Better audio output for HTPC

[mister wiggles]

The computer is hooked up to the receiver and running as it should. I'm trying to optimize the experience in the both audio and visual quality. The audio/video is currently output from the PC's video card to the receiver through an HDMI cable.

I've tried using itunes, foobar, and J. River to play music but the quality seems to be best over Airplay. The problem is whenever Airplay is active, my input selection on the receiver changes to media which doesn't allow me to view my PC display. Any recommendations for better audio playback? I assume data coming through HDMI goes through the receiver's DAC processor?

For video, I'm just play movies through VLC. The audio track sucks. I'm not getting the full on 5.1 experience as i would through a blu-ray. Does the computer do the decoding before the signal gets to the receiver or does PC transmit a pure signal for the receiver to decode (AC-3, DTS, etc)?

I'm open to suggestions for external media players and NAS setups if I can get better quality output.

Is audiophile sound quality and true home theater movie experience possible with a HTPC?

Computer: Dell XPS 8500
1 GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 620 Graphics DDR3
Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-55

 

[jinjuku]

I split up my setup using two computers. One dedicated to HT and one for 2.0. See my sig for details as an example. You can switch the audio output device on the computer but it's a pain.

 

[Lulimet]

For video, I'm just play movies through VLC. The audio track sucks. I'm not getting the full on 5.1 experience as i would through a blu-ray. Does the computer do the decoding before the signal gets to the receiver or does PC transmit a pure signal for the receiver to decode (AC-3, DTS, etc)?

You have to change the audio setting in the VLC player to get DD, DTS, etc...

 

[mister wiggles]

Got VLC settings sorted out. DTS/Dolby output yay

Does the receivers onboard DAC filter the signal from itunes?
itunes audio output is set to "direct output" but bitrate sampling still at default setting. Would it make a difference changing it to 192/24?

 

[jinjuku]

Got VLC settings sorted out. DTS/Dolby output yay

Does the receivers onboard DAC filter the signal from itunes?
itunes audio output is set to "direct output" but bitrate sampling still at default setting. Would it make a difference changing it to 192/24?

Changing to 192/24 won't do anything. The original bit rate and depth is what it is on the actual music file.

 

[mister wiggles]

jinjuku, what program do you use for music for your 2.0 system?

 

[jinjuku]

J River with ASIO

 

[slipperybidness]

jinjuku, what program do you use for music for your 2.0 system?

Personally, I use FOOBAR2000

 

[Grador]

Changing to 192/24 will actually make things worse, windows doesn't do a horribly good job of resampling. The best thing to do (whatever the program you are using) is to go into the programs settings, find the audio output section and select either "ASIO" or "WASAPI" for the HDMI output (assuming you want to use HDMI, any digital connection will yield identical results for 2 ch). Either of these settings will allow the program to have direct control of the sound card and will give you the best possible sound.

 

[jinjuku]

That is so scenario dependent that I wasn't going to go there. It can't be said in an absolute since ASIO has already been pointed out that items like that change the calculus.

 

[flyimages]

on foobar dl/install the WASAPI addon, then in preference, change output to wasapi instead of direct sound & for JRiver select the output WASAPI

 

[michaeltrottar]

The best factor to do is to go into the applications configurations, get the sound outcome area and choose either "ASIO" or "WASAPI" for the HDMI outcome assuming you want to use HDMI, any electronic relationship will generate similar outcomes for 2 ch.