Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2014 August 24

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August 24

Connectivity between audio card and speaker system

Would it be possible to connect these CREATIVE T4 2.1 WIRELESS speakers to this audio card ASUS Xonar D2X?

I would assume so. If the plug fits, try it out, with the volume turned down when you first plug it in. StuRat (talk) 01:41, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

erm... the speaker system will definitely connect to that sound card via WIRES, but if you specifically want WIRELESS, no it won't - the sound card does not have a Bluetooth transmitter.

90.244.135.189 (talk) 17:16, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

I thought the wireless speakers would come with a plug and transmitter to be used at the source, and a receiver at the speakers. StuRat (talk) 17:21, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

looking in the manual and "what's in the box" photos - there's no transmitter, only a receiver, built into the "control pod"...

90.244.135.189 (talk) 18:00, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

OK, thank you. I hardly know anything about connections regarding digital speakers. I wasn't sure whether it would work or not because it says that the audio card has one S/PDIF Coaxial out and the speaker system has one S/PDIF TOSLINK in.

Those are two different cables - the same signals but over physically different connections: the "coaxial" one is traditional copper cable, the TOSLINK is basically a fibre optic - those two won't plug together...

Looking at the manuals for both items, the way to connect those speakers to that sound card is via the analogue sockets - a cable with a 3.5mm jack on one end that plugs into the sound card output socket, and two RCA phono plugs on the other end that plug into the subwoofer

90.244.135.189 (talk) 18:00, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

But then I wouldn't get rid of the analogue noise that I'm having a problem with. I want to connect it digitally to get rid of the noise. But I think this motherboard(MSI Z97 GAMING 7) has a TOSLINK connection. That would work, wouldn't it?

When dealing with interference, switching to digital isn't always wise. It's true that digital is better able to eliminate minor interference, but major interference can be even worse on digital, causing it to cut out entirely. StuRat (talk) 19:26, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

Ah, you already have that speaker system... I thought you were checking before buying... :)

Well, It's always difficult to diagnose a computer problem without being present, but several suggestions at this stage:

1: Look at the volume levels. PC-based media playback has multiple volume controls in software - at least one in the operating system, and one in the media player. By default, these tend to be set to 100%. Set any and all software volume controls to 50%. Now pretend they don't exist :) . To change the volume you're hearing, use only the hardware volume control on the speaker system.

If that doesn't improve the situation:

2: Try a different cable ( always check the cables before buying anything more expensive :) )

3: Try plugging the sound card into: a different amplifier/speaker system/headphones to see if the problem is the sound card.

4: Try plugging some other hardware into the speaker system, to see if the speakers are the problem.

90.244.138.107 (talk) 13:47, 25 August 2014 (UTC)

You've misunderstood me :) I haven't bought the speakers nor the sound card. If I buy a sound card without a TOSLINK, can't I then just use an adapter of some kind that has a TOSLINK input and a coaxial output for me to plug into the sound card?

You probably could, but buying items which are compatible to begin with should be less expensive, more reliable, and potentially provide better sound. StuRat (talk) 18:00, 26 August 2014 (UTC)

erm... I stand corrected...

Looking at the manual for that specific sound card, the digital connectors are not just coaxial TOSLINK - they're "combination coaxial and optical" - both coaxial and optical connectors in the one socket.

The "official box" version of that sound card contains 2 adaptors - one for the digital input, one for the digital output.

The sound card is also available in a "white box/OEM" version, which *does not* include those adapters.

So, the answer to the original question is YES - if you buy the "official box" and not the "white box" version. :)

90.244.138.210 (talk) 20:08, 26 August 2014 (UTC)

Section of a Ryder Cup captain,

Are there qualifying factors such as active in P. G. A. golf tournaments????

Not for the European captain, at least. HiLo48 (talk) 21:06, 24 August 2014 (UTC)

Nor for the US captain. Here is a link that gives a bit of info to answer the question. There is probably a more detailed set of criteria if you want to search for it. MarnetteD|Talk 00:24, 25 August 2014 (UTC)