DTS HD decoding to analogue out - Asus Sound card range?

[chug]

I want to use an older receiver which doesn't have the ability to decode modern format's, so I'm looking at the asus range of sound cards to output an analogue signal to the multi channel in on the amp.

Now I get the impression it is only the HDAV1.3 that gives the full DTS HD decoding? And none of the essence series or the d2x seem to?

http://www.asus.com/Sound_Cards_and_.../Xonar_HDAV13/

Thinking of either the above or the essence stx with this...

http://www.asus.com/Sound_Cards_and_...ters/Xonar_H6/

To achieve what I need, but will this combination output decoded DTS HD etc in full analogue? Could possibly just use a d2x and its mini jacks but proper RCA's are the aim, which I can't see on any other cards. These asus cards seem to come highly rated as well.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Grador]

I would venture to say that you might get better sound quality from AC3 or DTS being decoded by your receiver than you would from those sound cards will give you decoding the HD tracks.

 

[chug]

Interesting... Could I ask what basis you've got for that comment? Isn't what I read elsewhere albeit in a computer orientated world. They seem to be the best you can get.

 

[Grador]

Interesting... Could I ask what basis you've got for that comment? Isn't what I read elsewhere albeit in a computer orientated world. They seem to be the best you can get.

Electrically computers are a very noisy environment, which makes it difficult to get a good analog signal out of. I haven't managed to find any measurements for it [which is unfortunately almost always true of PC equipment]. It is possible that the setup you're looking at will work out well, I am mostly going off personal bias here.

 

[jinjuku]

Electrically computers are a very noisy environment, which makes it difficult to get a good analog signal out of. I haven't managed to find any measurements for it [which is unfortunately almost always true of PC equipment]. It is possible that the setup you're looking at will work out well, I am mostly going off personal bias here.

This is a myth not born out by the fact that there have been many quality internal sound cards where the output is pristine. I run the EMU 1212M PCIe and it's quiet and dynamic as can be.

External solutions are the popular choice for various reasons including easier access to cabling, portability, the ability to design to Class 1 / 2 USB audio spec (driverless) etc...

The HDAV card will be the one the OP needs to use since it can output to the analog for use on amps and still send the video to HDMI.

 

[Grador]

This is a myth not born out by the fact that there have been many quality internal sound cards where the output is pristine. I run the EMU 1212M PCIe and it's quiet and dynamic as can be.

I'll take an anecdote of a good result over one of bad. I've never used a card that high end (and frankly haven't used non-integrated soundcards in years), I guess I shouldn't find it that surprising that you can get something workable. I'm just a little hesitant to recommend one without seeing bench testing.