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5.1 USB Audio Adapter  "5.1 has 3 plugs + new laptop = problem"

User is offline   HELLMOUSE 

#1

Hi, HELLMOUSE here.

Laptop Model: Predator PT515-51
Sound Card: Realtek Audio - NVIDIA


I have a Creative SBS 5.1 (560) surround sound system with the typical three, 3.5mm plugs. Only one small problem, actually three, my laptop, does not have the three analog outputs from the sound card. It can support 5.1 and even 7.1, but I don't know how to interface with that if I only have one analog out for headphones / speakers in run of the mill stereo.

I've been looking at a StarTech 7.1 USB Audio Adapter External Sound Card, but the reviews are all over the place. I have found a few more, but I have my doubts. Another thing that crossed my mind was, since these devices have some type of sound card in them, would that override mien and degrade the sound quality?

I would imagine that this is not a unique problem. How do you have a fancy sound card that can support 7.1 surround sound, which needs four outputs, yet there is no way to interface with it!? :rolleyes:

I'm wondering if I should just go with a 7.1 sound bar

OR

there is nothing to worry about and I should just get the converter under the assumption that it does not degrade the sound.

Any input or information on this would be appreciated. Keep in mind, I don't have a CD / DVD driver, so if you recommend something that comes with a disc for drivers, tell me if I can download them online or not.

One thing is for sure, Acer could put more holes on their laptops. :mellow:
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User is offline   Fox 

  • Fraka kaka kaka kaka-kow!

#2

I'm very impressed at how your posts look like some spam bot
2

User is offline   HELLMOUSE 

#3

Does anyone know about this problem with newer laptops not having the proper analog outputs (holes) for a three plug 5.1 system? I don't want to buy some sort of device that sounds too good to be true, I don't want to degrade the quality of my sound card. Any bit of information would help, but if a sound bar is a better choice, then tell me about it.

Oh, fox, I think your contribution to Duke's family tree is funny AND appropriate for the subject.
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User is offline   Radar 

  • King of SOVL

#4

View PostFox, on 19 February 2020 - 12:51 AM, said:

I'm very impressed at how your posts look like some spam bot


OP reminds me of that Destiny poster from a couple years back, who was also suspected to be some sort of super advanced spambot.
1

User is offline   HELLMOUSE 

#5

Does this mean I should just run out and buy this do-dad? It is not that much, but I would like some gamers to give me some input on this, instead of someone trying to sell me something.

Like I said, the reviews are all over the place. That could mean:
1) this thing really works as long as you use it correctly
2) it doesn't work
3) nobody knows what they are talking about
4) I don't know what I'm looking for

This thing about, "does the soundcard part degrade your outputted sound", could mean:
1) It does, but that's so obvious and there is no need to talk about it
2) It is just some myth that competitors started
3) nobody knows what they are talking about
4) I don't know what I'm looking for

I think that it's number 4) for both, but then there is a 5th: you guys are even more lost than me.

This post has been edited by HELLMOUSE: 19 February 2020 - 07:28 PM

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User is offline   Borion 

#6

View PostHELLMOUSE, on 19 February 2020 - 07:28 PM, said:

Does this mean I should just run out and buy this do-dad? It is not that much, but I would like some gamers to give me some input on this, instead of someone trying to sell me something.

Like I said, the reviews are all over the place. That could mean:
1) this thing really works as long as you use it correctly
2) it doesn't work
3) nobody knows what they are talking about
4) I don't know what I'm looking for

This thing about, "does the soundcard part degrade your outputted sound", could mean:
1) It does, but that's so obvious and there is no need to talk about it
2) It is just some myth that competitors started
3) nobody knows what they are talking about
4) I don't know what I'm looking for

I think that it's number 4) for both, but then there is a 5th: you guys are even more lost than me.


Your laptop has basic stereo output. I checked manual, and there is not even once mentioned multi chanel capability. If your audio chip supports multichannel - I doubt it - I would check HDMI output for multiple audio streams. This or SPDIF via headphones jack is only way it could work without dedicated physical output ports. But then you would still need an amplifier that can take this HDMI stream and output it to multiple channels...forget it :rolleyes:

So as you considered, easiest solution would be buying USB external sound card. Just to clarify, it can't degrade audio from your built-in sound card. They have nothing to do with each other, sound path is not shared between them.
Just don't buy shitty USB card, you wont get shitty sound :mellow:
I checked card that you proposed and it is not very good. Don't expect miracles in this price range. Just be prepared for possible driver problems, as stated by multiple users on Amazon.

As the alternative, see USB Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro. Its also super cheap - for audio equipment - but should sound MUCH better, be user friendly & be properly supported by manufacturer.

This post has been edited by Borion: 21 February 2020 - 03:54 AM

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User is offline   HELLMOUSE 

#7

Thanks for the reply!

I think I'll get this.
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User is offline   HELLMOUSE 

#8

People should definitely get this. The Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro is worth it. You may have to play with the equalizer and crossover frequency to get it to sound the way you want.


Problem: "But I don't have a DVD-ROM drive."

Solution: You don't need one. They have one and all this other software on the site itself.


Problem: "A 5.1 system has three plugs, but this thing has four holes for the output."

Solution: The package does come with an adapter cable just for that. Left and right are combined together, using the adapter, for the front input on a 5.1 set of speakers.


Thanks again Borion.

This post has been edited by HELLMOUSE: 24 March 2020 - 11:33 AM

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