Low profile sound cards with optical out?

[Aku12]

Figured if anyone knew about these it would be you guys. Im in need of a upgrade from onboard sound but im using a MCE-301 case which means i need a low profile card. Im hoping for optical, but i guess im just looking for 7.1 digital.

In my searching i have only found 1 card that fits this and its the Aopen Cobra AW-870LB
http://www.amazon.com/COBRA-AW870LP-SOUND-CHANNEL-BRACKETS/dp/B000H9XCJU
but the problem is in reviews i have read that the spdif out only is in stereo and not 7.1.

any other options for me on this? I havnt pulled anything up in my searches.

thanks

 

[jebo_4jc]

The Aopen card will output 5.1 or 7.1 through SPDIF assuming the source is providing a dolby digital or etc. signal. Basically, in SPDIF pass through mode, the sound card will not process the audio at all, it will simply send the digital signal through the optical cable. The Aopen card should suit you fine.

Also, FWIW, the Creative low profile X-Fi cards appear to have a mini-din digital output, which is called SPDIF in the specs, so I would assume you can convert the mini-din to a digital coax cable.

Edit: actually, you would have to use this thing to convert the mini din to an optical or coax:
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=1780

Also, you might consider a USB sound card, if it would be convenient.