Would SoundStorm/NF2/MCP-T override the need of a sound card?

[xytrius]

Hello, thanks for taking a look at this thread! I did read the other thread about digital out, but I thought that my issues were different!

I have a spare ABIT AN7 A with digital S/PDIF out (5.1 Dolby through SoundStorm/NVIDIA nForce2 MCP-T) which I intend to use as a HTPC board. Since I shall be buying an A/V receiver, do I really need a sound card for acceptable audio quality? Can I just use the optical out to the A/V processor? I shall listen to classical music in addition to watching movies. Will a sound card make any difference in audio quality if processing is through a receiver? I can post the specs of my intended sys if needed.

I have an Auzen Prelude in my work computer (thanks to this forum!), and I am loathe to put it in the new HTPC, please tell me that I can do with the SoundStorm!

[ROBSCIX]

Your right. The soundCard/chip actually has little to do with sound quality when going fully digital. The receiver will do the D to A conversions. If the Soundstorm has the features you want for your HTPC, your good.

BTW, Good Choice on the Prelude 7.1

[xytrius]

Your right. The soundCard/chip actually has little to do with sound quality when going fully digital. The receiver will do the D to A conversions. If the Soundstorm has the features you want for your HTPC, your good.

Thanks! :D I know next to nothing about audio, and I guess I'm just lucky! I got the info about soundstorm from nVidia and wikipedia:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/feature_soundstorm.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundstorm


BTW, Good Choice on the Prelude 7.1

LOL :D! That's thanks to you! You told a hesitant me to get the prelude some time ago even though I was going 2.1 (Donnie told me to go Klipsch 2.1, which I did), and I LOVE it!! I am using both on my work computer (was supposed to be temporary) and the sound quality is unbelievable! I am just happy that I don't have to move the prelude to the HTPC! Thanks again, Sir!!