Having had issues with onboard sound, external sound cards and an internal sound card with high pitched squeaks which change note depending on what my computer is doing, I'm investigating using the optical output from my motherboard. Basically, I'm after something cheap that will take the S/PDIF output and give me sound! Doesn't have to be massively high end or have loads of features, the simpler the better. Any suggestions?
have you tried any of those with your current PC? Are you sure it's the soundcard? some components squeal when under stress, some GTX260's are famous for it, motherboards can also be the culprit. Did you try turning your speakers off to see if the squeal went away?
This might be a strange suggestion.. But if you find exactly where the onboard sound chip is, you could just cover it with something like aluminum foil sandwiched in between tape (to avoid shorting something) to try and stop some of the interference. It might be impossible depending on your mobo, but if it works it could save you from buying a DAC.. Something like this: http://www.overclock.net/sound-cards-computer-audio/571718-how-make-emi-shielding-your-sound.html
I have tried all of these with my current PC and it is definitely the sound output not a component. It will be being caused by a different component but I'm not sure what it is. Based on the fact that it gets worse when my computer warms up, I'm guessing it is the PSU. Given that I still have issue using two different external sound cards, will an EMI shield help? edit: I've now tried it with the onboard coax S/PDIF output using a bodged header to Phono pin jack cable, and that works fine with no squeaking. Unfortunately, I have to give the thing I'm using as a DAC back Currently, my computer has a 31 band GEQ sat on top of it
Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 - connects to comp via USB and give 2 RCA in/out + optical out... ________ LITTLEBUTTERFYFOR4
That's one of the USB ones I've tried and it has squeaky issues, same as everything else. Thanks for the suggestion though, it's been really good on my laptop which has got awful audio output (but no squeaks!).
Beresford DACs are good for the money - a lot of hype, but don't pay any attention to that (no they're not the best DAC in the world), but cheap and decent. http://www.beresford.me/main/main.html
They look really nice, however they have more features than I need (I only need one input) and are way out of my price range unfortunately. Damn this "doing this on a small budget" lark
Cupboard, would this be suitable for you? Coax or optical input, phono output. More info if you need it here.
That would be ideal, thanks edit: I'm such an idiot, why did I not think of looking on Amazon? I searched through ebay (the only affordable ones were dodgy looking Chinese ones) forums etc. Silly Cupboard. edit2: got one for £29 edit3: finally got it all working, and with the optical connection it's great. Still had the issues with the coax one, but hey ho. So, thanks for all the help
