SYNTX P4S865PE /SPDIF-out header

[renbircs]

Hey, I don't know a lot about PC audio but I am in need of some help. My PC has the Syntax S865PE Mother board.

It says in the manual "The ALC655 is compliant with the AC'97 (REV2.3) CODEC and supports six channels audio CODEC designed for PC Multimedia systems. It provides three analog line-level stereo inputs with 5-bit volume control: Line-IN, CD, AUX. It also supports S/PDIF output function and operates from a 3.3V power supply."

I am intrested in hooking up 5.1 speakers. In the manual it has a description of the SPDIFO1 interface which is just a 4 pin header (actually 3 pins and a NC key). The pin out of the header is: PIN 1- SPIDF digital sound, PIN 2- 5V analog power, PIN 3- NC, PIN 4-GND. This section says "You can purchase an optional 24-bit digital audio extension bracket from a third-party vendor..."

I am guessing I need this extension bracket in order to hook up 5.1 suround speakers.

My questions are as follows:

1)Does my resolution of needing the extension bracket sound right?

2) Where can I get one of these extension brackets?

Any help is much appreciated and please excuse my ignorance on this topic.

Thanks much,

Tony

Jamie Kreitman (http://www.daddysmoney.net/)

[jmail]

S/PDIF is a digital stereo. 6 channel or 5.1 is different. If you're wanting the bracket, the manufacturer or vendor you got the board from should be able to get it for you. It may be difficult to find. It's usefullness depends on your application and other hardware (I've never used mine). My "stock" onboard AC'97 audio uses a 2nd analog speaker output to hook-up the rear speakers to. The 2.1 portion hooks-up to the regular line-out jack. If you didn't get an owner's manual with the board, or it's vague, try the manufacturer's web-site and see if they have a FAQ to consult.

[renbircs]

As I started thinking about it, this makes sense. Just becuase I have a digital audio stream coming from my motherboard, that does not mean I can pump it through a set of speakers directly. Therefore, the real question is, now do I access the 6 channel audio my motherboard says it has?. Unfortunately the manual for the mother board does not clarify this. I've emailed the manufacturer so we'll see what they say. If anyone has any thoughts on this or experience with Syntax motherboards, please let me know. It may end up the easiest thing to do is purchase a good audio card and turn off the on-board audio... Anyone agree?

Thanks!

Tony

Jamie Kreitman (http://www.daddysmoney.net)

[jmail]

One computer I have says "supports six channels audio CODEC", but that doesn't mean it outputs 6 channel, only that it "understands" and can "fold-down" to stereo. Another box I have with onboard says "hardware enabled 5.1 sound" (or something to that effect). If your board has a front panel feed, see if that can be configured as your rear speakers. Hopefully your owner's manual isn't totally anemic... but it probably is...

As for onboard sound, I hate it and eliminate it whenever I can (on the cheapo boards I buy). The onboard sound uses your CPU as its DSP and can really "rob" the computer of cycles better spent elsewhere when you're doing audio recording, not to forget the lack of quality in the ADACs...