Connecting AV sound system to a non-optical new computer
Connecting AV sound system to a non-optical new computer
Hi everyone,
I just purchased a new computer and noticed the motherboard doesn’t have any optical input available, which is confusing me about connecting my AV system. My motherboard is an Asus z790-P, and I’ve checked ASUS’s forum discussions recommending a sound card or USB DAC. The problem is that there isn’t a sound card supporting 5.1 audio just from the optical port—it only works in stereo. The reviews for USB DAC mention delays, and even Microsoft volume controls don’t function properly. For a gaming motherboard, I definitely don’t want any audio lag.
HDMI isn’t an option either because I have several monitors running at high refresh rates.
I’m unsure why this situation is so challenging in 2024—shouldn’t more people be using AV equipment to enhance their PC experience?
Chapter 2 beginning on 2-17 displays 5.1 and 7.1 audio outputs from the motherboard Analog. Regarding the HDMI and three monitors, could using a small box to split the HDMI signal help the monitor receive normally while allowing digital audio from the HDMI to go directly to your receiver?
I connect the gauge wires to my AV receiver, which seems to be set up for a simple 3.5mm AUX input. I understand we can't simply switch HDMI for audio-only use. My monitors are connected via DisplayPort.
This might free up the HDMI digital audio from the GPU. It wouldn't impact your displayport to monitors, but the box would function as a fake monitor with the added component from Amazon.
I'm assuming you're trying to send sound from your PC to a receiver via a TOSLINK cable without the actual physical link. The guide indicates connection #16 on the motherboard diagram, described in pages 1-18 as "The S/PDIF Out header allows you to connect the Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) Out module." Could you use SPDIF card slots? See an example here: https://www.amazon.com/WANSUPYIN-Anti-Re...B0CJ8YCXVK. I applied this method to my previous PC upgrade and found it performed similarly to the built-in version. SPDIF supports certain channel and bit rate limits, as explained on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/PDIF
It's fascinating, I believe you've cracked it! I need to compare the options carefully before deciding whether to purchase either.
Start by ignoring the idea of using an HDMI output. The HDMI setup supports only two-channel stereo audio, which is provided by the video card and not by a motherboard audio chip. You need 5.1 channel sound, which the motherboard can handle through its rear panel’s three analog audio output ports. If your AV system amplifier includes those three inputs (3.5 mm jacks for stereo), you’re set. Otherwise, you might want a single cable instead. S/PDIF is the solution here. It allows digital transmission of such an audio stream—either fully digital or just two channels—over one cable. This cable can be optical or a standard coaxial cable with RCA connectors.
The motherboard features an S/PDIF electrical output, but there’s no matching socket on its back panel. You can install a small plate in an unused rear area for a PCIe slot that connects to the header, revealing an external port. A basic version just provides the coaxial cable type available if your AV system supports it. Another option includes a built-in translator in the panel, offering both coaxial and optical ports.
For more details, see this product page: https://www.amazon.com/SPDIF-Optical-Pla...,80&sr=8-2