Newb SPDIF Question

**kiwiruss** · 03-14-2006, 10:46 AM

My VIA SP13000 board for my carpc has spdif so can I run one cable from my amp if it has spdif to the pc ? does it carry all 4 channels for all 4 speakers or just l/r stereo ?

**3onDubs** · 03-14-2006, 11:23 AM

If you have a SPIDF-in on your amp than YES, all you have to run is that digital coaxial spidf cable from your pc to your amp. It will have all 5.1 channels and you will probably only be using 4 or 4.1.

I am running a digital coaxial cable from my epia M10000 to a coaxial/optical converter to my Alpine Digital Sound Processor (has optical input) which has rca-outs that go to my amps.

Digital is much better and you will have a noiseless set-up. If you have an amp with SPIDF-in, than you're in luck. Most amps with spidf inputs require a specific head unit to be able to select the source, but there are some out there that are stand alone amps.

**LESLIEx317537** · 03-14-2006, 11:26 AM

I'm also running the SP13000 via spdif into my DSP then into my amps.
Digital can carry more than 2 channels.

**kiwiruss** · 03-14-2006, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the info. I love this site and forums !
FYI: My install is....
sp13000 mb / 512mb ram , 120gh wd hard drive
Travla C158A-M1DC Black case
Bluetooth / wifi / Hauppage wintv USB for fm radio.
Extra Video card for second display for dedicated movie watching by kids.

The Vehicle is a brand New 2006 Honda Odyssey LX
(odyessey van sa a new under floor compartment behind first row of seats which is ideal for the pc. (I'll install a fan in it for ventillation)
I'll be documenting it and photographing it and putting up a page in a few weeks I hope.
My Wife is fabricating a new pannel for the 8inch in dash lilliput touch screen.

**LESLIEx317537** · 03-14-2006, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by kiwiruss

Thanks for the info. I love this site and forums !
FYI: My install is....
sp13000 mb / 5112mb ram , 120gh wd hard drive

Wow, thats alot of ram for a van.

**kiwiruss** · 03-14-2006, 12:48 PM

Yeah too much. A type im afraid :-(

**LESLIEx317537** · 03-14-2006, 12:56 PM

What speed ram? 400DDR?

**maded** · 03-14-2006, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by 3onDubs

If you have a SPIDF-in on your amp than YES, all you have to run is that digital coaxial spidf cable from your pc to your amp. It will have all 5.1 channels and you will probably only be using 4 or 4.1.

I am running a digital coaxial cable from my epia M10000 to a coaxial/optical converter to my Alpine Digital Sound Processor (has optical input) which has rca-outs that go to my amps.

Digital is much better and you will have a noiseless set-up. If you have an amp with SPIDF-in, than you're in luck. Most amps with spidf inputs require a specific head unit to be able to select the source, but there are some out there that are stand alone amps.

Just to hijack a bit... could i use a digital amp instead (amp with digital inputs) like the Alpine MRA-D550 or MRA-F350... i've heard it may not work because of some AI-NET (i don't even know what the heck this is..) issue...

**nkotch** · 03-14-2006, 02:42 PM

Check and make sure that the amp can decode multichannel audio. Just because it will accept a digital input doesn't necessarily mean that it will decode multichannel (e.g., surround) audio.

**EricE** · 03-14-2006, 03:24 PM

I believe the issue is that Alpine amps need an Ai-Net connection to control them. I am not sure on this.

Ai-Net is the analog control cable bundle that alpines use. It allows the HU to control the amps or CD changer or signal processor if they are also alpine.