Windows 10: Best audio configuration on new PC?

When buying a new PC recently, I made things difficult for my old, limited brain by not paying attention to the details of the audio outputs on the new PC. My last 2 or 3 PCs have had an optical audio output, which I've connected to external speakers (most recently an Insignia soundbar). The new PC doesn't have optical out, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to get good quality audio from this new PC to either this Insignia soundbar or a better speaker if required.

First, I tried using the analog audio output from the GA-Z270-HD3 motherboard's onboard audio. I've tried connecting this both directly to the soundbar and passing through my ASUS monitor. Either way, it sounded terrible.

Second, and currently, I have the soundbar receiving audio from the PC via Bluetooth. It sounds good when it works, but it cuts out and shuts off constantly (usually triggered by playing a video; it will work fine for days, and then 1 minute into a Youtube video, the audio goes away). I don't have this same issue when using Bluetooth headphones with my PC, just this Insignia soundbar, so maybe it's the problem. I'd get a different soundbar if I was confident it would work.

I suspect the best audio will come from utilizing HDMI audio, and I can get it to my monitor's crummy underpowered speakers, but I'm not sure how to best get quality the audio from the HDMI and into a better-sounding external speaker. Is there an HDMI-to-optical adapter that can split from the HDMI cable and plug into my speaker? Can I somehow use the 2nd HDMI input on my monitor to pass-through audio out to a different speaker with an HDMI input? Should I be using a USB DAC (I'm not even sure what that is)? Or do I need to buy a soundcard with an optical output?

I'm sure I'm making this much more complicated for myself than necessary. Thanks in advance to anyone who can make this easier.

submitted by /u/dasfoo
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:)

 

is there any demand for a system configurator?

Processor(V) <--drop down arrow
-AMD(V)
--Socket(V)
---AM2(V)
----List of cpu's
---939(V)
----List of CPU's
-Intel(V)
--Socket(V)
---775(V)
----List of cpu's
---771(V)
----List of CPU's


etc etc.

 

Can not record audio.

Hi,

We suggest that you run troubleshooting for Audio Recording by following these steps:

• Type troubleshooting on the search box.
• Click View all.
• Select Recording Audio.
• Follow the steps to troubleshoot Recording Audio.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

We can't find an audio device for your PC.

Hi,

I suggest you run the sound troubleshooter by following the steps below:

• Type “troubleshooting” in search box and press Enter.
• Click on View All on top left pane.
• Click on Playing audio from the list and follow the on-screen prompt for troubleshooting.

Hope the information is helpful.

Regards