SPDIF

[EnderAndrew]

Okay, color me stupid. I work with computers for a living, and have worked with PCs most of my life.

 

But I've never had surround speakers on my computer. I have a SPDIF output on my PC. Several times I've been shopping for some 5.1 speakers for my PC. Every single time I ask a salesmen how they hook up, they have no answer. I've looked at the back of said speakers, and none of them have SPDIF inputs.

 

I'm at a loss here, and losing geek points. Someone help me.

[Judge Hades]

Well, I got a 6.1 speaker system. I simply plugged it into my Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. Find the instruction manual, I know that finding it might be a little hard, and it should tell you what plugs to plug in at which socket.

 

By the way, what type of sound card do you have?

[EnderAndrew]

It's just onboard sound, but it says it supports 5.1 speakers via the S/PDIF output.

[Judge Hades]

Then I would consult your computer's manual or the motherboard's manufacturer website. Is it a single plug like what you find on headphones or is it a multiprong plug?

[EnderAndrew]

It's a single plug. I've been told that there are two types of S/PDIF.

 

The motherboard's manual only states that S/PDIF is THE standard for surround sound.

[Judge Hades]

Okay then, it is what I think it is them. Like I said, I have a 6.1 system so it won't be exact but ont he back of my sound card there are three slots for inserting the plugs. Each slot takes a set of speakers and subwoofer. It took a bit of playing around to get the right plug in the right slot. Sometimes the speaker plugs and the slots are color coded, sometimes not.

 

If they are you want to match color with color. If not you will need to play around a little bit. Also I am sure you checked that the onboard sound is capable for 5.1 speakers, right?

[EnderAndrew]

Yeppers. My mobo manual says it, the box says it, and newegg.com says it.

[Judge Hades]

There should be more than just one slot. Can you link me to your motherboard's entry at Newegg?

[EnderAndrew]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-131-451&depa=0

[Judge Hades]

Okay then, I see where you need to plug it in at. In the middle of back of the board there is three slots in a column (if you lay the board flat with component side up). Match the each plug to the right slot. Now since you are using a 5.1 speaker system not all the slots will be used, I think. But if you had a 6.1 speakers like I have it all you have to do is match color slot to plug.

 

Actually it kind of looks like my MB in my Compact.

[EnderAndrew]

Thanks. I'm just worried that I'm gonna buy speakers and not be able to hook them up.

[Judge Hades]

Well, always keep in mind the technical specifications of your MB and always ask questions at the counter. :D

 

I'm glad to be of help.

[Kitch]

S/PDIF uses a digital coaxial cable (some use optical, though, I think.) from the speaker system's digital output your computer's s/pdif.

[Darque]

After reading this thread I think I'm lost beyond all possible recovery

[taks]

S/PDIF uses a digital coaxial cable (some use optical, though, I think.) from the speaker system's digital output your computer's s/pdif.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

RCA, actually, which is a coax... 75 ohms. do a search on S/PDIF or SPDIF and you'll find plenty of information. i've never actually hooked up my CD player's SPDIF connection, nor have i knowingly used one. however, if that's what "they" say we're using for surround, then it must be true!

taks

[taks]

btw, creative has a digital 5.1 speaker set that might work.

 

taks