5.1

[Agent_Mull]

5.1 sound

Ok, I currently use my mobo sound card (Gigabyte GN-7N400 w/ NForce2 Chipset) w/ a small sub and my monitor speakers. When i just hook up the monitor speakers to my computer they arent all that loud, even with the system sound all the way up. For Xmas i want 5.1 speakers, but I am worried that my sound will not be that loud. Is there anyway to override the system sound. also would i beable to find a separate rear, and subwofer jack @ my computer store so that i can still have my Mic jack? PLz help. ill give you a cookie!!

 

[dartor]

Volume question....

As for the final volume of the sound, it is going to depend on the size of the amplifier and the power handling of the speakers. The more watts you have going to the speakers the louder they will be. The only drawback is that too much power to a speaker and you can wreck it. However, all packaged 5.1 systems are matched for the right amount of power for the handling capabilities of the speakers.

Probably what is happening is the line level signal(no amplification) from your sound card is being transferred to the monitor speakers. This would be very quiet and if the monitor speakers weren't amplified (or broken) the sound wouldn't get very loud even if you cranked the sound card.

As for your sub and rear jack question...

Well an analog 5.1 system will use 3 audio jacks(front,rear,sub/center) to create a 5.1 signal. Typically two of the three jacks are shared input/output. Since you can't have both input and output on at the same time you won't be able to use your mic-in and analog 5.1.

However, if your mobo has a digital-out(most Nforce do) and your speaker system has a digital-in you can use that. Since it uses only one jack(usually dedicated solely for dig) you can still use your mic.

Hope this helps ya out. If you do get 5.1 you'll wonder why you abused your ears so long with anything less.

Edit: What kind of cookie?? I only work for the homebaked peanut butter, choco chip or ginger snap.

 

[340Duster]

This is a good place to add this question, is there a sound card or onboard sound out that includes a digital optical out? instead of a digital coax for true 5.1?

 

[Maximouse]

This is a good place to add this question, is there a sound card or onboard sound out that includes a digital optical out? instead of a digital coax for true 5.1?

Yes, the Abit NF7/s has optical out.

Here:http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/products.php?categories=1&model=6