Solved HDMI cable for audio or keep my 4.1 w/soundcard? need help w/HDMI

[Tactics]

Hello quick question so i'm clear and to see what you would suggest.

I have a new upgrade LG 55 inch 4k TV connected to my PC via HDMI to GTX970 I've read this TV supports audio also via the same HDMI cable plugged in to my video card. I'm a huge gamer.

Right now I have a X-Fi Xtreme Gamer sound card connected to a 4.1 Logitech setup w/sub. I've been using this for years and it works great for surround sound when available and EAX is always a plus SO whats my benefit to 86 the 4.1 and just go HDMI?

In that case I lose the 4 speaker setup correct and just use audio from the TV?? I can't see the advantage for this unless i'm missing something big. I don't use SPDIF output or the Dolby digital or DTS encoder from the card I assume all that you need a receiver.

Can I use HDMI output for audio and STILL use my 4.1 speakers? I don't want to invest in a receiver or anything like that at this point. What would you do if you were me? i'm at work now but I read if I go into the sound properties/playback devices I can choose HDMI output? I'm curious to see how that works.

thx!

 

[fireberd]

Windows only allows one default audio playback device. e.g. HDMI or Speakers (your sound card). HDMI audio is generated on a sound chip in the Video card. You don't have all the options you do with a Sound card.

 

[Tactics]

ok thx i'm probably gonna keep the sound card and speaker but I know nothing about HDMI audio so want to make sure i'm not missing some huge new technology for audio.

 

[Layback Bear]

A quality sound card and speakers will perform better than HDMI audio in my opinion.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I would guess the exception would be if you were using a bitching Yamaha receiver

 

[Tactics]

lol I've read many threads about that name/type receiver I probably should check it out but I def. don't need any more wires back there! lol

 

[Tactics]

A quality sound card and speakers will perform better than HDMI audio in my opinion.

thx for that feedback!

 

[AddRAM]

You can do it however you want, you`ll just have to keep switching the audio device, but your tv will never sound as good as your audio system, fortunately I have a Sony 7.1 system I switch to if I ever want to watch a movie from my PC on my 40" Sony Bravia.

 

[Tactics]

You can do it however you want, you`ll just have to keep switching the audio device, but your tv will never sound as good as your audio system, fortunately I have a Sony 7.1 system I switch to if I ever want to watch a movie from my PC on my 40" Sony Bravia.

ok cool thats what I was thinking no way the TV will sound as good. Nice 7.1 thats sweet I should at least go to 5.1 to have that center channel b/c when in PC mode the TV doesn't have sound only when i'm back in cable mode. I'm such a neat freak the 4.1 and wires are perfect and to rip them all down and do a 5.1 i'll be like arrgggggg

Can you suggest any good 5.1 setups? I'll search Google also

 

[fireberd]

"Good" 5.1 systems have two prerequisites. (1) how much you are willing to spend (2) individual preference - what sounds really great to you may not be that good to someone else. You have to listen to ones in your price range to see which one you want. If you can't audition them, buy them at a site that has liberal return policy in case you buy something you find out you don't like.

I have a recording studio and I can tell you no one agrees 100% with any mix I do.

 

[ThrashZone]

lol I've read many threads about that name/type receiver I probably should check it out but I def. don't need any more wires back there! lol

Hi,
Yamaha has hdmi connections too
I'd be interested in Fireberd's take on the receiver deal he is our expert

 

[Tactics]

"Good" 5.1 systems have two prerequisites. (1) how much you are willing to spend (2) individual preference - what sounds really great to you may not be that good to someone else. You have to listen to ones in your price range to see which one you want. If you can't audition them, buy them at a site that has liberal return policy in case you buy something you find out you don't like.

I have a recording studio and I can tell you no one agrees 100% with any mix I do.

ok thx good info.

 

[Tactics]

lol I've read many threads about that name/type receiver I probably should check it out but I def. don't need any more wires back there! lol

Hi,
Yamaha has hdmi connections too
I'd be interested in Fireberd's take on the receiver deal he is our expert

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yea I got one of these a while back just have not utilized it yet
YAMAHA RX-V471 5.1-Channel AV Receiver-Newegg.com
RX-V471 - RX-V - AV Receivers - Audio & Visual - Products - Yamaha United States

I guess this is the newer version
RX-V479 - RX-V - AV Receivers - Audio & Visual - Products - Yamaha United States

 

[fireberd]

I don't have any surround sound systems so I really can't comment on the hardware such as the Yamaha.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yea the receiver gives more speaker options for the most part and use it as a central unit
But still be able to connect all devices to it with hdmi cable box/ bluray dvd player/ t.v./....

It has newer style speaker connections and older 2 wire connections so if one had good old speakers they would be able to use them and not have to buy a new surround sound speakers system

The newer model I post is 4k compatible too