Digital to Analog decoder / converter

**WingWizard** · August 7th, 2002, 01:33 PM

Anyone know how I can convert a digital signal (from my sound card) to an analog one? I want to hook my laptop up to my surround sound system / receiver. Thanks!

**squeech** · August 8th, 2002, 12:48 AM

The best option (and I think only one for a laptop) is an external sound box. The Creative Labs Extigy is not pricy ($121 at newegg), but it does the job you need. Specially geared for Dig or Analog playback to any kind of system.

It's actually an external sound device that plugs in through USB (easy removal

) so you will probably need to disable the sound within the notebook (or leave it if it doesn't interfere).

Also has spiffy features like a remote!

Hope this helps.

**VERT** · August 8th, 2002, 02:07 AM

Just hook your soundcard to your reciever with a (single)3mm to (2x) RCA lead, these are very common

**squeech** · August 9th, 2002, 01:20 AM

This, too, will work. The only problem there is you have to plug it in through the headphone jack (since it's a notebook), the volume is a tad off due to amp'ing for the headphones (no big deal), and the sound is still in mono doubled over a stereo R/L setup (the big one since you want to keep surround sound intact!)

Just my two cents.