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PC audio cards to Processor

Hello, my question is probably out of the scope of this forum but I will ask any way.
I have decent audio system Mcintosh amps, processor Magico speakers etc.  The system is used for three purposes, home theater movies, stereo music and surround sound PC video games.  I connect the PC audio card to the processor via optical out from the audio card.  In order to get 5.1 surrond I have to set the audio card to 2 channel output even though it is a 5.1/7.1 Dolby DTS card.  If the audio cards software is  set to 5.1 etc. the result is stereo where only two channels received by the processor and converted to stereo on the system.  My question is this, does the processor convert the non Dolby non DTS two channel signal into dolby 5.1 surround.  In other words if I am using a quality PC audio card that is not Dolby and or DTS cabable and is two channel only (made for headphones) does the Dolby DTS enabled processor in this case a Mcintosh convert that two channel signal into the 5.1 surround signal?  

One other question:
Can anyone recommend the best internal PC audio card for 5.1  home theater use?  When PC audio cards are reviewed its almost always for use with headphones and not for componet (processor multiple amps mulitiple subs) driven home theater systems.

Thank you.
Guy
guyt
erik_squires
16,123 posts
 
Sound cards are only needed to do the digital to analog conversion on the PC. However, that's not the only place this conversion can occur.

If you are using HDMI, there's no conversion. It sends the digital data stream including audio and video to your TV or processor, and the digital to analog conversion happens there.

You would connect your Nvidia directly to your Mcintosh processor. I notice you only have 1 HDMI port there. If your motherboard supports HDMI output you may be able to use it too if you need 1 for your monitor and 1 for your TV.

Best,
E
guyt OP
57 posts
 
The gpu 1080Ti is in SLI I have two graphics cards with an HDMI out on each card.  one is already dedicated to the TV.     So the video game sound signal goes to the graphics card in addition to the video signal or are the combined? Would you explain in detail how to adjust setting in control panel to send audio out the unoccupied HDMI in detail?
Thanks
erik_squires
16,123 posts
 
Assuming Windows 10:

In the search bar:
Search for : Control Panel
Click on: "Hardware and Sound"
Underneath Sound on the right click on: Manage Audio Devices.

You may even be able to change your digital output there. :)

Best,
E

erik_squires
16,123 posts
 
If you want to try to usue 5.1 from a digital output, once you are there, select "Playback" tab, and then select your digital output, then "Properties" and finally, "Supported Formats"
guyt OP
57 posts
 
yes windows 10 thanks
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