Why better sound from 2.1 into AV ?

[Firehorse]

Howdy folks..
(this is an analog setup, please dont mention Digital..)

When I connect pc sound card direct (analogs) into AV surround the sound is brightish..

When I plug sound card (Analogs) into 2.1 sub THEN route to AV surround the sound is much more solid and stronger. I turn up the 2.1 box volume up so the input signal goes up (to the AV) and I level it just below 'peak' warning on AV.

The sound is waaaay better.

Is this because the signal is a higher voltage and therefore produces better sound ?

Plugging the output from the S/card direct sounds like crap after that..

Does this have something to do with preamping ?

Like, if it sounds THAT much better, then I'll get 5 sets of 2.1 PC speakers/sub and use them as"PREamps, before I plug them into the AV..

Has this been done before, cos' it sounds really good. I know it's good cos I studied sound engineering once but long ago but know what to listen for.. I mean, it's not subjective good, it really does sound better than some HT speakers..

Any general info on this setup ? Would it be a good idea to use Amplifiers after the sound card output ?

Any advice ideas muchly appreciated..

Cheers
Firehorse..

 

[Buckle-meister]

When I connect pc sound card direct (analogs) into AV surround the sound is brightish...

If I understand you correctly, you are using a pair (one lead red, one white) of RCA analogue cables from your computer correct? If so, the volume leaving your computer will be variable according to the volume you have your computer set to. Much better to use the line-out jack from your computer directly to your system (you can buy a 3.5mm to sterero RCA cable easily). This will probably be a 3.5mm light blue coloured jack. (It'll have pink and green jacks next to it)

A line-out signal won't be affected by the volume you have your computer set to, and your receiver/preamp will be 'expecting' a line-in signal from its inputs (with the exception of Phono) such as CD, DVD, Tape etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[Firehorse]

Buckle-meister

Er, no.

Setup like this

pc sound card

from green line out 3.5

to line in on 2.1 sub/amp

from 2.1 sub/amp line out 3.5 to AV surround line in rca's

If I leave the 2.1 sub/amp out of circuit, the sound becomes tinny/bright...

 

[markw]

It sounds like the sub/amp contours the signal to your liking.

Either that or whatever input you're plugging it into in the AV receiver needs more voltage than your sound card can supply, which is unusual. A severe impedance mismatch?

 

[Firehorse]

impedence mismatch ?

A severe impedance mismatch?[/QUOTE]


Huh ?

What does THAT mean. I tried using the PC onboard sound with another PC and yet the same sound differences...

Should I plug something else inline to compare ?

 

[markw]

Start here. First, isolate the problem.

Plug a CD player, tape deck or a tuner into the receiver's Aux jacks using the red/white jacks.

If it sounds good thru the receiver then there's a problem with the computer's sound card. I can't help there.

If it sounds bad then there's a problem with the receiver. You can either get it fixed or live with it.

 

[Firehorse]

Sound card AV sound improvement ?

Plug a CD player, tape deck or a tuner into the receiver's Aux jacks using the red/white jacks.

Okey dokey I'll do that now..

 

[Sheep]

I would not use the analog outs on your computer period. They are VERY noisey. If you have a digital output, use that.

You should use an EQ to adjust the sound from your computer. I never liked the sound of my digital out either though. Whats wrong with your computer speakers?

SheepStar

 

[Firehorse]

better sound

Yeah Sheep, i want to use the PC sound for HT...DVD + WMA

I plugged standalone gear in but nope, only marginally better. I think I will just leave the 2.1 inline, the sound IS better, and no, there is no clealry audible 'noise' from the PC. Yep, digital in doesnt improve either. It still lacks OOMPH

Ah well, another unsolved audio mystery..

Thanx for all the help folks..
Firehorse.

 

[Sheep]

Yeah Sheep, i want to use the PC sound for HT...DVD + WMA

I plugged standalone gear in but nope, only marginally better. I think I will just leave the 2.1 inline, the sound IS better, and no, there is no clealry audible 'noise' from the PC. Yep, digital in doesnt improve either. It still lacks OOMPH

Ah well, another unsolved audio mystery..

Thanx for all the help folks..
Firehorse.

OH, I bet theres noise. Put your ear neer the speakers and turn them up, with nothing playing. Then unplug them and do it again. You will hear a hiss coming from them when they are plugged in.

I can run my HT full blast and barely here them. My comp speakers are louder then my cpu fans.

SheepStar

 

[Firehorse]

OH, I bet theres noise. Put your ear neer the speakers and turn them up, with nothing playing.

yeah sure, a bit but it's almost at the end +18 dB (AV), there is hardly any audible noise, and that is from the Sound card...analog.

No, i am not comparing digital, it's like comparing analog and digital like free range eggs..

The whole point is, I plug a 2.1 amp/sub after the sound card and before the AV. The sound is more pronounced and 'full'. Are people connecting their systems like this using some maybe pro gear ? Is it the basis of hi-fi to have amplified signals BEFORE the last output stage ?

Hmmm, still a bit

 

[Sheep]

OH, I bet theres noise. Put your ear neer the speakers and turn them up, with nothing playing.

yeah sure, a bit but it's almost at the end +18 dB (AV), there is hardly any audible noise, and that is from the Sound card...analog.

No, i am not comparing digital, it's like comparing analog and digital like free range eggs..

The whole point is, I plug a 2.1 amp/sub after the sound card and before the AV. The sound is more pronounced and 'full'. Are people connecting their systems like this using some maybe pro gear ? Is it the basis of hi-fi to have amplified signals BEFORE the last output stage ?

Hmmm, still a bit

I USED digital coax straight to my receiver, and then EQ'd the signal to my liking. Now I don't use anything. I'm looking for better computer speakers, and if I find some that are musical, then I will never again use my HT with my computer.

SheepStar

 

[Firehorse]

better sound from 2.1 ?

, then I will never again use my HT with my computer.

SheepStar[/QUOTE]

So what are you setup as now ???