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    5.1 Audio from notebook?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by PoODiZzlE117, Nov 4, 2009.

  1. PoODiZzlE117

    PoODiZzlE117 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I have been searching for a 5.1 surround sound solution for my upcoming SXPS 16 and have run into a couple of problems. The only real solution I see being viable is the Creative X-fi Xtreme Audio Notebook Sound Card (fits into Expresscard slot), but apparently the upgrade kit for the card that converts audio into true 5.1/7.1 is discontinued for some reason (or else not available). I have been looking for a way to connect my SXPS to my Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speaker system that I just bought and this seemed the best way, but now I am not sure what could work. I found that the Creative Sound Card DOES have an optical out (1/8 " mini jack) and was wondering if I could get true 5.1 sound from that through a mini optical to optical adaptor that can connect to my Logitech system. If that doesn't work, does anyone have any suggestions to good solutions to connect my SXPS to my Logitech speakers?
    Thanks a lot!
     
    PoODiZzlE117, Nov 4, 2009
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  2. Jasp

    Jasp Notebook Evangelist

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    You could look at the X-fi USB, it outputs 5.1 via standard 3.5mm jacks, its far from perfect though and took me quite a while to get it running correctly on my HDX.
     
    Jasp, Nov 4, 2009
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  3. Vogelbung

    Vogelbung I R Judgemental

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    Vogelbung, Nov 5, 2009
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  4. Little_Ho

    Little_Ho Notebook Geek

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    Hey i got the older Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Notebook which is a PCMCIA Card and it did work in Vista now in Win7 have that thing a couple of years now and never let me down. I use a 4.1 System on it.

    just my 0.02
     
    Little_Ho, Nov 5, 2009
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  5. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    Syndrome, Nov 5, 2009
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  6. TimeWriter

    TimeWriter Notebook Evangelist

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    StudioXPS has an integrated sound card that support 5.1 channel output (you need the IDT driver installed). It has an incredible DAC for an integrated sound chip, it's sound is comparable with the one provided by Creative Audigy SE.
     
    TimeWriter, Nov 5, 2009
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  7. SDatl404

    SDatl404 Notebook Enthusiast

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    SDatl404, Nov 6, 2009
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  8. Vogelbung

    Vogelbung I R Judgemental

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    The thing to bear in mind though for optical output is that all the notebook-compatible stuff only passes through 5.1 info.

    i.e. Fine for 5.1 encoded movies, but won't actually output discrete 5.1 in games. You'll need a card with 5.1 analog outputs with game compatibility, or something that encodes DTS in real-time... which as far as I'm aware is not available in anything but a PCI / PCI-E form factor for an affordable price.

    I'm sorry I can't really help hugely in this aspect as I do all my gaming on desktops - although given the limitations, I think it would serve most people better to stick to two-channel - or externally DSP'd effects - gaming on laptops.
     
    Vogelbung, Nov 6, 2009
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