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crea
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Is it possible to software decode HD audio in Kodi, and output it using USB sound card analog outputs ? Without using a receiver one could use powered speakers and powered subwoofer to get good 5.1 sound without spending a fortune. I am sure it's not possible to software decode "object audio" but anything except that ?
Does anybody use this kind of setup ? Is there a list of recommended sound cards working well both in Android and Libreelec ?
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crea
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2018-03-27, 12:16
(This post was last modified: 2018-03-27, 17:54 by crea.)
Regarding output - looks like Android has some issues with multichannel audio. The support was implemented in Android 6.0 but not much information is available at the moment.
And the app itself should support this configuration - e.g. even if Kodi supports it there's no guarantee it will work e.g. in Netflix app.
In LE it might work ootb because it's just ordinary linux audio stack.
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nickr
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Dunno about android, but this is certainly possible in linux. However if you want relatively cheap 5.1 I would look at the Logitech range. I have a Z5500 which is magnificent. [1] The current model is the z906. Optical and coax inputs.
[1] The reviewer I saw annoyed his stone deaf neighbour with it.
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What you are asking for is a niche market, multichannel DACS are not common and other than the MiniDSP you need to starting looking at Pro Audio options. If you want to use your powered monitors you could also go the preamp/processor route but even more $$$.
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crea
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2018-04-10, 17:46
(This post was last modified: 2018-04-10, 23:08 by crea.)
Yep I know I did some research. HDMI devices other than receivers are not an option. The only affordable solution is to use an USB sound card and software decode everything inside the TV/media box, hence my question here...I have an Android box (Minix U9-H) and it's not an option for me because of bad Android support
Of course there's an option to use a 5.1 set, but that option is not very flexible (unless it's a receiver + speakers) and most likely would provide inferior sound quality in music.
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nickr
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Ahh if you already have 2 decent speakers then the Logitech might not be a good choice, as you've already paid for 2 of the 6 speakers needed!
You will really need a centre, that is where all the talking comes from. Can you buy single powered speakers?
Yes your idea will work, on linux at least.
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The Logitech Z5500 is a LEGENDARY system from back int he day that cost several hundred when it came out and costs far more today since its out of production. The Z906 does NOT come close to the Z5500 is sound quality. Logitech speakers have honestly gotten worse over the years and it would be better to just get a 5.1 soundbar like a Vizio if you want cheap 5.1.
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nickr
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I see, I didn't realise the successor was inferior. Thanks for the info.
I have a Vizio soundbar too, it is great. Rocks the bedroom. The wireless woofer and rears make it much easier - particularly as the TV is on a trolley. (Any solution where the view from our bedroom window was permanently blocked had no WAF, or me AF for that matter).
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