Can you get 5.1 Sound w/o a HU?

**moron101** · 01-02-2005, 04:03 PM

This has probably been talked about elswhere but I can't find it in a search. I know someone said that you can but you need a Surround Sound Processor that hooks up to the amp but that's pretty expensive. Is there any other way? Thank you.

**0l33l** · 01-02-2005, 04:10 PM

HOW TO: Get sound from PC to Car Stereo / Amp

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-02-2005, 06:09 PM

more specific:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...78&postcount=2

it's very possible, but I don't think you will have all of the adjustability as one of the more expensive processors....but you have to ask yourself how much adjustability you want....

**Zip-Lock** · 01-02-2005, 06:32 PM

I have a Phoenix Gold mobile theater Octane 5.1 amp. It has optical inputs and on screen programming, which can use the same screen as your computer setup. It runs about $350.00

**bridqer** · 01-02-2005, 08:28 PM

Awesome. I have been looking for a amp that does digital decoding for a month. How have you connected the audio? I was looking to do a digital output modification to my XM Direct and use the spdif output on my VIA MII. Do I need or should I also use a Audigy 2 NX?

**Zip-Lock** · 01-02-2005, 09:21 PM

It’s a good amp. All the controls are on-screen (uses composite video) and a monitor is required to setup the amp. You use the IR remote control to adjust the settings.

I have the MII as well with an XMPCR with optical output. I have to use an external soundcard (Audigy2 NX) because the MII doesn’t have any SPDIF inputs. I haven’t tried to use the MII’s SPDIF output. I guess it would simplify the setup but then I would have the use analog outputs from my XMPCR.

All of my audio interconnects are 100% optical. The amp also supports SPIDIF via coax (as well as optical).

My amp has been in the shop with Phoenix Gold since November for warranty work. The subwoofer outputs weren’t working they decided they would have to scrap it and send me a new one, but they will be out of stock until February. It sucks and I’ve been riding around with a battery operated boom box for a few weeks now.

**BigfootsMonk** · 01-02-2005, 10:08 PM

What if you connect the computer to the Adapter with USB? Would you get 5.1?

**moron101** · 01-03-2005, 04:11 PM

So if you used the phoenix amp with integrated 5.1 processor and you also have an audigy 2 that also processes 5.1, will there be any conflicts? or will it just be redundant?

**Zip-Lock** · 01-03-2005, 06:09 PM

I've never been able to make the 5.1 work. I was trying to have a crazy startup 5.1 startup sound. Something about none of the sound cards can encode 5.1, all they can do it pass it from another source like a DVV play. My friend was tried to explain why it won't but I just gave up and stuck with 2 channels optical.