How to select a sound card

[frankcastle]

Okay seeing as it costs very little to upgrade my vid card.

Here's he next questions....

Sound cards 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 what does it mean.

Does my system

1.4 GHz, 2 gb ram affect the sound card?

Looking inside my computer it looks like I have one extra PCI slot.... not sure what type though or how to find out.

From what I can see you have options of types of input/output, quality of the DAC (digital analog converter).

Ideally I'd love lots of flexibility it would be cool to be about to
a) send FLAC files to my actual stereo amp (i.e. rca connectors)
b) feed audio into the computer via rca (e.g. vinyl recordings and yes I'm aware of the turntable that does that but I think the stylus on my turntable is probably better in terms of frequency response)
c) handle games without a problem

All the 5 point surround stuff though is not really of interest I'm happy with high quality 2 point stereo (left and right)

But maybe I need to be set straight so please audio card heads throw in your 2 cents.

 

[AnimalMagnetism]

keep it really simple with the sound card FC. buy the creative labs(sound blaster) card. I'm sure you will have room for a pci sound card
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008774&cid=SC
this will do the job.
with your current computer configuration this is all you need.
points a) and b) will be handled by y adapters (3.5mm stereo to 2 rca)
c) is handled easily.

speaker configurations are 2.1 = left , right, sub.
the .1 is always sub designation
5.1 = surround sound. center, left and right front, left and right rear
6.1 = center, left and right front, left and right rear, center rear
7.1 = Center, left and right front, left and right side, left and right rear

your computer configuration probably has onboard sound and video, so you will be required to disable those through the system bios. (not difficult)

if you wish to run a full test on your comp to determine all your inputs, outputs, pci, agp, memory etc try running belarc. a free tool to determine configurations
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

 

[thewheelman]

notice that this card requires -- "Supports SPDIF Out for Stereo Digital Speakers or SPDIF In/Out with Creative Digital I/O Module (sold separately)"

And I'm not sure those I/O modules are available anymore... buyer beware!

 

[frankcastle]

Thanks guys!!!!!

picked up the sound card plugged it in and ran the CD. Works like a charm!

Now I can enjoy gaming and amping myself up for the iron maiden concert this weekend!

You guys rock almost as much as Maiden!

 

[thewheelman]

Drive by Derry and Tobram and you can see the Iron Maiden Tour jet!

 

[frankcastle]

That's cool I heard Bruce flew the guys over himself (apparently he's a licenced pilot). Very cool!