best stereo system software?

mattsoft · Sep 8, 2005, 01:14 AM

my stereo was a nice vintage pioneer sx-838, connected to my computer, tv, vcr, 5 disk cd changer, 2 10 band dual eq's, suround sound decoder, and 3 other external amps plus 2 in the decoder and pioneer stereo. I had 2 12 inch 1000 watt car subs in here too, on a car amp powered by a 100 amp 12v power supply I built. it wasn't the highest quality, smallest, or easiest to use, but I was proud of it and I liked it. unfortunately, I need to clean out a bit so I have a little more space in here, so everything's taken apart and put in storage for now. here's what I'm looking for:

I'd like to do a new pretty complex system again, but do everything with my computer. I'd like to use the 5.1 onboard sound card for output and add a second sound card for inputs (am/fm, tv/vcr...) I need a nice piece of software that can be customized enough for my needs. I'm looking for a sort of virtual home theator system that can work with 2 sound cards and link them. any ideas?

ROBSCIX · Sep 16, 2005, 10:52 PM

seems nobody has info for you..Ok what I would say is don't use an onboard sound card for outputs if your interested in sound quality. You will need to deiced how many inputs you need and then find a product that will work for your need unless you are gonna do the Input switching externally then route into the computer at line level. You can figure out the software later on you need to figure out how to patch everything together for hardware. But I wouldn't use a onboard for anything like this...just my opinion though..

mattsoft · Sep 16, 2005, 11:08 PM

thanks. so where can I get a sound card with 5.1 output and 3 or 4 line in's that can all be used at the same time?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

seems nobody has info for you..Ok what I would say is don't use an onboard sound card for outputs if your interested in sound quality. You will need to deiced how many inputs you need and then find a product that will work for your need unless you are gonna do the Input switching externally then route into the computer at line level. You can figure out the software later on you need to figure out how to patch everything together for hardware. But I wouldn't use a onboard for anything like this...just my opinion though..

jiiteepee · Sep 17, 2005, 11:30 AM

Good source to get information on your matter - http://www.avsforum.com/

jiitee

jiiteepee · Sep 17, 2005, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsoft

thanks. so where can I get a sound card with 5.1 output and 3 or 4 line in's that can all be used at the same time?

There are many. Do you like to have PCI, USB or firewire system? Do you need both digital and analog I/O's and how many of each? What type (connectors) of I/Os are you wishing to have?

RME Audio, M-Audio, E-MU M series (they add multichannel support on their next driver release), Presonus, MOTU, AudioTrak, ESI, etc.

Normally you can use all available inputs simultaenously (this may be dependant on drivers --> ASIO driver is normally letting you select them all individually (as L/R or Stereo)).

jiitee

P.S. Underlined are my recommendations as a manufacturer.

Sep 8, 2005, 01:14 AM	#1
mattsoft DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	best stereo system software? my stereo was a nice vintage pioneer sx-838, connected to my computer, tv, vcr, 5 disk cd changer, 2 10 band dual eq's, suround sound decoder, and 3 other external amps plus 2 in the decoder and pioneer stereo. I had 2 12 inch 1000 watt car subs in here too, on a car amp powered by a 100 amp 12v power supply I built. it wasn't the highest quality, smallest, or easiest to use, but I was proud of it and I liked it. unfortunately, I need to clean out a bit so I have a little more space in here, so everything's taken apart and put in storage for now. here's what I'm looking for: I'd like to do a new pretty complex system again, but do everything with my computer. I'd like to use the 5.1 onboard sound card for output and add a second sound card for inputs (am/fm, tv/vcr...) I need a nice piece of software that can be customized enough for my needs. I'm looking for a sort of virtual home theator system that can work with 2 sound cards and link them. any ideas?

Sep 16, 2005, 10:52 PM	#2
ROBSCIX DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,732 Rep Power: 0	seems nobody has info for you..Ok what I would say is don't use an onboard sound card for outputs if your interested in sound quality. You will need to deiced how many inputs you need and then find a product that will work for your need unless you are gonna do the Input switching externally then route into the computer at line level. You can figure out the software later on you need to figure out how to patch everything together for hardware. But I wouldn't use a onboard for anything like this...just my opinion though..

Sep 17, 2005, 11:30 AM	#4
jiiteepee HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: FI Posts: 400 Rep Power: 0	Good source to get information on your matter - http://www.avsforum.com/ jiitee