Help needed in finding right sound card please (before my brain bursts!)

[MarkL]

Hi guys - hope you can help me with this one :)

I need a sound card to feed my 7.1 receiver with DD and DTS if possible.(it will take optical and co-ax digital connections) Also one which I can use with sky digital as well.(if I have managed to record it onto my hard drive!)

Do I just need a card with S/PDIF output or does it have to be 7.1 (or 6.1) specified?

I was thinking of a budget of around £150 but could push the boat out if there is something that is the dogs' nuts for a bit more.

many thanks

Mark

[nutcase_1uk]

Not sure about the Sky side of things, but any card with an SP/DIF output should be able to carry 7.1 audio from DVD's. The problem to look out for on cheaper cards is jitter introduced onto the SP/DIF line, and that's not something I want to get into as it always causes a bits is bits type of arguement!

I'm currently using the SP/DIF out of a creative SB live card with a hoontech bracket on my main PC, and the analogue outputs of an M-Audio Delta 410 for my HCPC. Next week I'm picking up a M-Adui Revolution to have aplay with, that's the new consumer level ($99) soundcard from M-Audio. That has SP/DIF out too.

[Steve Bate]

I've just upgraded from an M-Audio Audiophile card to an RME Digi 96/8 PAD and the difference was was significant, well worth the £260 imho. The next step up from the RME is the Lynx 2 at approx £900.

It's a tough call but my HCPC/Cd Server souded better than my £1,500 CD transport.

Steve

[MarkL]

Thanks for the advice guys. Much appreciated.
Steve: are you doing anything with the M-Audio card? I'd be happy to make you an offer if your interested.

Mark

[Steve Bate]

Sorry Mark it's destined for another HCPC.

Steve