendors, online and brick-and-mortar, but one must know what to search for. Beyond Audigy 2 owners, the rest of the world uses this cable for connecting a video camera. In that application, it carries left and right channel audio and composite video, hence the white, red and yellow RCA plugs.

For people in my situation, connecting to a home theater pre/pro - or surround receiver - the analog output of the Audigy 2 ZS connects to the unit's analog bypass and switching from digital to bypass is done according to the specific unit's operation.

Pepar,

I understand that this card is supposed to provide that many channels. I did not receive a book or Quickstart card from Dell that addresses channel configuration so i can not address configuration. I know that what i explined works perfectly and getting there was a terribly difficult and frustrating effort. if you have a $200.00-$500.00 speaker system similar to the Altec 885's which were sold as the premium speaker system with the last generation of computers, Dell believes you should replace them because they are incompatible with this card. That is crazy. The card sounds superbly. I wish i had a book.

Pepar,

I understand that this card is supposed to provide that many channels. I did not receive a book or Quickstart card from Dell that addresses channel configuration so i can not address configuration. I know that what i explined works perfectly and getting there was a terribly difficult and frustrating effort. if you have a $200.00-$500.00 speaker system similar to the Altec 885's which were sold as the premium speaker system with the last generation of computers, Dell believes you should replace them because they are incompatible with this card. That is crazy. The card sounds superbly. I wish i had a book.

Hi Art,

There *should* be an owner's manual installed on your computer.

I want to pass analog from my Audigy 2 ZS to my Marantz SR4500 for 7.1 sound.

As I've read the whole thread, I understand that I can use the cable here
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?cp=&productId=2103278&tab=summary

Catalog #: 16-3686

for 2 of the 3 jacks. My question is, if 2 of the 3 jacks carry three channels. Which ones are they, and what channels do they carry?

Also, while that cable suits the requirement of 2 4-pole (3 channel) mini jacks to RCA cables, anyone know the catalog number for the last 3-pole (2 channel) mini jack to RCA cable? Thanks.

I want to pass analog from my Audigy 2 ZS to my Marantz SR4500 for 7.1 sound.

As I've read the whole thread, I understand that I can use the cable here
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?cp=&productId=2103278&tab=summary

Catalog #: 16-3686

for 2 of the 3 jacks. My question is, if 2 of the 3 jacks carry three channels. Which ones are they, and what channels do they carry?

Also, while that cable suits the requirement of 2 4-pole (3 channel) mini jacks to RCA cables, anyone know the catalog number for the last 3-pole (2 channel) mini jack to RCA cable? Thanks.
I do not know off-hand which jacks carry three channels, but I do know off-hand that your quick start guide and manual will tell you.

Yes, that is exactly the cable to use.

I looked for myself and found this:

Jack or Connector Description

1. FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector Connects to a FireWire (IEEE 1394) compatible external device (for example, a digital video camcorder, digital still camera, printer or scanner).
2. Line Out 3 jack (LIN_OUT3) Connects to Front Center, Subwoofer, Side Left (only on 7.1 systems) and Rear Center (only on 6.1 systems) inputs on powered analog speakers or an external amplifier.
3. Line Out 2 jack (LIN_OUT2) Connects to Rear Left, Rear Right, and Side Right (only on 7.1 systems) inputs on powered analog speakers or an external amplifier.
4. Line Out 1 jack (LIN_OUT1) Connects to Front Left and Front Right inputs on powered analog speakers or an external amplifier. Also supports headphones.
5. Microphone In jack (MIC_IN) Connects to an external microphone for voice input.
6. Line In jack (LIN_IN) Connects to analog devices like music synthesizers and other line-level sources.
7. Digital Out jack Connects to external digital devices or digital speaker systems (6-channel or compressed AC-3 SPDIF output).
8. Telephone Answering Device connector (TAD) Provides a monaural connection from a standard voice modem, and transmits microphone signals to the modem.
9. CD Audio connector (CD_IN) Connects to the Analog Audio output on a CD/DVD-ROM drive using an Analog CD audio cable (available separately).
10. Aux In connector (AUX_IN) Connects to the analog output from a CD/DVD-ROM drive.
11. Internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector (SB1394) Connects to the internal FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).
12. CD SPDIF connector (CD_SPDIF) Connects to the digital output from a CD/DVD-ROM drive.
13. Joystick/MIDI connector (JOYSTICK) Connects to the Joystick/MIDI bracket for gaming or MIDI devices (optional).
14. AD_EXT connector (AD_EXT) Connects to the AD_EXT connector on the Platinum Drive (included with Audigy 2 ZS Platinum).

Any reason why I would have issues with the 5.1 into my Sony DA4ES multichannel in? I can hardly hear it all the way turned up. Is the reciever lacking amplification or is the Audigy 2ZS not correctly configured?

Any reason why I would have issues with the 5.1 into my Sony DA4ES multichannel in? I can hardly hear it all the way turned up. Is the reciever lacking amplification or is the Audigy 2ZS not correctly configured?
Well, that's always a possibility. :) Are you using the analog outs of the 2ZS? If so, do you have the 5.1 option selected under "speakers?"

Well, that's always a possibility. :) Are you using the analog outs of the 2ZS? If so, do you have the 5.1 option selected under "speakers?"

Yes and I can hear it, when turned way up. The THX test works correctly, each speaker is getting the correct input.

Yes and I can hear it, when turned way up. The THX test works correctly, each speaker is getting the correct input.
Have you checked the mixer "input" levels? Each input has it's own fader which are only available on the mixer. Do all sources - MIDI, WAV, CD audio - have the same low volume issue? How loud were the speaker calibration tones?

Have you checked the mixer "input" levels? Each input has it's own fader which are only available on the mixer. Do all sources - MIDI, WAV, CD audio - have the same low volume issue? How loud were the speaker calibration tones?

They are all max, but only wave and main have any effect. On the Sony receiver anywhere from -50 to -70db is normal (-50 is loudest). To hear the THX test at a low speaking voice level I turned it up to around -25db, which you would never do with any normal input.

They are all max, but only wave and main have any effect. On the Sony receiver anywhere from -50 to -70db is normal (-50 is loudest). To hear the THX test at a low speaking voice level I turned it up to around -25db, which you would never do with any normal input.
That may just be the way it is. My main hotrod computer is hooked to a 5.1 system with no other sources and therefore nothing else to use as a reference. My bedrroom computer, however, is hooked into a Denon receiver w/5.1 surround system. TV, radio and DVD sources are plenty loud at 50 or so, while the Audigy needs to be cranked to 70. I'm sure if I checked specs I'd find the output of the soundcard is lower than the DVD player output.

Woo hoo, I hit 3,000 posts!

I am having an issue with my Audigy 2 ZS in my HTPC that I cannot figure out.

Under normal use, everything works just fine. My HTPC has a large amount of space and DVD's on it, so I have the drives shared and whatnot for the other pc's in my house to be able to access. When I am playing DVD's or anything of the sort, everything works fine. However, when I am copying files back and forth, or doing anything of the sort that moves a fair amount of data, the audio will skip and miss while the copy is going on. I first thought this was a cpu use problem since I am gigE here at home, but I have backed the speed back down to 100 and checked for excessive cpu use, and everything is fine. The content I am playing is local, and everything works fine that way, and I can play content from elsewhere on the network on the mediapc just fine. The problem only exists when copying data to or from the mediapc.

I am running the latest version of MCE available through windows update, as well as the latest drivers for my nic which is built into my motherboard (asus p4c800d which is a 3com card), as well as the latest drivers available from the soundblaster autoupdate page. The receiver is connected spidf, and doesn't seem to be losing signal (it clicks out of DD mode when this happens).

Any ideas? Input appreciated.

I am having an issue with my Audigy 2 ZS in my HTPC that I cannot figure out.

Under normal use, everything works just fine. My HTPC has a large amount of space and DVD's on it, so I have the drives shared and whatnot for the other pc's in my house to be able to access. When I am playing DVD's or anything of the sort, everything works fine. However, when I am copying files back and forth, or doing anything of the sort that moves a fair amount of data, the audio will skip and miss while the copy is going on. I first thought this was a cpu use problem since I am gigE here at home, but I have backed the speed back down to 100 and checked for excessive cpu use, and everything is fine. The content I am playing is local, and everything works fine that way, and I can play content from elsewhere on the network on the mediapc just fine. The problem only exists when copying data to or from the mediapc.

I am running the latest version of MCE available through windows update, as well as the latest drivers for my nic which is built into my motherboard (asus p4c800d which is a 3com card), as well as the latest drivers available from the soundblaster autoupdate page. The receiver is connected spidf, and doesn't seem to be losing signal (it clicks out of DD mode when this happens).

Any ideas? Input appreciated.
You don't mention your CPU - what is it? Generally, what you describe is due to not enough processing power, either due to an underpowered computer or something else hogging resources. You seem to have covered all the bases, but I've fixed things like this by un-installing in System Manager and physically removing components - NIC and sound card - rebooting w/o them and then reinstalling them. Even though the latest of everything is being used, sometimes it's the order of upgrading drivers and firmware where things go astray. Now that your O/S is up to date, re-do your NIC and SB as I described.

I have a P4 3.0 HT CPU in there, 1 gig ram, and fast SATA 7200 rpm seagates. It even does this with something low use like winamp playing, very annoying. Should have mentioned it but I rebuilt the machine in an attempt to fix this, no dice. :(

I have a P4 3.0 HT CPU in there, 1 gig ram, and fast SATA 7200 rpm seagates. It even does this with something low use like winamp playing, very annoying. Should have mentioned it but I rebuilt the machine in an attempt to fix this, no dice. :(
It is puzzling, but something has to be causing it - something that is fixable. Have you watched CPU usage carefully while the skipping occurs? It may only be a momentary blip. Also, try turning off QoS Packet Scheduling? (It's a "service" in your NIC's Network Connection Properties.)

There are also registry tweaks at Speedguide.net that may optimize your network connection.

I have a Creative ExtremeMusic X-fi soundcard and I have connected both the analog and the digital coaxial (3.5mm monopole minijack SPDIF out to RCA to Coaxial cable to coaxial input on reciever) connections to my receiver (Denon 3805). When I do tests of the system in the creative control panel I get sounds from the correct speakers and only those speakers.

I thought this meant that I was good to go. However, when I tried it on movies , it didn't sound right to me. So I put in a Digital Video Essentials disc and tried to calibrate the speaker levels. I found that the front left, Center and front right channels were fine, but all of the rear channels played quietly and had sound also coming from the front channels. It was really wierd as if half the signal was going to the correct speaker and half was going to the front. This happens for both Digital and Analog connections, so I am thinking I have some software problem. I used windows media center with power DVD 5.6 to play the DVD. Is there some setting somewhere that I can correct for this. I cannot find it. I have selected SPDIF output wherever I had the option to do so, but it still does not work. I am thinking that the creative software is fine since that seems to work when I test it, but the DVD player is not working correctly, and there are very little options in the control panel from WMCE. I tired this in 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1 and all have the same problem.

Another side question.....I thought I would be able to just send the signal to my receiver and do all of the speaker level and sound level calibrations there, but it doesn't appear to be the case from my testing so far. How have you guys done this.

Thanks for any help you can provide. This is my first foray into real HTPC and I am having many growing pains. This is the most bothersome so far.

Jim

I have a Creative ExtremeMusic X-fi soundcard and I have connected both the analog and the digital coaxial (3.5mm monopole minijack SPDIF out to RCA to Coaxial cable to coaxial input on reciever) connections to my receiver (Denon 3805). When I do tests of the system in the creative control panel I get sounds from the correct speakers and only those speakers.

I thought this meant that I was good to go. However, when I tried it on movies , it didn't sound right to me. So I put in a Digital Video Essentials disc and tried to calibrate the speaker levels. I found that the front left, Center and front right channels were fine, but all of the rear channels played quietly and had sound also coming from the front channels. It was really wierd as if half the signal was going to the correct speaker and half was going to the front. This happens for both Digital and Analog connections, so I am thinking I have some software problem. I used windows media center with power DVD 5.6 to play the DVD. Is there some setting somewhere that I can correct for this. I cannot find it. I have selected SPDIF output wherever I had the option to do so, but it still does not work. I am thinking that the creative software is fine since that seems to work when I test it, but the DVD player is not working correctly, and there are very little options in the control panel from WMCE. I tired this in 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1 and all have the same problem.

Another side question.....I thought I would be able to just send the signal to my receiver and do all of the speaker level and sound level calibrations there, but it doesn't appear to be the case from my testing so far. How have you guys done this.
The digital connection will pass DD/DTS to your receiver for decoding. On *that* connection you cannot control the individual channels from your HTPC and must use the receiver's settings. On the analog connection - 3-channel (4-pole) 1/8" plug to 3 RCA - you most likely can ONLY control the speaker levels and distances from the control panel.

Is this not what you're experiencing?

The digital connection will pass DD/DTS to your receiver for decoding. On *that* connection you cannot control the individual channels from your HTPC and must use the receiver's settings. On the analog connection - 3-channel (4-pole) 1/8" plug to 3 RCA - you most likely can ONLY control the speaker levels and distances from the control panel.

Is this not what you're experiencing?


I didn't get a chance last night to work on it anymore, but if I remember correctly, It seemed that I could control those options for both SPDIF and analog. Or more correctly, I could do the testing of the speakers to make sure that front left was front left, etc from the THX control panel in the creative software. I had also checked SPDIF output wherever I saw it. The wierd thing was that I had the same problem for both analog and Digital connections. The only difference was that the digital connection was much louder.

I didn't get a chance last night to work on it anymore, but if I remember correctly, It seemed that I could control those options for both SPDIF and analog. Or more correctly, I could do the testing of the speakers to make sure that front left was front left, etc from the THX control panel in the creative software. I had also checked SPDIF output wherever I saw it. The wierd thing was that I had the same problem for both analog and Digital connections. The only difference was that the digital connection was much louder.
It's normal to be able to check correct speaker wiring from the control panel whether S/PDIF or analog, but I don't recall being able to adjust channel volume within the DD/DTS stream from the HTPC. I haven't fired my HTPC up since I bought a Denon 3910. My other PC/Audigy 2 ZS rig is hooked to an analog 5.1 system directly to the amp, so I'm only adjusting volume from the control panel. Hopefully, someone more familiar with your setup will reply.

I figured out what my problem was. I had to set the SPDIF output in 3 or 4 different places. I had it correct in the creative software and in the power DVD application, but there was a setting in the DVD setup under WMCE where I had it on 7 speakers and I needed it on SPDIF. I thought the power DVD settings would work with the WMCE settings, but it didn't.

It is now working fine and sounds good enough that I am satisfied.

By the way, you were correct that the volume and those settings did not work when passing the DD or DTS signal through SPDIF. That is fine by me though because I prefer to use the receiver anyway.

Now I just have to get my ATI HDTV wonder to work under MCE and I'll be fine for everything I want to do with the HTPC. I do not like the ATI software and I am having display issues with the ATI window that I do not get within MCE.

Sincerely,
Jim

I figured out what my problem was. I had to set the SPDIF output in 3 or 4 different places. I had it correct in the creative software and in the power DVD application, but there was a setting in the DVD setup under WMCE where I had it on 7 speakers and I needed it on SPDIF. I thought the power DVD settings would work with the WMCE settings, but it didn't.

It is now working fine and sounds good enough that I am satisfied.
Congratulations!

Should i use 2 of these cables ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?cp=&productId=2103278&tab=summary )
to output analog sound from my audigy 2zs to my panny xr55 for 5.1 sound?

would i need this cable? ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102974&cp=&kw=rca+to+stereo&parentPage=search )

Should i use 2 of these cables ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?cp=&productId=2103278&tab=summary )
to output analog sound from my audigy 2zs to my panny xr55 for 5.1 sound?

would i need this cable? ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102974&cp=&kw=rca+to+stereo&parentPage=search )
to get more than 5.1 (6 channels) your first ratshack item is needed. for 6.1, one is needed - for 7.1 two are needed. three cables needed total. the ones that are not item #1 are item #2. check your owners manual or quick start guide for the configuration that matches yours. (if you only want 5.1, then THREE of item #2 are needed.)

Should i use 2 of these cables ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?cp=&productId=2103278&tab=summary )
to output analog sound from my audigy 2zs to my panny xr55 for 5.1 sound?

would i need this cable? ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102974&cp=&kw=rca+to+stereo&parentPage=search )

Pepar already explained everything well, but I do have some comments.
I looked at these cables when I was trying to figure out how to get my system set up. The Radio Shack 4 pole connectors (your 1st link) were ~17 bucks for one of them. Creative actually has connectors that include everything you need for 7.1 sound and it is only 14.99. That is the way I would have gone. However, I found an old 4 pole connector from my video camera and used it with two of the stereo connectors to get 6.1 sound which is really almost as good as 7.1 (at least in my setup). Then I figured out how to get the SPDIF to work and now I do not use the analog (I don't do gaming or DVD Audio from my HTPC so do not need the analog). Anyway, I hope you figured everything out.
Jim

Right now I am using MCE with a chaintek card and am thinking of swapping it with an Audigy 2 ZS because the chaintek losses sound switching from digital to analog via SPDIF only.

Does anyone here run MCE and Audigy 2 ZS and can switch between TV and DVD without losing sound?

That would make the deciding factor for me, I am hoping the Audigy isn't so much more CPU intensive that there will present other issues...

Right now I am using MCE with a chaintek card and am thinking of swapping it with an Audigy 2 ZS because the chaintek losses sound switching from digital to analog via SPDIF only.

Does anyone here run MCE and Audigy 2 ZS and can switch between TV and DVD without losing sound?

That would make the deciding factor for me, I am hoping the Audigy isn't so much more CPU intensive that there will present other issues...
Dig up some comparison reviews. I think one of the advantages of the Audigy - CL in general - is lower CPU utilization.

I think I'll just go with these
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=13&subcategory=55&product=14309

I think I'll just go with these
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=13&subcategory=55&product=14309
They'll work just fine as that's what they're designed for. The Radio Shack, as well as all of the others I've seen, are intended for L&R Stereo and composite video from a video camera. These have the added advantage of being properly color coded for 8-channels of audio. I don't think these were available when I did my system. And they seem very reasonable priced, too.

IF you had the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS External I/O Hub, would it not finally solve the problems due to it being a direct digital connection using either the coax/optical?

IF you had the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS External I/O Hub, would it not finally solve the problems due to it being a direct digital connection using either the coax/optical?
Welcome to AVS Forum!

Are you asking if the Ext hub has both coaxial and optical digital outputs (it does), or if you can use both simultaneously? To what problems are you referring?

Given the choice between coaxial and optical, I would always choose coaxial. The only time I would use optical is in a high-RF/EMI environment. Otherwise, the conversion to and from "light" adds more circuitry which I feel should be avoided. FWIW though, no one has demonstrated one sounds better than the other.

So pepar since you seem to be the self appointed expert on these cards, (nothing wrong with that), where does one get the joystick connector for these?

So pepar since you seem to be the self appointed expert on these cards, (nothing wrong with that), where does one get the joystick connector for these?
Hah! I'm sure nothing could be further from the truth. Maybe I'm the only one paying attention to this thread. :)

It comes with the cards.

Welcome to AVS Forum!

Are you asking if the Ext hub has both coaxial and optical digital outputs (it does), or if you can use both simultaneously? To what problems are you referring?

Given the choice between coaxial and optical, I would always choose coaxial. The only time I would use optical is in a high-RF/EMI environment. Otherwise, the conversion to and from "light" adds more circuitry which I feel should be avoided. FWIW though, no one has demonstrated one sounds better than the other.

Thank you!

I apologize for not clarifying myself, I have read this thread all the way through and see what problems people are having. For instance, on the back of our soundcard is the SPDIF connector, in which MrHifi states is a VERSA jack which permits connection of a STEREO miniplug. To solve the problem, people have had luck by getting that adapter from radio shack. Though everything connects, I've read it is not true digital sound and if we wanted it, we'd have to utilize the analog connections.

I just want to utilize my speakers to the best of it's abilities and take advantage of its digital capabilities (Logitech Z-5500). I mostly game and listen to music.

As far as my setup, i DO NOT have a receiver. My speakers will directly connect to my computer through the coaxial out (if i ge the ext hub) and later on in the future, i'd have my tv connect to the optical input from my speakers.

So, in essence, i'm kinda using the speaker control panel as my receiver?

I'm not trying to make the best sound system in the world here, I'm in college and just trying to make my apt living the best I can. =P

It does not come with the card if you buy the computer from Dell with thecard in it. I had to go out and buy a new Firewire joystick and was pissed cause I love my old one. So how do I get one, it says it is optional?

Thank you!

I apologize for not clarifying myself, I have read this thread all the way through and see what problems people are having. For instance, on the back of our soundcard is the SPDIF connector, in which MrHifi states is a VERSA jack which permits connection of a STEREO miniplug. To solve the problem, people have had luck by getting that adapter from radio shack. Though everything connects, I've read it is not true digital sound and if we wanted it, we'd have to utilize the analog connections.

I just want to utilize my speakers to the best of it's abilities and take advantage of its digital capabilities (Logitech Z-5500). I mostly game and listen to music.

As far as my setup, i DO NOT have a receiver. My speakers will directly connect to my computer through the coaxial out (if i ge the ext hub) and later on in the future, i'd have my tv connect to the optical input from my speakers.

So, in essence, i'm kinda using the speaker control panel as my receiver?

I'm not trying to make the best sound system in the world here, I'm in college and just trying to make my apt living the best I can. =P
The Flexijack - Versajack is the Turtle Beach name - is for mic in, line in or digital I/O. Those are all two-pole (single channel) devices. Just because something else can be inserted there doesn't mean it should. (Think about anatomical analogies.) I guess I've got no sympathy for people who don't even read the QuickStart Guide.

You're good to go for connecting the coaxial digital output - S/PDIF - to your digital speakers and would only need the I/O hub if you needed optical. Did i miss something?

I have read the quick start guide all the way through. I'm still learning about all these input/output connections. I was confused as to HAVING to use a mono adapter for the digital out, thinking it defeats the purpose of a true digital connection.

It's not you that missed something, it was me. Sorry for being a newbie =(

I have read the quick start guide all the way through. I'm still learning about all these input/output connections. I was confused as to HAVING to use a mono adapter for the digital out, thinking it defeats the purpose of a true digital connection.

It's not you that missed something, it was me. Sorry for being a newbie =(
Along with the PM, I'll reply here as well.

A digital audio connection is MONO. All of the different channels are "in there" and are decoded by an AVR, pre/pro or in your case, digital speakers.

If this is answered in this thread I missed it so forgive me. This also may sound like a dumb ass question but I am ignorant when it comes to this.

I have the Audigy 2 ZS. I have always wondered what if you use an Optical cable that has that adapter that makes it 3.5mm? (Basically like a stereo mini plug) and use that in the Audigy's digital out? I've never know a device that actually uses the Optical plug mini adapter. Optical is light based right? So I guess that would not work in the audigy's plugs.

But I thought I would ask to be sure. Guess using a Coax and making one end a 3.5mm is probably the only/best way to go?

Just so everyone knows. A member of this forum sent me an adapter for my old Sidewinnder Pro joystick. It attaches to a connector on the Audigy card and permits the use of joysticks with the 15 pin connectors. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY A NEW USB JOYSTICK.

If this is answered in this thread I missed it so forgive me. This also may sound like a dumb ass question but I am ignorant when it comes to this.

I have the Audigy 2 ZS. I have always wondered what if you use an Optical cable that has that adapter that makes it 3.5mm? (Basically like a stereo mini plug) and use that in the Audigy's digital out? I've never know a device that actually uses the Optical plug mini adapter. Optical is light based right? So I guess that would not work in the audigy's plugs.

But I thought I would ask to be sure. Guess using a Coax and making one end a 3.5mm is probably the only/best way to go?


I would like to know the answer to this too! with my minidisc player I got a 3.5mm mini jack to optical lead for recording digital sound from a digital source to the MD recorder. Is there any reason why this lead would not work to send digital signal from the card to the receiver? Its more out of curiosity that I would like to know...

Also if EAX/game surround sound cannot be sent via digital how to the creative digital speakers work? Do they decode the EAX themselves?

In my 50 years of playing with audio, I have never run into any cable that converts voltage to optical lght pulses. If you have a cable with a 3.5 mm mini jack at one end and an optical (fiber optic) connector at the other, there has to be something in beteween that converts from one medium to the other.

Actually, right now I'm trying to get my Audigy 2 ZS connected to my receiver with a mini to optical cable.

Unfortunately it definitely is not working, so any help in getting it to work would be appreciated.

You need a common mono minijack to RCA cable from the digital out of the card to the coaxial digital input of your receiver or processor/preamp. Forget optical unless you have the add on daughtercard.

pioneered by Sony, and used many times by Creative, there exists a combo jack/plug configuration that is in the standard 1/8" mini-jack format, but also includes an optical path through the tip of the mini-plug to an optical sensor configured at the end of the "hole" in the corresponding 1/8" jack... thus the jack will work electrically with a standard 1/8" tip-ring mini-plug OR with a similarly shaped plastic plug which has a fiber optic cable inside terminated at the tip :D

:cool:

Are you suggesting that the digital output on the Audigy 2ZS card is coaxial and optical? My instructions show that a 3.5 mm minijack mono cable (1 ring on the end going into the Audigy 2 ZS and either an RCA or minijack at thee other end).

This (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=1780&nav=features) is cheaper for digital I/O.

The Audigy 2ZS is not listed but the Audigy Value is. Perhaps they are the same.

Thanks MrHiFi, could any one possibly link me to a similar cable (mono mini to rca) at radio shack? I cant find one on their website.

Would this cable be the right one?

Unfortunately since I am a new member, I cant post url's until 5 posts, so if you could go to micro center and go to the search and under SKU/UPC search 228882

so how do the creative digital speakers work with an Audigy 2 card then? They connect from this 3.5mm digital out how do they handle EAX from games? Do they decode it themselves?

I have my audigy 2 zs outputting in analog via all these rca cables to my onkyo 790 receiver/speaker set. When I run speaker test in the thx console all the speakers play and the sub does as well. When I play 5.1 or 7.1 content on my computer I also get the sub working. When I play music, stereo music, it has no sub output. This is weird to me because the computer is set to output 7.1 and it does indeed send the signal to all my speakers (7 of them) on my receiver. So does the computer not know how to make a sub signal out of the stereo music but it can turn it into 7 channels? I understand the 7 channels are really just repeated of the original 2 channels but I still think there is some way to get my sub working with stereo music. Thanks guys.

The .1 channel is a discrete channel, not derived, so there is nothing to repeat like with the stereo channels. However if your receiver has frequency crossovers you can redirect low frequencies from the stereo channels to the sub.

I have the audigy 2 zs and am using it hook my computer up to a 2 channel stereo using the analog stereo jack. How is the DAC in this sound card? Would it be worthwhile to hook up an outboard DAC using the S/PDIF connection on the sound card? Or is there a different sound card that I could try that is better for stereo?

Are you using a receiver of some sort? I have found that just getting the AD conversion away from the computer in general helps greatly with noise, interference, etc. For what I use mine for, I use the AD converter in my receiver, but if you are just say, using headphones or regular computer speakers then the analog out from the card should be fine.

Are you using a receiver of some sort? I have found that just getting the AD conversion away from the computer in general helps greatly with noise, interference, etc. For what I use mine for, I use the AD converter in my receiver, but if you are just say, using headphones or regular computer speakers then the analog out from the card should be fine.

I have the audigy 2 zs hooked up via analog cables to an adcom gfp-555 pre-amp and gfa-535 power amplifier. pretty decent equipment.

I have the hts 790 by onkyo. I don't think I have crossovers... do i? So basically I am stuck with no base from stereo then if I don't?

I have the hts 790 by onkyo. I don't think I have crossovers... do i? So basically I am stuck with no base from stereo then if I don't?

Is there a setting on the Onkyo which determines the configuration of the analog inputs? i.e. Set the receiver for 2.1 on analog input.

there is only direct and multi channel.

I am struggling to connect this to my receiver. I want to connect the audigy 2 zs to my receiver, but at the same time keep my desktop 2.1 speakers functioning.

I would prefer a coax connection as there are no optical spaces on my receiver, however RCA is available. I need to keep the 2.1 into line 1 analog on the sound card, but at the same time get an adapter to take coax to the receiver. This leaves me with the following questions:

1) Is it possible to run the digital out and still keep the desktop speakers in analog playing as before when I changed this setting i get no sound on my other speakers?

2) Could I just buy a stereo splitter fore the back of the soundcard. This would then take the desktop speakers stereo plug and then a stereo to RCA cable to run to the receiver?

3) On monoprice, I found a group of cables but can not determine what the one I need is. Can anyone help?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&style=

My receiver is an Onkyo TX SR573. Any help is greatly appreciated.

The original poster mentioned a 1/8" (or 3.5mm) to RCA cable that was actually skinny enough so that 3 of them could fit the Audigy 2 yet the link does not work... Does anyone know FOR A FACT 3 1/8" (or 3.5mm) to RCA that are skinny enough to fit 3 on the back of the Audigy 2 for full 5.1 sound in analog?

Thanks in Advance
Eddie

For digital, I believe this will work...
http://images.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/6801.jpg
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cs_id=1040109&p_id=680

For analog, I believe these will work...
http://images.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/6661.jpg
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cs_id=1021804&p_id=666

Also these should work...
http://images.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/6651.jpg
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cs_id=1021804&p_id=665

These two for digital I have not tested personally, but they are exactly like the ones I originally posted that do work, and they are also very cheap (price-wise, not material-wise, monoprice has great cables).

Adapters like these will NOT work for analog, because they are too large...
http://images.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/21201.jpg
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cs_id=1040107&p_id=2120

Again i will ask my same question...
but more specifically

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...021804&p_id=665

Will the 3.5mm part of this 3.5mm Stereo Plug to 2 RCA Plug cable fit in my Audigy 2 Soundcard ALONGSIDE 2 others....

1 Cable is for Front Left / Front Right
1 Cable is for Center/ Sub
1 Cable is for Rear Left/ Rear Right

I know this cable will fit by itself the problem is will 3 of them fit next to each other....
Either the people at Creative make the ports too close together or the People that make the cable the make them too fat....

My only option is to find a skinny cable because i cant change the Soundcard

Does anyone have any PERSONAL experience with this?

Thanks in Advance
Eddie

Cytomax,

I have not had the problem you have. I rounded up every 3 pin cable I had left from old devices like digital webcams. They fit perfectly. They are not too fat. If fyou try to use adapters, they are not going to fit. you need cables with the 3 rings and a tip at one end and 3 RCA's at the other. Why don't you use the coax connector for 5.1 audio? I know that for some games you need the analog but that is becoming very rare.

Cytomax, your link doesn't work so I'm not sure what cable you are asking about. I posted what cables should work.

I have the monoprice cables and an Audigy 2 ZS at home. I'll try to remember to test fit them, though I'm pretty sure they will work.

Why don't you use the coax connector for 5.1 audio? I know that for some games you need the analog but that is becoming very rare.The coax connector (aka SPDIF) will give you uncompressed 2 channel stereo for all games. If you want EAX and 5.1 surround sound, you HAVE to use the discrete analog outputs.

#########################################
EDIT

GREAT NEWS..
I just found
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=14309
The only problem is that it is only a 6 foot cable but the Creative Tech Support said i can use standard RCA cables to extend it

Nate you may want to add this to your main post
Thanks again guys
#############################################



MrHifi
Thank you for your reply
Thank you for testing that for me...
I know that most computer peripherals will fit together behind that sound like a mic and COMPUTER speakers like logitech and creative....

I bought 3 cables that were 3.5mm to 2 rca from monoprice. When plugged them into the back of my Audigy 2 the 3.5mm where too fat to plug in next to each other

I actually do have a digital coax cable on my soundcard now and it works perfectly when i play DVD's and they come with Dolby Digital so my computer spits it out the AC3 codec through the cable and my reciever decrypts the AC3 and my 5.1 system sounds good

Most games do not AND will not come with Dolby digital since its going to cost the game makers more money to license it but you never know hopefully they will...



Nate Dogg
Thanks for your reply
I am sorry this is the link
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cs_id=1021804&p_id=665
Thank you in Advance for test fitting them for me
Eddie

I took my Audigy 2 ZS out of the closet and tried it with the Monoprice "3.5mm Stereo Plug/2 RCA Jack cable - 6 inches" and three of them easily fit side by side. So there you go Cytomax, I am 100% sure these cables work:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cs_id=1021804&p_id=666

Don't give Creative any more money if you don't have to!

Here is a simple diagram I made for the Audigy 2 ZS analog outputs.

I hope it is useful to someone! :)

-----

Audigy 2 ZS Analog Connections

Card Diagram (when installed in an ATX tower case, looking at the back of the case):

PCI Edge -> [ { } o o o o o o ] <- Rail Edge
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

0. Firewire Port (for reference.)
1. Line Out 3 - Side Left (7.1) or Rear Center (6.1), Front Center, Subwoofer
2. Line Out 2 - Side Right (7.1), Rear Left, Rear Right
3. Line Out 1 - Front Left, Front Right. Also for Headphones.
4. Microphone In
5. Line In
6. Digital Out

Note:
Line Out connections above are listed in ring-order with the tip on the left and sleeve on the right.

-----

Adapters:

Y-Adapter (3-Ring Adapter)
Sold as an 1/8th inch to stereo RCA adapter.

Wired:
1/8th Inch - Tip: Left, Ring: Right, Sleeve: Ground
RCA - White (Left), Red (Right)

---

4-Ring Adapter
Sold as an 1/8th inch to A/V RCA adapter. Uncommon but not impossible to find.

Wired:
1/8th Inch - Tip: Left, Ring 1: Right, Ring 2: Video, Sleeve: Ground
RCA - White (Left), Red (Right), Yellow/Black (Video)

Note: A "standard" camcorder adapter will not work because it is wired: Tip: Left, Ring 1: Video, Ring 2: Ground, Sleeve: Right

-----

To get 7.1 Audio out of the analog (Line Out) jacks you will need:

1x Y-Adapter.
2x 4-Ring Adapters.

Connect these adapters as follows:

Line 1 > Y-Adapter > (White to Front Left, Red to Front Right)
Line 2 > 4-Ring Adapter > (White to Side Right, Red to Rear Left, Yellow/Black to Rear Right)
Line 3 > 4-Ring Adapter > (White to Side Left, Red to Center, Yellow/Black to Subwoofer)

---

To get 6.1 Audio out of the analog (Line Out) jacks you will need:

2x Y-Adapters.
1x 4-Ring Adapter.

Connect these adapters as follows:

Line 1 > Y-Adapter > (White to Front Left, Red to Front Right)
Line 2 > Y-Adapter > (White to Rear Left, Red to Rear Right)
Line 3 > 4-Ring Adapter > (White to Rear Center, Red to Front Center, Yellow/Black to Subwoofer)

---

To get 5.1 Audio out of the analog (Line Out) jacks you will need:

3x Y-Adapters.

Connect these adapters as follows:

Line 1 > Y-Adapter > (White to Front Left, Red to Front Right)
Line 2 > Y-Adapter > (White to Rear Left, Red to Rear Right)
Line 3 > Y-Adapter > (White to Center, Red to Sub)

I would like to make a quick response, as this thread still left me wondering.

I was able to hook up a fifty foot minijack extension cable from the spdif to a mini to stereo RCA cable and plug the white end into my coaxial input and get 5.1 DD from the sound card.

Please note if you are only getting sound out of the left and right speakers it is because your soundcard isn't sending a 5.1 signal, download VLC, set it to 5.1 over spdif, and test with a dvd.

Thanks,
Nathan

Okay, this is driving me crazy. I have an Audigy 2 ZS notebook card. Using the optical out with a nifty converter (Monoprice ID 2671) I have successfully gotten 5.1 surround out of a friend's receiver (Yamaha htr 5830). However, when I connect it to my Denon AVR-4306 I only get sound when the display reads "5ch stereo" and it produces only 2ch's replicated over each speaker. I've read through this thread, and I encounter a lot of conflicting information; some state that the optical out only outputs 2ch, whereas some say it's capable of passing DD. I've tried setting the card to various modes, however none of them appear to make any difference. What exactly are the capabilities of the optical out connection? Why would anyone wish to use it, besides the obvious attenuation benefits, if you can only get 2ch from it? I'm relatively positive that I've gotten at least PLII through the optical connection, or am I just crazy?

Thanks.

Confused by a lot of chatter here. To my understanding you take a standard mini jack (mono jack) to rca (also called coaxial or SPDIF when digital). Right? This will play dvd's. But what about windows media files and quicktime files encoded with 5.1. Will this device output a 5.1 signal to my receiver which is then decoded?

This may be a loaded questions with a lot of answers but it's a need to know. I'm looking to download h264 content and play it on my tv but need the 5.1 sound along with it.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/RCA-mini-spdif.html

Yep. Except that cable you linked to has a big ass connector and probably won't fit on the card. The ZS 2 has minijacks very close to each other.

I'm only using the 1 minijack though no? WOuld the proximity of each minijack connector then matter?

And is that a yes to h264 content...will it also play 5.1 from media player?

I always make sure the jacks are rubber coated, and just trim one side off 2 of them and both sides of the centre one with a sharp knife, then they fit fine :D

I just bought an Xbox speaker system made by spherix an it accepts coaxial input. It has optical ins as well but I would like to use this solution presented in the thread to hook up to the system.

Currently I have it running to my TV and then out to the speaker system but this is only stereo. The speaker system will only accept 5.1 through the coaxial connection or the optical connection.

If I do get this connector (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102693&cp) will it still allow me to play non-5.1 output or will I have to switch between the analog stereo output and the coaxial output? I hope it will let me output anything I want but I'm not certain it will based on what you guys are saying here.

I posted a question in a separate thread and got some help, but have a follow up question related to possible problem. I have Audigy 2 zs in my desktop, which I am trying to connect to Onkyo TX-575 and Phillips Plasma. I ordered from Monoprice a minijack TOSlink (male) to regular TOSlink adapter and 25 foot TOSlink cable for (what I hope is) 5.1 digital sound when I plug the cable into an open optical input on the receiver. However, I also want to run an S-video cable from the desktop to television. The S-video input on the television is a 4-pin - which I assume (perhaps incorrectly) is video only (as opposed to 7 pin which would be video and sound). Assuming I get a 25 foot 4 pin cable should this work?

An S Video cable only carries Video. The audio must be transmitted via an optical (TOSLINK) or Coaxial (RCA on each end). Connecting the coaxial cable to your Audigy 2ZS and the S cable will provide standard NTSC video on your TV. In order to get higher quality video from your computer, try to use a VGA breakout cable or a DVI connection if your TV and computer have these.

I have Audigy 2 zs in my desktop, which I am trying to connect to Onkyo TX-575 and Phillips Plasma. I ordered from Monoprice a minijack TOSlink (male) to regular TOSlink adapter and 25 foot TOSlink cable for (what I hope is) 5.1 digital sound when I plug the cable into an open optical input on the receiver.

I don't think the Audigy 2 zs uses a minijack Toslink/optical, it is just a regular minijack coax. At least that is how mine is. I can use a normal, cheap cable with a mono 1/8" mini jack on one end and a single RCA plug on the other and connect to the digital coax input on my receiver. I have the Platinum version with the front bay I/O panel and that provides regular optical and coax outputs as well.

Okay, this is driving me crazy. I have an Audigy 2 ZS notebook card. Using the optical out with a nifty converter (Monoprice ID 2671) I have successfully gotten 5.1 surround out of a friend's receiver (Yamaha htr 5830). However, when I connect it to my Denon AVR-4306 I only get sound when the display reads "5ch stereo" and it produces only 2ch's replicated over each speaker. I've read through this thread, and I encounter a lot of conflicting information; some state that the optical out only outputs 2ch, whereas some say it's capable of passing DD. I've tried setting the card to various modes, however none of them appear to make any difference. What exactly are the capabilities of the optical out connection? Why would anyone wish to use it, besides the obvious attenuation benefits, if you can only get 2ch from it? I'm relatively positive that I've gotten at least PLII through the optical connection, or am I just crazy?

Thanks.

if you want to connect your audigy 2 zs nb to your denon avr, use the dock cable that came with the audigy 2.

i suggest you also purchase the creative home theater cable,which will seperate the 3 connections on the dock cable to 8 seperate rca jacks for each channel,for $14.

connect the rca jacks to the EXT IN connections at the back of your denon avr.

plug your source's optical output (dvd player, blu-ray, xbox 360, ps3, etc.) into the optical in of the audigy 2 zs.

use a toslink to 3.5mm adapter.

what we did here is we used the audigy 2 zs as a preamplifier instead of the one inside the denon avr. we only used the denon avr's multichannel amplifier.

here's how to play it on your denon. press EXT IN the main unit. you should here the sound playing on all channels for dolby digital and dts sources.

i did this using my onkyo htr-520 receiver. on my receiver the connections at the back are called MULTI-CH. The audigy 2 zs sounds way better than the processing done by the onkyo. the sound is clearer, not distorted, the subwoofer can reach deeper bass, and the surround channels sound just like the front and center speakers. with the onkyo's surround processing the surrounds sounded airy (or more trebel and no mid and bass).

you might here popping sounds so set your master volume to full and the rest to 50% or mid level. also if you connect your xbox 360 to the audigy 2 zs make sure to set the volume in each game to 50%...this solved the popping sounds.

i had picture links but i guess i need to post 2 more times before i can use url links.

Confused by a lot of chatter here. To my understanding you take a standard mini jack (mono jack) to rca (also called coaxial or SPDIF when digital). Right? This will play dvd's. But what about windows media files and quicktime files encoded with 5.1. Will this device output a 5.1 signal to my receiver which is then decoded?

This may be a loaded questions with a lot of answers but it's a need to know. I'm looking to download h264 content and play it on my tv but need the 5.1 sound along with it.

what i did was i bypassed my receiver's sound processor since the audigy 2 zs does the processing already (and has better processing since it is THX certified). Using the audigy's dock cable, I hooked the channel outputs into the back of the receiver labelled "MULTI-CH" (Onkyo) or "EXT IN" (Denon).

I plug my optical cable from my dvd or xbox 360 to the optical in of the audigy using a toslink to 3.5mm adapter

i used the audigy 2 zs like a preamplifier and only used the amplifier of the receiver

Okay, this is driving me crazy. I have an Audigy 2 ZS notebook card. Using the optical out with a nifty converter (Monoprice ID 2671) I have successfully gotten 5.1 surround out of a friend's receiver (Yamaha htr 5830). However, when I connect it to my Denon AVR-4306 I only get sound when the display reads "5ch stereo" and it produces only 2ch's replicated over each speaker. I've read through this thread, and I encounter a lot of conflicting information; some state that the optical out only outputs 2ch, whereas some say it's capable of passing DD. I've tried setting the card to various modes, however none of them appear to make any difference. What exactly are the capabilities of the optical out connection? Why would anyone wish to use it, besides the obvious attenuation benefits, if you can only get 2ch from it? I'm relatively positive that I've gotten at least PLII through the optical connection, or am I just crazy?

Thanks.

if you want to connect your audigy 2 zs nb to your denon avr, use the dock cable that came with the audigy 2.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2370009433_e649442356.jpg

i suggest you also purchase the creative home theater cable,which will seperate the 3 connections on the dock cable to 8 seperate rca jacks for each channel,
(http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=13&subcategory=55&product=14309&nav=0
for $14.

http://images.americas.creative.com/images/products/large/14181.png

connect the rca jacks to the EXT IN connections at the back of your denon avr.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2370010019_5d4452cbfa_o.jpg

plug your source's optical output (dvd player, blu-ray, xbox 360, ps3, etc.) into the optical in of the audigy 2 zs.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2371/2370008945_ba52983ab7.jpg

use a toslink to 3.5mm adapter.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2370009257_3d1276b7f6_o.jpg

what we did here is we used the audigy 2 zs as a preamplifier instead of the one inside the denon avr. we only used the denon avr's multichannel amplifier.

here's how to play it on your denon

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/2370845148_6b387b356e_o.jpg

i did this using my onkyo htr-520 receiver. on my receiver the connections at the back are called MULTI-CH. The audigy 2 zs sounds way better than the processing done by the onkyo. the sound is clearer, the subwoofer can reach deeper bass, and the surround channels sound just like the front and center speakers. with the onkyo's surround processing the surrounds sounded airy (or more trebel and no mid and bass).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2370010593_661baa377a.jpg

you might here popping sounds so set your master volume to full and the rest to 50% or mid level. also if you connect your xbox 360 to the audigy 2 zs make sure to set the volume in each game to 50%...this solved the popping sounds.

I have just read the seven pages here, but could not find the answer to 2 questions I have:

1, Is the model nr SB0350 an OEM version of the Audigy 2 ZS or the retail version?

2, Can I have analog and digital both outputting out at the same time, e.g. I have my main hi-fi speakers and my pc-speakers. Ideally I want both my amp (via digital) and pc speakers (via analog line-out/spk out) connected, then whatever I am doing I can determine which speakers to turn on without messing with any config settings, e.g. playing cd's = amp on, play games = pc speakers on.

2, Can I have analog and digital both outputting out at the same time, e.g. I have my main hi-fi speakers and my pc-speakers. Ideally I want both my amp (via digital) and pc speakers (via analog line-out/spk out) connected, then whatever I am doing I can determine which speakers to turn on without messing with any config settings, e.g. playing cd's = amp on, play games = pc speakers on.

Yes you can, just hook them both up and it will work fine.

Cool :)

Looks like the card is a retail one or possibly purchased as OEM but is identical to the retail card less packagaing etc.

Cool :)

Looks like the card is a retail one or possibly purchased as OEM but is identical to the retail card less packagaing etc.

Yes. I have a Dell OEM Audigy 2 ZS, and another one purchased separately, and they are both SB0350.

On hooking up the Audigy to a receiver, I've had a reciever next to my pc for a year or better with the analog outs from the card connected to the multichannel inputs on the receiver to drive my "pc" speakers.
It's basically very easy to do with any combination of 3.5mm to RCA adapters.

Getting ready to make a 50' run to the HT in the living room soon as I get the cable, and I have a Phillips PH61148 switch so I can connect my Universal player in and switch between them.
Not really a Home Theater Computer, but.....I have loads of multichannel music on the pc and get tired of sneakernetting.

John Mactavish: Thank you. It only took 6 months, but I can finally hook up to my 52" LCD and have surround sound.

theres tons of replies to this thread but from browsing couple pages the best way to connect the Audigy 2 ZS Card to a receiver (which mine is TX-SR605) is mono mini jack to RCA connector?

is this correct?

Whether you use the SPDIF digital connection or use the 6 channels of analog depends on what you do with the computer. If you want to play games, you will need the 6 analog connections. For everything else, the coaxial connection works perfectly.

i just want to be able to listen to my music library via computer to Receiver

Then the digital coax will work just fine.

Hello,

I have a Audigy 2 ZS Platinum and the Logitech Z-5500 speakers. I currently use the 6 analog connections, but since I rarely game, wondering if going to the coax digital or optical digital connections might improve sound quality for DVD's and HDTV??

I guess the real question is, is there a clear answer as to whether the Digital-To-Analog conversion should occur in the soundcard or the receiver for best sound quality for DVD/HDTV?? (Forgetting about any possible interference benefits of the optical line)

I guess you can connect them both at the same time and then just switch the source from the speakers depending on what you are doing??

Whether you use the SPDIF digital connection or use the 6 channels of analog depends on what you do with the computer. If you want to play games, you will need the 6 analog connections. For everything else, the coaxial connection works perfectly.

Okay, I've looked through the post, read as patiently and tried many suggestions to make this work :

Kenwood VR-606, which has 2 digital coax connections.
I've got Audigy 2 ZS, a digital coax cable, and a phono(mono?) to 1/8' adapter.

Now when I have everything connected my receiver seems to detect a connection to my sound card, but I get no sound when the input mode on my receiver is set to 'DVD/6 Channel' as it also listed on the back of the receiver and the wire plugged to that port.

I read on the 2nd page of this post that you need to diable something on the software, via mediasource or audio HQ, but I don't seem to have that option.
I run a Dell, and believe that the sound card came with it the computer.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Whether you use the SPDIF digital connection or use the 6 channels of analog depends on what you do with the computer. If you want to play games, you will need the 6 analog connections. For everything else, the coaxial connection works perfectly.

Digging up an old thread but...

Is it possible to connect BOTH of these to the receiver? So, when I watch movies the receiver will do the work and output my 5.1 sound and when I play games the soundcard with output the 5.1.

You can use both and just switch the receiver to the appropriate input. That is how mine is connected to my Altec 885"s

Okay, I've looked through the post, read as patiently and tried many suggestions to make this work :

Kenwood VR-606, which has 2 digital coax connections.
I've got Audigy 2 ZS, a digital coax cable, and a phono(mono?) to 1/8' adapter.

Now when I have everything connected my receiver seems to detect a connection to my sound card, but I get no sound when the input mode on my receiver is set to 'DVD/6 Channel' as it also listed on the back of the receiver and the wire plugged to that port.

I read on the 2nd page of this post that you need to diable something on the software, via mediasource or audio HQ, but I don't seem to have that option.
I run a Dell, and believe that the sound card came with it the computer.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hello, I read your single post about your receiver and couldn't believe it. I'm trying to hook up my own VR-606 to my Audigy 2 ZS and have had no luck so far. Bought the mini to RCA converter, and hooked up to the coax... What am I doing wrong?

I also have the old audigy2 ZS card and I have bought the Creative cables for 7.1 sound but only one of the three outlets on the card work.
windows 7 X64 Ultimate, I have been trying all night I even replaced the drivers and all that jazz and still no joy. :mad:

hi guys thx for the useful infos
i have a problem pls help me. I connected my audigy2zs to my receiver via stereo (2 ring) mini plug to coaxial adapter. I cant hear any sounds not mp3 nor movies. And sometimes (only sometimes) i can hear buzz or weird hissling sound. Is is stereo thing or what please help me guys im about to go crazy (by the way my analog connection is doing fine)

Hi

First of all, I apologize for reviving an old thread but after doing a days worth of googling, this was the best thing I could find. I recently decided to install my Audigy 2 ZS sound card on my new computer and tried connecting it to my receiver. I'm running a Windows 7 64-bit system and my receiver is a Sony STR-DG520.

After installing the card, I downloaded and installed the latest drive from Creative's website. I then took my mini jack to RCA cable, attached the mono jack adapter on to the stereo mini jack then connected the RCA to the TV-in on the back of my receiver. The mini jack was plugged in to the digital out hole on my sound card.

The problem here is, I'm receiving sound but its just mostly static and noise, the sound is there but it's very low and unclear. I'm really stumped and I wish I knew what was going on. I know this is perfectly doable and I feel as if the problem is something very trivial but I just don't know the cause.

Here's a picture of the back of my receiver.

http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/sony_str_dg520_rear_panel.jpg
Again, I have the RCA plugged into the TV-in on the left side of the receiver and the other end is connected to a mono jack adapter which is plugged into the digital out on my sound card.

I'd greatly appreciate it if someone out there is willing to help as I had no sound working for almost 4 days and this is kind of driving me nuts.