Connect computer to mu-so

Posted by: Steve Jones on 04 October 2015

Hi, I currently connect my computer to the mu-so via the analogue line out of the PC sound card. But the volume is really low in comparison to all the other inputs and so thinking of buying a new sound card that has digital out (Toslink).

My question is that after a quick search I can see that you can get cheap PCI cards that have digital out (e.g. CSL), so would they be ok as all the real sound processing is being done by the mu-so?

If not why not and what else would you recommend - same for cables.

Any thoughts/tips would be appreciated

Steve

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by Steve Jones

Anybody - I didn't think it was that bad a question ...

Posted on: 05 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

I'll ask my son about this, he uses a digital output from his PC into a DAC. I think he uses a USB output on the sound card. 

Posted on: 06 October 2015 by ChrisSU

Ditching the analogue connection should certainly improve your sound quality. One option might be to use a USB output with a USB to SPDIF converter. I believe some, but not all of these have optical outputs, but I've never used one, so maybe someone else who has will chip in here.

Another option is to instal UPnP server software on your computer, and stream music to the Muso over your network. 

Posted on: 07 October 2015 by Steve Jones

I have ordered a new sound card that has optical out - so will give that a go

Posted on: 07 October 2015 by LeeTom
Sound card with optical out is the way to go.
Posted on: 07 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

I checked with my son. He uses a USB socket connected to the motherboard, rather than to the sound card itself. 

Posted on: 07 October 2015 by Steve Jones

ok thanks all for the responses - I will let you know how I get on with the optical out.

 

Steve

Posted on: 09 October 2015 by Steve Jones

ok fitted the card and had a bit of a game disabling the original soundcard and getting working drivers (none for Windows 10) but finally got it working.

 

The sound to my ears is no different to the NAS and the volume is the same now across all the inputs I use which was what I was mainly after.

 

We use the computer a lot and pre-muso played all via the MP3Toys application which even though development stopped years ago is still in my opinion the best app for just viewing and playing your music.

 

regards Steve