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Upgrading HTPC Audio

C

-=Cobra=-

n00b
Joined
May 15, 2005
Messages
51
hey there, i built my HTPC about 2 yrs ago using all high-end parts, for audio i used a X-fi Fatal1ty xtreme gamer feeding a $4000 Klipsch speaker system ...I need to do a major upgrade on audio..something with more power if its a different sound card with an amplifier..just something better than what i have...thanks...
 
What's the rest of your A/V setup like? Receiver? Anything with HDMI? Digital is the way to go, really.
 
Marantz SR-7002, Bluray player, PS3, XBOX 360, VUDU Digital Video Player..everything connected via HDMI and Optical cables...i just need to increase the power output..
 
If I am reading this right it looks like your actually trying to do two completely separate things:
1. Add wattage to your speakers
2. Get a better soundcard/quality

Problem #1
Your power for the speakers is coming from the receiver so adding wattage to a soundcard in the computer wont help you. To fix that you need to add a external amplifier you connect to your receiver using pre-outs and then connect your speakers to that. I would look at a 3 channel Emotiva amp. The places you will notice a big difference with more power would be your front three speakers (Center, Right, Left). Your surrounds normally do not pull the full wattage your receiver is capable of sending to it so getting a 5 or 7 channel amp is more of a waste (This is strictly my personal opinion)


Problem #2
You could always purchase a low end 5xxx series ATI card (provided your onboard video if any doesn't do 1.3 HDMI). This will allow you to send out lossless audio and video to your TV (all the new formats). This is provided your can decode the newer formats (which I believe it can). If you are using optical out on your soundcard the receiver is doing all/most of the work anyway, and that is a pretty good receiver to boot so I wouldn't think you would have any cause to replace it.
 
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