Introduction

Easy one is provided, it is difficult to answer it adequately: questions to speakers, sound cards, and everything, what so can take place in between, accumulate associated again and again in the help forums such as the to computer base. Here, the main problem seems initially simple: do I need a sound card or not? What speakers should I buy for my money? Is a multi-channel system preferable to stereo speakers? And what cables do I need at all? Unlike in many other areas there is not a response, that solves all the problems on these questions but. Often help in the decision-making process of a multiple framework is dependent on about the listening habits, the spatial conditions, the demand for quality, processing, facilities and the sound and of course the budget.

But also often shows that many potential buyers do not know his ways. If it is to be a new sound card, many people know only creatives X-Fi, which is intended to represent the measure of all things. Onboardsound “can not”. Connected are also only systems that widely made a name for years about those of the peripheral Division of Logitech, creative and co. Not that this per se a bad choice – but would be a choice one must have also once.

To show the inclined buyer options, typical problems of our sound and multimedia media forum should be taken up and answered on the following pages. In addition to the choice of the appropriate speaker about the possible connections to the sound card – or a receiver – up to the correct some beliefs and marketing phrases a small repertoire of common problems is to be processed.

The destination can be ultimately not recommend this, because every need must individually will be capped. Rather, it comes to be able to understand the link between the resulting problem and possible solutions.

Inside of the PC

What does a sound card?

A widely discussed topic among PC owners is, if a sound card worth. At the same time, it is questioned whether the Onboardsound for the corresponding applications is sufficient. To find answers to these questions, is indeed difficult, what is located on the many factors that must be considered and here according to discusses the series.

On the one hand, it should be noted that even the best Soundcard not about inadequacies in the speakers can console. Because, as so often, the sound makes the music. It ultimately fails on converting the electrical signals to audible, even the best signal processing profiteth nothing. But even with regard to this fact, it is difficult to draw clear lines between the pros and cons of a sound card. Also the personal sound experience is important. What sounds good or not, cannot be set that way. For a multi channel boxes are all requests from the PC section of the next trade market, for others, it must be already adult pit towers before moveth the hearts. Therefore different opinions on the need for a sound card arise depending on the claim.

You can hold that it is likely that the sound characteristics with changing sound cards also varies – if not always on a large scale. Even drivers change can affect playback which is why one often reads of a rich bass or a finer resolution when using other sound cards or drivers. These effects can each listener delight more or less, which is why already here the question can opt for a sound card. Generally however, that from a purely aural perspective first the speakers and then the sound card should be improved. Current Onboardsound is ruckel-rausch-and Crackle free play sound is quite in the position. It is enough well even to connect of better boxes (compared to what a normal PC user connects to his computer.)

At all is probably the most important argument for a Onboardsound, that he exists in any PC. Before being an upgrade should be considered, it doesn’t hurt so extensively to test the already existing. A sound card should not be installed after all of the name due to, but because she effectively provides for better sound or features you miss.

No doubt, also this is possible: many – especially cheap – mainboards are limited in their range of connection and their features, not least because, for example, EAX, creative, a proprietary system is released in the latest version for all sound chips (actually support only X-Fi sound chips and, after a driver update – also said Asus’ Xonar soundcards EAX Advanced HD.). However, more connections are possible as on the bracket of a motherboard; at one or two slot cards external extensions to sound cards play even in an own class. That also the signal processing on a single chip provided for that purpose, in addition to adequate shielding would be better, as this could succeed by a codec, and the CPU, is beyond question.

Finally, it should also be considered how the sound system to the PC is connected. This example has a built-in decoder in addition to digital port and should it also in this way be connected, the workings of a PC are largely uninteresting. The computation takes over where the decoder of the speaker system. What is more, The most sound cards – many creative sound cards *-no hardware encoding from Dolby Digital and DTS, support which is why here a software encoder used are must. In other words, that multi-channel sound – is if it is not already compressed, which is the case with DVDs – can be transmitted via a SPDIF output only in stereo. Very few sound cards can multi-channel audio in real time compress (encode) and digital output for multi-channel systems. SPDIF connections were intended originally for multi-channel sound, which is why over these ports – until only stereo sound is transferred to exotic exceptions. Many sound cards, when digital connection way, so have no advantage over Onboardsound! NVIDIA’s Soundstorm could even more than the most sound cards on this point: he owned a hardware encoder for the real-time encoding of Dolby Digital 5.1 signals. To what extent, EAX stereo output is still useful, must also to be balanced. The feature works in principle, without real multi-channel sound, but also of the simulated and improved spatial effect of EAX is suffering.

Creative sound cards can be made to real time encoding by a paid plugin of the manufacturer. In addition the PCIe models of of x Fi series of of titanium are able to encode Dolby Digital in hardware. Unofficial drivers from Daniel_K to the output of Dolby Digital bitstreams via a digital output as well allow.

Before buying a soundcard so in particular the following points should be answered: I am dissatisfied with the current playback and this is due to the sound card? I’m missing features or connections? How much money should I spend? For what application do I need a sound card? How will I connect my speakers?

It can be also dependent on a sound card outside the mainstream – or just the Onboardsound. For most everyday tasks – and that is to be understood not pejorative – be plenty about models of TerraTec. This applies in particular if higher EAX versions can be omitted. Alternatives to the X-Fi series, which are also fully capable of EAX can be found in Asus’ Xonar series or Auzentechs X-Fi prelude, which also relies on the sound chip from creatives lab, but comes with its own drivers and other software. For musicians and music lovers, even a completely different class of sound cards in question could be, which is located away from the gamer-oriented creative and co.. Some tags for a search in this direction are about RME, ESI, M-audio or E-MU. Sound cards of this manufacturer are also to have a partially moderate price and suitable by their (semi) professional registration probably much better for the playback and also recording of sound.

Virtual vs. real surround sound

For many users, the use of technical tools at the top is on the list, if playback is to be beefed up from music, film or game sound. Whether this but actually improves the sound, or due to too many interventions more Verschlimmbesserungen are made is always questionable. Is interesting for owners of multichannel systems in particular, to distribute stereo sources on all speakers. This approach not only exists since creative offers the in-house CMSS feature, it is for PC users but in the most common use. This feature is similar but actually with real surround sound and when should it be used ideally?

Creatives CMSS feature that is intended to distribute stereo audio on multichannel, is called CMSS-3D surround. This feature calculates an issue also for the rear speakers, as well as the Centre speaker of two channels. A distinction between a more authentic mode – stereo surround – as well as a Variant, which makes more interference in the sound characteristics – stereo Xpand. The two front channels only on the surround speakers are mirrored in stereo surround, so that they play the same sounds. With this setting, the sound is not affected, the Middle feeling adjusts so but also limited, as before and behind the listener is written the same.

This could be different with stereo Xpand. With this setting, the sound card computes an own rendition for the rear channels. This, she tries to distinguish main sounds from secondary sources. The main content of a playback speakers and the Center on the front play, Laputa – like about applause or Hall – is to be distributed on the rear speaker.

An analysis of the frequency band of the sound source to why is this mechanism. Because the sound card but don’t know what instrument or noise just analyse it, the distribution on multiple boxes sometimes also can go. The sound could be diffused, which blurs the clear set before the mind’s eye. Depending on the source virtual surround sound so can please – real surround the feature can not compete with but. After all, it is not the target of achieving a uniformly smooth playback on as far as possible all channels, but suitable for different accents or rearm to extend a credible stage through ambience sound when fully off mixed channel sound.

When using artificial features – participating so not by the competent engineer – should be kept in mind therefore that an authentic reproduction cannot be achieved in particular by music so. The obtained effect, however, can convince and convey a better sense of Center drinking games or movies. As everywhere, own hearing to decide here. You should not lose but the view for the original sound here, which is especially true when other interventions in the sound playback in addition to a upmix mode.

EQ in action

An equaliser is a filter for the correction of the frequency band. Among PC users, especially graphic equalizer are often represented. They offer the possibility to adjust individual frequency ranges at its volume – depending on the level. In principle, this idea is not wrong, can be the inclusion but possibly to weak heart, under-weighted treble or a too delicate bass – or also the corresponding opposites. Anyway, the equalizer in the private sector is usually used to customize the rendering of the own wishes. The correct application can come both the sound and the personal taste contrary to.

Unfortunately a misinformed used Equalizer also the risk of Verschlimmbesserung. Come to bad sound systems, whose middle and height display is mediocre and which like to already thick apply the bass itself, many users in the temptation to want to rework by equalizer. To change the dull sound here, the heights are mostly raised and because the bass is always heard, this is stressed in addition via software. The resulting “bathtubs” position is a common result of this game pure. Through them, just the Middle frequencies, which are very important for a warm rendition, are excluded. The already low-medium tone Otto Normalverbaucher systems adversely then objectively more than previously. This not falls to however many misunderstood pointed heights also as clear playback and loud bass as a measure of all things considered.

In fact, there are just, these two bands (the heights and the bass), that stand out widely accepted as the first, if they are changed. Both bands are especially effective and with each small change can be found pleasure in the new character. However you can remove themselves (expands the sound spectrum and to make this more dynamic) in combination with upmix modes and perhaps even the creative Crystalizer layman hardly further of the sound, as it was originally intended. Although the personal taste in the foreground is this always, bad speakers can play but not louder, voluminous or clear software tricks. It is at all’ the AIDS to cosmetic changes on a small scale, so that a perhaps too sharp for the personal taste playing warmer or possibly existing roar is minimized.

Try everyone should be once to the means by which it become available. The view should but never lose the default sight so that the personal feeling is not completely distorted.

Outside the PC

Stereo or multichannel?

The question of whether for the own claim rather a multi-channel or stereo system (optionally with subwoofer support) is recommended is not easy to answer. This should first be noted that there is some sound only in the two-channel format. It therefore waives a stereo upmix (what can benefit described reasons the fidelity), all speakers of a multi-channel system would be broke, if it is not the front two are. Secondly, it must be remembered that at a certain price range qualitative differences between speaker systems are expected, consisting of many different speakers. Is so obvious that a 5.1 system, which also consists of a total of six speakers, with simple fallacy only half as much money per box is invested as with a 2.1-system with 3 different drivers. The relationship is so easy not to determine, the trend is clear: for same price, a stereo system should be qualitative, phonetically, or equipment means a speaker system with numerically larger Assembly superior. Thirdly, it is important to correctly set up loudspeakers. While this is still relatively easy alignment as stereo triangle corresponding systems, multichannel systems must be placed intricately before and behind the listener. To do this, another chapter to indicate separately.

Selection of appropriate sound system so depends on the area in the first place. Here is that film and game sound there is nowadays almost always for more than two channels and accordingly effectively can convince a multi-channel system. For music most stereo systems are better, because it is often only in this format and any attempt to distribute it via software tricks on multiple channels can result in qualitative losses. Nevertheless there are on but also music, which, for example, audio but also video DVDs in Dolby Digital or DTS is available. A good mix by the sound engineer can like in the case on a multi-channel system better than on a traditional stereo system.

Also consider another component is to be truly authentic music playback: the subwoofer can adversely affect playback. He is not properly enter and he plays with that is why, for example, too early, he can distort the sound in the medium tone or upper bass region. Music listen to then very basslastig. The separation between the channels is at all one of the main problems of the most cheaper PC systems: this mostly satellite with small-chassis use, must the subwoofer instead of deep bass range with take often the bass of the upper and the lower range, as would be here otherwise a frequency hole result. This does not succeed usually only not, often the subwoofer it is also ortbar and starts to rumble. Due to the comparatively large membrane surface, it has the disadvantage of slow to be able to compete, and therefore also dynamic in the important mid-range sound can be lost anyway.

Music playback is generally rather better than on those with subwoofer support on 2.0 systems. On the other hand, a well tuned woofers can round out the sound impression down. However, that provides a certain amount in the a levels.

The decision for or against a multi-channel system thus following questions ahead should go: I use mainly multi channel media? I can place the speakers correctly (see the chapter on the loudspeaker positioning)? What price range comes into question, and what other (stereo) systems are therefore in the alternative selection?

The correct alignment

The proper alignment and list of speakers is very important and is relevant, the more boxes in the room is to be distributed. A few basic rules of thumb apply to all statements – whether it is a stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 system, playing for the following advice so doesn’t matter. Generally, that the speaker ideally be placed there, where the listener is located. If the space to PLL so around such an L-shaped, the listener should be set in concrete terms – blind all available speakers in the room is, however, not conducive. The boxes should be in about the same distance to the listener. This is not the case, different levels, as well as run-time differences the result may be depending on distance. Both can, where appropriate, be balanced by the software of the soundcard. Important and always be observed should also, that the speaker to the listener can be aligned, bent so if necessary. This is true even in the height! Ideally, all boxes at ear level of hearing square – in seating like at 1.20 meters are located. Smaller deviations of up to 40 cm are acceptable, but also here, where appropriate, better results can be achieved with angled speakers.

Angled speakers can provide a “more direct sound”. In addition, it can happen that the used speakers distort, one located on a listener, from which you can look directly on the chassis. On the other hand, a wider stage design, which can also appeal derives from not angled speakers may. Specifically for multichannel systems also a mixed configuration may be useful: not bent front speakers can for a broad set of designer ensure angled speakers (so it’s direct radiating) could provide a more precise Surroundeindruck. The listeners should prevail here to his own liking and switch.

List of stereo systems
In stereo systems, the basic rule is that the optimum position of the speakers on the basis of a stereo triangle should be determined. A stereo triangle is an equilateral triangle, whose Katheten are the distance from the listener to the speakers. This distance should be at about the same length so that no run-time differences and volume differences affect the listening. Tried to should, whether the speaker to the listener should or not be bent. The distance between the boxes themselves should be so that the triangle equilateral actually is about as long – such as the distance of the listener to each box. In this inventory, a realistic impression of hearing occurs in stereo sound and the phantom sound source can move between the speakers properly.

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The image comes from the FAQ of the direct consignor speaker Devil

Also, if a subwoofer is used, so this should be ideally on the straight line between the front two speakers. This is not possible, so he can be placed also outside this range. Typically, such a construction is relatively uncritical. The woofer can be a problem in principle, but as is clarified in an extra paragraph to the component.

The correct orientation (continued)

List of 5.1 systems
5.1 Systems are also situated in the stereo triangle with regard to the components that they have in common with a stereo system. This means that the front two speakers at about the same distance to each other and to the listener should have and, where appropriate, are bent on the listener. The optimum position of the subwoofer is also here on straight line between the front speakers. Also on this, somewhat higher, is the center speaker. This is responsible for the voice output in movies and therefore as close as possible should be made in the image output. It is ideally located directly behind the movie screen at ear level. Therefore, it is necessary to use, for example, an acoustically well-drained canvas. Monitors or TV, however, disturb the sound, the Centre speaker actually directly behind these devices would be installed. For this reason, he usually finds its position above or below the screen. In most cases, such a building from the acoustic point of view is sufficient; It is worth also here, where appropriate, angle the speaker to the listener.

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The image comes from the FAQ of the direct consignor speaker Devil

The Surroundlautsprecher shall be more or less mirrored to the front speakers. You should have a similar distance to the listener as the front left and right channel. Several reasons a list may not be possible according to this pattern. For example, no ways to position the speakers are placed behind the listener can be made even further apart or walk to the front. Corrections in the software of the sound card or the receiver should be however made in the former case, so that the run-time differences and variations in the volume will be corrected. In the latter case, the set designer may suffer significantly. The further the speakers on the side walk forward (the extreme case, that they be placed at the level of the listener or even before that), would be the worse the virtual sound stage expands correctly backwards. Ultimately no real surround speaker is more behind the listener, so must be called into question, whether a multi-channel system makes sense. Foundations can help at this point, which can be freely placed in the room.

List of 6.1 systems
A 6.1 system is a 5.1 system, which was expanded to a rear centre speaker. This is ideally between the Rearspeakern its place, so that the three front boxes – left, center and right – mirror-inverted behind the listener be placed again. The remaining list is similar to a 5.1 system.

List of 7.1 systems
Also 7.1 systems it is basically an extended expansion a 5.1 multi channel speaker set. Instead, as with a 6.1-system, in the middle between the surround speakers be placed only a center speaker, instead put it forward and be supplemented by two more boxes rearm – the rear speaker. The basic structure is therefore in some broad once again a 5.1 system: the front channels – so the left, right, and the Central speaker – keep your position held. Also the subwoofer can be placed relatively freely. The surround speakers hike, however, to the height of the square of the hearing, and are ideally right and left of the listener. The rear speaker is a 7.1 system the place of the surround speakers of a 5.1 system. These are positioned mirror-image to the two front speakers and, depending on taste, bent.

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The image comes from the FAQ of the direct consignor speaker Devil

Ideally, all speakers have the same distance from the listener. However, this would mean that it must be built in circular form around the Center – the listener. That would be actually ideal, but can be adapted to the room. Own hearing should be decisive. Software and receiver – preferably with a single measurement system – can compensate for deviations from perfect positioning.

The subwoofer – a common point of failure
The subwoofer is on the one hand unkritischer to set up than any other speaker, on the other hand, he brings new problems that need to be considered. So, the woofer on the listener must be aligned as spreads bass in spherical shape of the sound source. Bass is also so wide (already a 100-Hertz tone has a wavelength of almost 3.5 metres at a speed of 343 m/s), that phase differences not so big fail when hitting the respective ear, that our brains could make the position of the subwoofer. This is also a problem of less expensive speaker systems: do the subwoofer later play, because he is to serve parts of Central tone area with, also reproduced sounds due to the higher frequencies wavelength is shortened and the phase difference of the sound waves well enough to determine the exact position of a subwoofer.

An other peculiarity, which is due to the room is rather problematic. So, each living area has a very unique acoustics, which can lead to bad effects. So, the cross-section of listening room determines what sound is amplified because of the wall, reflected and directly radiated sound overlap. These standing waves can cause that certain frequencies strongly elevated (constructive interference) be played or toned down to the Unhörbarkeit (destructive interference). Both cases disturb the harmonious sound impression and can bring the handset to the seething anger.

To correctly place the subwoofer, there’s therefore a trick: the low-frequency experts should be made directly to the listener and there perform his work. Then must the listener through the crawl (and although is at the level on which later placed the subwoofer) and locate a place on the bass sounds pleasant. He provides now there the subwoofer, the bass on the Listener listens to himself so as to the previously found beautiful spot. It is always recommended, make the subwoofer not in corners of the room and to position about a metre away from any wall.

Of the clutter

There are different ways to connect sound systems to the PC. The use of a receiver, even an instance addition must be associated with the PC as well as with the speakers, resulting in even more ways to cable. So have modern 5.1 or 7.1 sound card of connectivity for so-called Jack plug, which have a diameter of 3.5 mm (mini jack). Each of these outputs typically a stereo signal passes, which is why you must run many cables for multichannel systems. The channels transmitted in pairs, are thus the two front, the rear as well as the Center and the subwoofer channel. 7.1 Systems, a fourth output provides also the signals for the back side speakers. Alternatively, up to three channels of the stereo output are redirected, which is the case with all 7.1 sound cards with only three analog outputs. Details follow in the next chapter.

In the simplest case, the speakers are also analogous connected to 3, 5 mm plug. Then, the corresponding output of soundcard only with the entrance of the speaker system must be connected. Not uncommon – especially in home theater systems – the sound system was however has RCA inputs. With this analogue connection set, each channel has an own connector. Shape and size are not compatible with the Jack output, which is why the sound card output and Cincheingang of a Y-cable with different ends or an adapter connection between.

In addition to the usual analog connectivity also some digital available, its main Vorteile are that multiple channels of a cable can be transferred and that the problem of ground hum is excluded. Common modes of digital transmission use either optical or coaxial cable according to the SPDIF specification or the more recent HDMI connector, which provides higher bandwidth and transmits video and audio signals. Although cable, which are suitable for the digital transmission, sometimes optically for the analog transmission same (coaxial RCA, optical or electric digital plug), they are not compatible. So, a sound system with Cincheingängen is usually not designed to be supplied digitally. However, not every Jack output can be used for the digital signal transmission. (With creatives sound cards the digital Jack output is mostly on the microphone input of your sound card.)

Will you digitally connect a speaker system to the PC, this must have a built-in decoder, which processed the incoming signals. Analog sound systems can be connected using an AV receiver, which is digitally fed, but analog propagates itself signals, digital indirectly – more than one cable per channel must be laid between the speakers and the receiver, but still. Digital SPDIF connections are not intended to be the transmission of uncompressed multi-channel audio. The SPDIF specification allows generally the transmission of stereo PCM sound with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz 20-bit or 96 kHz at 16 bits. In theory more than two PCM channels via a SPDIF link could pass (which also practiced creative years ago, see below), there is actually little devices that support it. Uncompressed stereo PCM sound normally only or compressed digital sound can be transferred. This is for example, on DVD in the form of AC-3 (Dolby Digital) or DTS. He raw to direct, he must be decoded in the target device. This simple looping of multi channel sound is called a SPDIF-Passtrough.

Creatives digital DIN is the probably only exception in multi-channel digital sound through the SPDIF output. The sound card of manufacturer’s could pass to the Audigy 2 ZS theoretically up to four PCM stereo channels (7.1 sound so) have a single digital electrical Jack output. This was – and still – today on the line-in or mic-in. The connection to the sound card was a four- plug, which is now rather rare. At the other end of the cable creatives digital DIN connector was mounted, only on the in-house sound systems – about the old “INSPIRE 5.1 digital 5700″-could be connected. The sound systems as well as the cable are gone now from the portfolio of creative, which is why this approach, should be called especially in times of HDMI extinct.

The following chapter was dedicated to the connection to the receiver, yet even more detail to describe some key points.

Connection to the receiver

There is good reason to link the PC first with a receiver and then with a speaker system. On the one hand, a modern AV receiver offers countless connection options, so that multiple sources with a speaker system can be connected. On the other hand, a receiver with HDMI connector allows to process modern multichannel audio such as DTS HD and Dolby Digital Plus. Receiver and PC have an HDMI 1.3 port, the DD + and DTS-HD decoding with the receiver can be. Already the software DVD player or the sound card is able to decode the new sound formats and share as MPCM stream, so a HDMI connector of the first generation is sufficient. But also moderate digital coaxial or optical digital cable connections are possible only via a receiver, if the sound system does not have these ports. Finally, a receiver is also necessary if you partially active or passive speaker systems – so those that bring an own power amplifier for each speaker – wants to connect to the PC.

Analog connect the receiver to the PC:
To the receiver is analog connected to the PC, so he must have RCA inputs. Depending on model and equipment levels eight RCA inputs can be approximately, which according to many individual channels (in this case for up to 7.1-sound systems) can be fed. Normally, motherboards and consumer sound cards have mini jack outputs. Adapter cable from Jack must in this case-on – 2 x RCA used from one output of the sound card two ends to get for the input of the receiver.

The RCA inputs of the receiver are colour coded and should be linked according to the colours with the mostly also as coded RCA cables. When a jack-up – 2 x RCA adapter cable are correctly distributed two channels on the two receiver inputs. Often, the Center and subwoofer inputs are also yellow and black coded – on the way of connection nothing is changed. Should you be unsure what cable belongs where, can also blind plug in the cables in each input and, if necessary, swap after a test.

In the analog connection mode, the sound card decodes any signal. The operating system and any DVD players need to be set on many speakers. The receiver amplifies only the incoming signal.

To get more than six channels from three analog outputs out is also possible and widely also necessary. Many creative sound cards such as about the Audigy series, as well as parts of the X-Fi generation have only three analog sound outputs, which are suitable up to 7.1-sound systems. It connects to the outputs of these sound cards max 6 speakers (5.1 sound system), it behaves as described: each output transmits two channels to the receiver. The occupancy of the outputs is described for each sound card. As colour coding Green has however become for the front channels, Orange for the center speaker and subwoofer, and black for the surround speakers. An additional connection for the rear speaker is present, this is mostly gray.

6.1 Or 7.1 speakers are Jack-on-3 x RCA cable required. Corresponding sound cards then broadcast three channels ever an output. The surround Center of a 6.1 system is about the Orange Center/sub channel output with. 7.1 Systems, the additional side-speaker of the surround and Center/sub output similar to be realized. The right side surround speakers is issued while the black output for rear speakers (white = rear-surround left; )Red = side-surround right; (yellow = right rear surround). The left side surround speakers via the Center/sub output and is located on at the red end of the RCA output (White = Center; I )Red = side-surround left; (yellow = subwoofer).

Connection to the receiver (continued)

Digitally connect the receiver to the PC:
To the receiver is digitally connected to the PC, so this is done easily either by Optical TosLink or coaxial RCA cable. Both transmission types work according to the SPDIF Protocol and transmitted in accordance with specification stereo PCM sound with a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz 20-bit or 96 kHz at 16 bits. Multi-channel sound was not envisaged in development of the standard and is therefore commonly also not via SPDIF.

Optical or coaxial with the sound card to connect to the receiver, this must naturally have the corresponding output. At creative sound cards are often digital electrical Jack outputs used, referred to as FlexiJack. These ports can fulfil several functions. They are suitable as a microphone input, as a line-in, as well as said digital stereo output. Here, the Jack output must be connected via an adaptor which is end as coaxial RCA cable running at the other, to the receiver.

For the sound to work digitally, this must be defined even when the sound settings. At creative you will find the corresponding settings in the audio HQ under control panel. Moreover the DVD playback software will need to change so, that it through loops the sound through SPDIF. Multi-channel audio – so Dolby is compressed digital or DTS – from an external decoder will decode and play. In all other cases, only stereo sound is transmitted in this way. Exceptions are all sound cards that have a built-in hardware encoder and thus enabled marked as “Dolby Digital Live”. These chips can multi-channel audio in real time to a Dolby Digital stream convert (encode) and print it.

The connection via HDMI to your receiver is possible, but somewhat complicated, if you would like to take advantage of the latest sound formats. There are already but not possible since the output of a real Dolby Digital Plus or DTS HD streams is over a year video cards that have a HDMI connector, so far. Newer graphics cards can forward however decoded multichannel sound as MPCM stream to the receiver. To do this, the input signal must be, decoded however in software what makes in the current ultra version including power DVD. This is the audio signal but down gesampelt. Pioneers in this discipline are ATis HD48x0 models that can route to MPCM streams to the receiver, so that this – more or less directly – plays the current sound formats. Older graphics cards emit typically only stereo or normal Dolby-Digital or DTS signals through HDMI, which is available as an alternative track on the media, or are created by software.

There are sound cards with HDMI output also since the mid of the year, these must but be connected to the video card (and have an HDMI input for this purpose). Forth Asus’ new Xonar HDAV 1.3, which has the HDMI 1.3a port does this. The sound card as the current HD sound formats as Bitstream output probably only solution, but fails due to the quality of the videos. Namely, the input signal of graphics cards is edited by the video processor the ASUS sound card.

In any case is connected to the receiver via the appropriate HDMI inputs.

The boxes on the receiver are connected either through a pre out (pre) or directly through the speaker outputs. The pre out all boxes be connected via this, bring your own power amplifiers. The pre regulates only the level of the input signals and not reinforced the signal on the way back to the speaker. Often, only an active subwoofer is connected to the pre out for the Woofer and other (passive) speakers to the respective outputs of the receiver. Common PC speaker systems bring with own power amplifiers for each channel, which are integrated in the subwoofer, which is why this has all connections for each channel and then is connected to the satellite. These sound systems are to connect either to a receiver via pre – if only the subwoofer are actively operated to or – on the loudspeaker outputs on the receiver and the pre for the subwoofer.

The level control to work in all cases of the receiver, whether this also assumes the function of an amplifier or not, is irrelevant.

Headphones can better

Headphones are a very interesting alternative to sound systems, which is often underestimated. Also here a simple fallacy is to illustrate the idea: in a normal headphones, two small chassis, which have a relatively low power consumption, are accommodated in a space-saving package. Modern stereo or multi-channel systems set to at least two, the usual payable even on eight different boxes in addition to extensive cabling. It is likely that the material aufwendigeren speakers, must play the also much louder, as they aufliegenden not on the ear, while at same price sound with a headset compete can?

Speakers must use alone relatively potent power amplifiers in order to meet their name, to fill a room. Headphones can be contrast, minimalist and still make the listeners happy in sufficient volume. They offer also – depending on the type – a housing and closed to the outside, dampens noise sound. Each headphone is also in principle able to simulate – also stereo headset surround sound! This is possible by the ability of the human hearing to determine sound on the basis of the run-time differences between the right and left ear in the room. A software simulated just these run-time differences, now you can hear even with a stereo headphone dimensions or believes this at least. Moreover, there are also headphones, in which more than two chassis were used, are to take on the role of the distribution of multiple boxes in the room. This, however, the principle that each chassis for themselves must be taken less than can in a stereo headset, what benefit the spectrum not conditionally. If it bothers the institution, whether here question – it is striking, however, that high-quality headphones from this technique do not use.

Headphones offer the advantage to fill only a listener and to enter a neighbourhood dispute so that even at full volume. This is however also a drawback of headphones: multiple persons can be entertained so not acoustically. The comfort matters – a criterion that is obviously missing on speakers in this type of hearing. Improperly shaped headphones can press after a certain time and lead to aching ears. Also the choice of materials (especially the ears) is important: in particular leather or synthetic leather reject moisture well so sweaty ears. In addition, the physical component of acoustics is missing: the bass will never be a slap in the pit of your stomach with a headset. Good headphones can play therefore while certainly low frequencies, if you expect but also physical influences, so is not at his own expense.

However, one – should consider headphones into consideration in particular at relatively low price range. A speaker system for 200 euro mag can play effectively, for high end such an investment but not enough by far. Different with headphones, even though here the end of the price spiral in the immeasurable may rise: A headset with the triple-digit euro range quickly among upscale and has certainly more dynamic, a higher frequency response and therefore also more enjoyable when playing as comparable to expensive speaker systems.

Last but not least, it should be considered that the investment in good sound is a long-term, who wants to be well considered. Convincing sound is a resource that does not value – otherwise as components that are no longer only a few months to the service providers.

The good Council

The advertising world has made it possible, that crazy values determine the daily life of many listeners. Even best speaker to providing almost exorbitant Services, thick cable improve the sound, and what can more is always better. The most common misconception of the PC-speaker world to be disenchanted finally below, because multimedia systems to like to build their fragile existence on certificate data.

Kabelvodoo and Watt-Wahn

A widespread misconception concerns the Watts information from speakers and amplifiers. Not only that several measurements have no longer comparable results, there is also widely about ignorance, what with one watt at all is known. A Watt is physically for performance. When electrical equipment refers to as the (maximum) power consumption. 60 Watts of electrical power are thus fed into a 60 watt light bulb, vacuum cleaners are fed with thousands of Watts – and also, it is believed speaker many advertisement promises. Here, nothing about is said but how much power is delivered usefully. These are usually about 5% of the electrical power, actually be released again in visible light in a light bulb. The rest is converted into thermal energy.

Similar can be observed with a loudspeaker: the input power is converted into mechanical motion, heat and at a fraction in sound. The power consumption of a loudspeaker is also often measured in Watt sine, watts RMS or Watt PMPO. Two of these measuring methods are nevertheless physically explained, if the third indication – PMPO – removed from the actual output of a loudspeaker, but verily is a desired number. Just as little as it is clear what describes PMPO at all (possible interpretations are “Peak Music Power Output”, “Pulse Maximum Power Output”, “Peak Momentary Power Output” or “peak maximum power output”), a technically uniform measuring procedure for this power has been established.

Widely, the PMPO power is known as the power that a speaker maximum can handle before it is destroyed. It is not said how long he can tolerate this power peak. Also like to specify is estimated (and the generous), so that deviations from the rated output by a factor of 50 + are not uncommon. In multi-channel systems the power consumption of each channel is added like to, to indicate the “overall”system performance. PMPO values are in short exaggerated estimates, which can be found almost exclusively on inferior equipment, to conceal the actual power consumption.

Interesting in connection with the power efficiency, with even this term in acoustics is mostly incorrectly used is, however. Instead of the efficiency percentage is called the mean sound pressure level on speakers often in dB/W/m efficiency. The actual efficiency of loudspeakers indicates how much percent of the supplied power were converted into acoustic energy. This are usually between 0.2 and 2%! The mean sound pressure level differs by a factor of 10 varying efficiency by about 10 dB (85 dB mean sound pressure level at 0.2 percent efficiency, 95 dB mean sound pressure level at two percent efficiency). A volume difference of 10 dB is considered psycho-acoustically around respectively halving the volume this doubling. This means that roughly same speakers that have a different from each other efficiency and acoustic pressure, however can be experienced as equally loud although one to an amplifier with a rated output of ten, the other on such with a rated output of 100 Watts is connected!

The sound quality from speakers can with all’ the previous values nothing be predicated. For this purpose, the frequency response, as well as the frequency range are more important. A linear frequency response over a frequency range – approximately 20 Hz to 19 kHz – corresponding as far as possible, at least the Hörgrenze of the person is sought. Also this information are mostly part stretched on loudspeakers, which is why often each PC speaker system kHz to can reflect frequencies between 20 Hz and 25. Especially for the low frequencies, but very powerful and large subwoofer are required, which is why this value with average speakers not in adequate level is reached. Frequencies above 21 kHz are referred to as ultrasonic, and are actually irrelevant for the sound impression because inaudible to humans. The infrasound in turn – i.e. frequencies below 16 Hz – can be perceived as vibrations and be quite a desired product of playing.

Also the choice of cable seems to follow some years always wahnwitzigeren trends. Dozens euro are sometimes estimated for the current meter cable and also paid, although for decades each still so thin copper cable was sufficient to direct the low current and low tension of the amplifier to the box. Of this trend, the term “Cable Voodoo”, summarizing the criticism of the development was on the one hand: the choice of the cable is – at some point – largely insignificant for the sound. On the other hand, many believe to be able to get more performance out of the speakers with always thicker and purer cables and to minimize “Losses”.

In fact lacks this trend of but largely unfounded. In relation to the entire way, a signal from the amplifier to the speakers and these vessel, the used speaker cable make up only a fraction. Much of the signal path covered on printed circuit boards and very thin cable – at the end, but with full of amplifier power! Which is why outside the amplifier fingerdicke cable should be necessary, which would, sometimes even be sufficient to provide a hearth or household with electricity, can be not justified objectively probably. What is more, Alone with a view to relay, which before the speaker terminals and to prevent a surge on the speakers when you turn on the amplifier, they are closed only a short time later, must be clear that any excitement over the used cable is unfounded. The relays are connected to the rest of the amplifier via only millimetre-sized contact areas namely and transferred the full power yet.

A good shielding is, however, important when cables, so no noise occur during playback. In particular the common to poor shielding capacity as antenna is attributable to appropriate cheap cables. The problem increases with increasing cable length and causes that the loudspeakers suddenly amplify radio signals and thus play. This phenomenon should be but be combated with a healthy financial use, can not use cables that are offset with gold. Ground loops the connection of the PC to the stereo can, however, to eliminate not better cable, but rather different. An optical connection problem is namely, although this in length at least per specification at 5 meters is limited (even if sometimes longer optical connections are possible). Coaxial cables have no length limit, is less than the usual room dimensions, can cause adverse switching the playback devices but a hum.

Final comments

This is the usual place for a conclusion. Say you can certainly a lot to the whole theory, a result would remain but even then. It is virtually impossible to enumerate all possible combinations of sound cards, speakers, receivers, or headphones here and assign each of the areas. Always, the list would be incomplete and anyway in the course of time. Drum only the Council, to look for open questions in the Forum remains – despite all good will – at the end.

More speakers, sound cards and co. is on machine base in the article section “Multimedia”.