I tried doing a Google search about this, and searched this site as well but could not find the answer I was looking for. My motherboard has a 5-pin S/PDIF output connector that I would like to connect either to a DAC or HTR. Are these outputs mainly for graphics cards or can you buy a bracket or module that can be used to get the signal out of the computer case. I tried searching Newegg but could not find any such bracket or device. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to use this digital output? I am mainly looking to use it for 2 channel.

Thanks.

Steven

What MB do you have? It sounds to me that you should have some kind of adapter to plug into that that came with your motherboard. All of the digital outs I've seen were either optical or an headphone-type miniplug.

The motherboard is a XFX MG-630i-7159. It did not come with any module or adapter. I have a support ticket open with them to find out if they have any such device available. There is nothing on their website.

Look under SPDIF external brackets at the MythTV site. You'd probably have to find the correct pinout and move the pins in the header, as none of them seem to be 5 pins.

The onboard headers tend to be SPDIF at TTL levels(i.e. same format signal as coaxial SPDIF, but with different voltage levels). If you google for "ttl SPDIF" you'll find tons of simple converter circuits, ranging from buffered, transformer isolated interfaces to simple 2 resistor and 1 capacitor voltage dividers. The MythTV site gives directions on building a TTL SPDIF to optical adaptor, if you'd rather go that route.

(Does your motherboard manual list the pinout for the SPDIF header? I can't seem to get the manual from the XFX website, as I need to register with a product serial number and the like...and I'm not sure if even that would give me access. If you could send it to me I'd be happy to take a look. It's very common to have to move the pins on the connector from the bracket to match your sound card or motherboard.)

If you want coaxial output the easiest & cheapest way is to get a RCA socket and two wires. Connect the body and center of the RCA socket to the ground pin and OUT pin respectively of the SPDIF header.
Get a multimeter and find out which pin is what.
If you don't want to DIY, you can get a pre-made one from http://www.frontx.com/cpx106_2.html

Hi Steven,

I guess, you are talking about this connector, right ?



In this case, you could easily take any S/PDIF backplate you can get your hands on or even do it for yourself as mentioned before.

Cheers,
Maggi

If that's the connector you're talking about, simply buy or build a bracket, connect it to the GND and OUT pins, and you're good to go.

While it was suggested, I'd highly recommend against connecting an RCA connector directly to the jack. You really need at least a level shifter(the signal coming out of the header is 0V/+5V, and coaxial SPDIF is -0.5V/+0.5V), and ideally some isolation. Connecting it directly might work, but is is possible to damage downstream equipment, especially if its SPDIF interface is of lower quality. Moreover, you might find that different combinations of cable lengths and SPDIF receivers on the other end seem to work or not work rather randomly, as the signal on your MB is just designed to convey the signal inside the computer, not necessarily drive various external loads.

Or, as you have a +5v VCC, you could make an optical out. Just need an optical transmitter. I made my own using a recycled SPDIF output from an old cd palyer or something for a Satellite tuner card I had and it works great

The most common audio solution (on motherboard) appears best suited for DIY enthusiasts? Who would have thought...

Thanks everyone for the feedback. XFX support was no help at all. They told me to use the coax connector on the rear panel which is actually an input.

Thanks again. You guys are great!

Yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about. Thanks for doing what I should have done in my initial post!

Does anyone else use one of these mobo SPDIF outputs or is a sound card better?

I'm using that kind of connector 24/7 and it works a treat ...

The only thing you might consider is using an optical TOS link for proper galvanic isolation, in case your PC uses a different power phase than your amplifier.

Cheers,
Maggi

A sound card is readily available. Building a realiable connector yourself requires a collection of electronic components, parts and some knowledge. And of course a real soundcard does not offer just a SPDIF port.