Sound Card Question

roc · 03-13-2006, 01:26 PM

I'm going to build a mp3 box that will stream the music through the sound card to the receiver. Can this be done or should I look for a different type of hook up? Also what is a good linux compatible sound card with audio outs? Is the creative brand any good? Thank You

xpromisex · 03-14-2006, 10:08 PM

Im not sure exactly what you mean.
Are you saying that you want the computer's local sound card to "decrypt" the signal, for lack of a better term? Should that be the case, I don't believe that can be done. I think that you need to have each end able to do this themselves. And Yes - most creative sound cards are very well supported. You can just check the HCL if you have any questions about what models are supported, as I really cannot tell you (I have an AC'97 in my Laptop and an older Sound Blaster Audigy in my desktop)

ARC1450 · 03-14-2006, 10:12 PM

The only cards not supported (that I know of) from Creative are the X-Fi's.

And yeah, if I understand you, you can hook up a receiver to your computer and use your comp to decode the MP3s. I know my Audigy2 Platinum works with fiber, so you might give one of those a look-see, but they're around $200 US.

roc · 03-15-2006, 09:26 PM

Hello everyone and sorry for the delay. I would like to be able to play mp3s on my pc. Stream the mp3s through my sound card that would lead to my sterio receiver. I'm thinking of a creative card (low end model) but I'm kinda of clueless as to what software I should be using for a project like this.

I was also wondering if I need a machine that is top of the line or could I get a way with older hardware? Thanks everyone.

xpromisex · 03-16-2006, 05:13 PM

You could probably get away with older hardware (at least if this is a dedicated "music server"), but someone may correct me on this.

I believe that VLC allows this, although I think its more video-centric.

Electro · 03-16-2006, 06:09 PM

Any sound card will work. I am not a fan of Creative Lab sound cards because they color the sound too much. If you want very high quality sound, Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 or Audiotrak Prodigy 7.1 LT are great sound cards that are cheap.

There are many programs to do this. There is xmms, Video Lan Client, mplayer, MythTV, and several others.

I recommend using shielded audio cable.