Deciding to purchase Sound card or fix mobo

[brianmz]

I'm currently using the onboard audio of my mobo, but I can't get it to put out surround for some reason =/ asus p8z68 deluxe.

So I was looking at sound cards, and was wondering if this card is good:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00654PTT2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Open to suggestions and help if there is a fix to get surround to work on my mobo, only puts out stereo, doesn't let me choose 5.1 on the sound panel, only when it puts out dolby digital test do i get surround, on DTS no sound.

Edit: I use optical toslink.

 

[davcon]

Have you tried to uninstall and re-install the Realtek drivers.
I'm sure you have but i had to ask.
You could try with DS.
http://phyxion.net/item/driver-sweeper-320.html
Uninstall Realtek in add/remove
Go into safemode
Open DS
select Realtek audio
analyze and clean
restart normal
re-install the drivers from Asus site.

 

[brianmz]

Ok, just did that again and no luck, I only get surround when I use the test dolby option =/, I have no idea why, as soon as i try a video or game I only get stereo sound.
Currently i have it hooked up to my old surround for tv and consoles.
http://www.shop.muncha.com/nepal/1/Muncha/2789/Electronics-Home-Theater/17880/Panasonic-SA-PT-580-%28Two-Tower%29.aspx?CO=np&SrcCityID=0&DelCityID=0

 

[davcon]

Kind of a hassle to rma a mobo if it's still under warranty.
Personally i've always used soundcards and prefer the audio reproduction over any onboard chip i've heard.
Not a fan of Creative cards though.
I'd buy a Titanium HD if choosing a Creative card.
Asus,Auzentech,and HT Omega are top card makers.
I switched from Creative to Auzentech a few years back.
Flawless drivers and performance.

 

[brianmz]

Yeah, RMA isn't an option for since I don't live in the US, have everything shipped my way.
I had xi fi titanium that came DOA, so i got stuck with the on board audio =/
Which specific card would you recommend? I would like something mid range to hi end that produces good sound, still going to keep the 5.1 setup, they don't sell 7.1 over here.

 

[davcon]

Yeah, RMA isn't an option for since I don't live in the US, have everything shipped my way.
I had xi fi titanium that came DOA, so i got stuck with the on board audio =/
Which specific card would you recommend? I would like something mid range to hi end that produces good sound, still going to keep the 5.1 setup, they don't sell 7.1 over here.

Like i said i think the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD is decent.
Where do you live?

 

[brianmz]

Honduras, Central America.
It's a hassle, I buy stuff, ship it to a courier in FL that then ships it my way.

So the X-Fi titanium HD is better than the other one I linked?
I don't know much about sound cards, just read that it was a new model.

 

[davcon]

Honduras, Central America.
It's a hassle, I buy stuff, ship it to a courier in FL that then ships it my way.

So the X-Fi titanium HD is better than the other one I linked?
I don't know much about sound cards, just read that it was a new model.

Does it matter where you shop in the US.
I know cheaper places.
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102033
ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 - good card and cheaper.
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=29395&vpn=XONAR%20DX&manufacture=ASUS

 

[brianmz]

Can shop anywhere as long as they accept international CCs.
Will also try my luck with these cards on the forums before paying retail.
Thanks.

Never been to the ncix shop, going to check out now.

 

[davcon]

Can shop anywhere as long as they accept international CCs.
Will also try my luck with these cards on the forums before paying retail.
Thanks.

Never been to the ncix shop, going to check out now.

Ncix is a Canadian company with new facilities in the states.
I always shop at Ncix in Canada.

 

[gamerk316]

Question, are you using the digital output port? If so, for audio not already encoded in Dolby/DTS, you are limited to Stereo output.

As for soundcard, teh best under $100 option is the ASUS Xonar DX. Moving down, you have both the ASUS Xonar DS and DG [the DG is meant more for driving headphones though].

 

[brianmz]

Yeah, using optical link >.<, just went thru my surround manual, and it only has 1 HDMI in, 1 optical and 1 Aux, so I would still need to replace the receiver to get full surround from my pc right?
Any suggestions? /sigh
Was hoping to make due with my current receiver but it doesn't cut it i guess.