Quote:
Originally Posted by zzyckz /forum/post/18251476
Hmmm..! What's wrong with having the hardware he has work for him and then let him judge for himself?
If at any point afterwards he's unsatisfied with the results so far he still has another choice. Not to mention a whole other set of quirks trying to get everything working through HDMI. Is not at all as simple as you make it sound, to me that's just another can of worms with a different label, been there done that.
Once installed, the sound card you would be using doesn't need any other cables other then the optical/digital cable you'll be connecting to your AVR. Select the card as your primary audio output source and you're good to go.
True!
That is why I generally add "Just my 2 cents" to any info/advice I post. If I write 'Please', it sounds as if I'm begging for others to follow my opinion. Its just my opinion and users can read and judge for themselves what works best for them.
I try to consider what equipment is being used in conjunction with the question being asked. My thinking tends to run towards using what I paid for.
In OP's case, a Sony STR-DA3400ES is being used. That is a $1000 receiver, (maybe cheaper if you can find a deal).
So why skimp on spending $50 when $1000 (+ more for speakers & sub) have been spent. It doesn't make sense to use SPDIF when HD audio can be had for $50.
Also, more importantly, OP asked about purchasing another sound card or video card.
And of course its not as simple as it sounds; with a HTPC it never is.
This is a help forum. To help and learn is what we are here for. Since no one had posted about HD audio bitstreaming, I figured I would.
I directed OP to other threads to read up about problems and fixes with the 5000 solution.
I assume he will think about it and do what suits him best.
Cheers!
