what do i need in order to build digital sound system on my pc?

Answer 1

Basically, you have to be aware of the inputs of your speakers system and outputs of your sound card in order to have a digital system.

Buy a Dolby, DTS or THX surround sound speaker system. I like the Logitech Z5500. It's the best system out there, but it does cost $300. There are systems similar with optical input. Ones that only accept the 3.5mm mini-jacks or headphone jacks are analog, not digital.

Then, buy a sound card with a digital output (Toslink, SPDIF, Coax). Buy something like the Montego DDL 7.1 because it has an optical digital output. Don't buy the Soundblaster cards because they require additional adapters or boxes in order to get a digital-out connection.

http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/soundcards/mtgoddl/producthome.asp

Hope this will get you started.

Answer 2

I suppose it kind of depends on whether or not your pc is in the office or if it's a part of your media/living room.

Either way , the first step in my mind is to by a good quality sound card and place it in an open PCI slot. The card should have a digital out (allowing you to run a digital feed to a receiver if applicable) and 7.1 analog outputs, which can be used on many receivers and all computer speaker sets.

I am preparing my computer for my media room , so I just recently purchased an Creative 'Audigy 2 SZ Platinum'. This is a few years old and originally sold for nearly $200. I went onto buy.com and purchased it for $180 - $30 (new user rebate) - $100 (mail in rebate) = $50 If you purchase this card, you immediately get software that turns your pc into a DVD Audio player.....makes mp3's sound great.