Looking for new audio card to support surround sound

[superjohn89]

Hey all. I'm looking for a new audio card that can run a true 5.1 surround sound setup. I have the Logitech X-540 5.1 surround sound speakers. The mother board I have has the HD audio built in, but I dont think it can run a true 5.1 surround sound setup. It just seems they all play at the same tune through out all the speakers...

Thanks

 

[fireberd]

The RealTek, on board, sound in both of my desktops have 5.1 and 7.1 capability. What actually plays out of what speaker can be determined by the source and/or the media player. Some of the other on-board audio chips also have 5.1 capability.

Without system spec's can't really say what will work with your system. Could be you need a PCI type sound card? or a PCIe type. There are several sound cards available with 5.1, SoundBlaster, HT Omega, ASUS, etc.

 

[superjohn89]

I updated all my PC info I was at work when making the first post and didnt know all my specs off hand. What audio softwares play in surround sound?

Ive heard that youtube doesnt play except in stereo.. is that true?

Thanks

 

[fireberd]

I think that is true for Youtube. That is a better question for the music and video section of the forum. Music, Pictures & Video - Windows 7 Help Forums

I'm a musician and have a recording studio, but don't use or do anything with surround sound.

 

[rvcjew]

even if you upload a 5.1 track to youtube it will be stereo, you can push the matrix button on the 540's volume thing it to push to all 5 speakers though. i am using those for my ghetto surround setup (7.1 is done with: HDMI out from GTX 780>Sony STR-DH520>Klipsch R-15M with LFE to a Dayton Sub1200, satellites are comprised of logitech x-540 surrounds and a z506 center) and they work fairly well while being put in a real receiver. what is your budget for your sound card soundblaster? if you got the money these both work very well when i used them with analog I had a x-fi extreme gamer and it handled that set flawlessly. Creative Sound Blaster Z PCIe 116dB SNR Gaming Sound Card with 600ohm Headphone Amp and Beamforming Microphone - Newegg.com ASUS Xonar DG 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Newegg.com