sound card recommendation?

[endbegin]

Hi,

I am looking for a recommendation for connecting my laptop to my receiver.

The current set up is a Denon AVR1690 7.1 ch receiver, and a pair of Ascend CBM 170SEs. The laptop is a Dell Studio 17, and it has an HDMI output but the receiver will only decode HDMI video. So I wanted to be able to use the optical input to the receiver, but the laptop has headphone out only.

What's the best way to get the highest quality sound to my receiver? The budget is somewhat flexible, so I am open to the higher priced options - or a completely different option altogether.

I've looked some products like the Creative Xfi, Turtle Beach, and the Terratech DMX6 USB but the reviews have been mixed and confusing.

Thanks ...

P.S. I use Ubuntu Linux.

 

[tingc222]

If you have an expresscard slot, I'd look into the Echo Indigo DJx or IOx. I've got one hooked up to my rotel integrated amp and it sounds amazing. IMO analog outputs are no worse than digital outs.

Also it would look cleaner than a usb option.

 

[Stoogie]

Auzentech X-Fi HomeTheater HD(PCIex1) $284 AUS, 7.1 192khz 24p over HDMI replaceable stereo opamps AKG dacs,

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My HP laptop does that from time to time: HDMI via video only, no Audio.

But then I unhook the HDMI, restart the laptop, and re-hook the HDMI, and the HDMI audio would work again.

Also chek the Windows Audio Player Device setup and make sure it is set to HDMI default.

Sometimes it takes me a few times. Pain in the a$$. That is one reason I hate laptops.


And as you've mentioned, you can always try the Turtle Beach adapter from amazon and return for free if it does not work:

http://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Beach-AudioAdvantageMicroII-Micro-Sound/dp/B0036VO4X4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1276958586&sr=1-5

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Also chek the Windows Audio Player Device setup and make sure it is set to HDMI default.

Great advice, expect the fact OP running Ubuntu
But, yea in general ADTG is right - It's not issue with you Denon, but it's drivers/software issue and you need to dig in deeper on to this issue by searching on linux forums

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

But if you are set on adding new card these sites list linux (alsa) compatible hardware:
http://bugtrack.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Main
http://www.linuxstudiopro.com/

For example - Behringer U-Control UCA-202 USB

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The OP running Ubuntu

DOH!

Bitten by the fine print bug again.

Well, that's the problem right there - Linux.

Switch over to Windows 7 SO and everything will be okay.

 

[lsiberian]

Hi,

I am looking for a recommendation for connecting my laptop to my receiver.

The current set up is a Denon AVR1690 7.1 ch receiver, and a pair of Ascend CBM 170SEs. The laptop is a Dell Studio 17, and it has an HDMI output but the receiver will only decode HDMI video. So I wanted to be able to use the optical input to the receiver, but the laptop has headphone out only.

What's the best way to get the highest quality sound to my receiver? The budget is somewhat flexible, so I am open to the higher priced options - or a completely different option altogether.

I've looked some products like the Creative Xfi, Turtle Beach, and the Terratech DMX6 USB but the reviews have been mixed and confusing.

Thanks ...

P.S. I use Ubuntu Linux.

I will give my Sound Blaster Live external a go next time I pull up the linux box and see if I can get it to work. I'll let you know if it works.

 

[endbegin]

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

I have Windows 7 too in a dual-boot setup but can never use Windows full time. Most of my work (programming and software-dev) is Linux only. So it wouldn't be an ideal solution to go to Windows entirely.

I tried the Creative Xfi with optical out - but the sound was not good at all. Plugging my headphone out directly to the receiver actually sounds so much better. I had a desktop which had an optical out and it sounded great with the same setup. Makes me wish I still used a desktop - but that would be the ONLY reason.

The trouble is not Windows or Ubuntu - the Denon receiver, according to the manual and a Denon tech rep, does audio pass through which means it will not decode audio over HDMI. So I figured I'd do an external sound card setup with optical out instead of buying a new receiver. And if I did buy a new receiver, then I'd want it to support 4 ohms - and now we are talking lots of $$$.

Why couldn't things just be a little simpler? I just want to hear some music and watch Netflix every once in a while!

Maybe I should go analog and stereo only - and get a Pioneer Elite A-35R integrated amp for under $200. That way I could get 4 ohm support too.