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Small rectangular USB 2.0 sound adapter with 5.1 channel audio ports and optical S/PDIF output

Optimal Shop 6 Channel USB 2.0 5.1 Sound Card Accessory

SKU CH-H5A9-T8YNV

Adds 5.1 surround sound to a PC or laptop through a USB 2.0 connection with optical S/PDIF output and three 3.5 mm jacks

  • Key featuresOptimal Shop 6 Channel External Sound Card USB 2.0 External
  • 6-channel 5.1 surround sound for immersive audio
  • USB 2.0 interface connects directly to PC or laptop
  • Optical S/PDIF output delivers digital audio to external decoders
  • Supports 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz sampling rates for recording and playback
  • Includes 3.5 mm analogue jacks for multi-channel speaker hookup

What it is

This Optimal Shop adapter adds a 5.1 surround output to a PC or laptop through a USB 2.0 connection. It provides six analogue channels plus an optical S/PDIF port for external decoding. The device is aimed at users who want multi-channel audio from a system that lacks built-in surround support.

Deciding specification

The critical detail is the optical S/PDIF output which carries a raw digital bitstream to an external AC3 or DTS decoder. Without that decoder — or an amplifier with built-in decoding — the optical port cannot drive analogue speakers directly. Buyers who only have 3.5 mm analogue inputs must use the six-channel analogue outputs instead.

Thermals noise power

The unit draws all its power from the USB bus so no external supply is required and heat output is negligible. No fan is present, so operation is silent. Analogue playback runs at 48 kHz while digital recording supports 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz sample rates depending on driver and application support.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Audio Controls, Interfaces & Add-Ons, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $37.99
Pricier than about 66% of the 68 comparable items (median $25.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameOptimal Shop

Questions about this item

What does 5.1 channel output mean when this card is connected to my PC?

It provides six analogue channels for front left, front right, centre, subwoofer, rear left and rear rear right speakers via three 3.5 mm stereo jacks.

How does the USB 2.0 link limit the optical S/PDIF output?

The USB 2.0 connection carries the digital stream to the card, which then transmits S/PDIF at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz per IEC 60958; only the front left and right PCM channels pass in digital playback mode.

What cables and ports do I need to hook up 5.1 analogue speakers?

Three 3.5 mm stereo audio cables from the card's three 3.5 mm jacks to the speaker system's matching inputs, or 3.5 mm to RCA leads if the speakers use RCA sockets.

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