MA785GMT-US2H dolby question

[zeke125]

Hi,
My mobo is a MA785GMT-US2H.. If it has a realtek 889 chip, does it support dolby theater? because in the gigabyte site there is no indication that it support.. I'm running XP SP3 and latest realtek drivers.. also i dont seem to find the bass redirection in the realtek console.. thanks!

[Dark Mantis]

Not really my domain but I found this on the website for your board if it is of any help:

ALC889A Enables a Superior Audio Experience

Excellent Audio Performance
High-performance DAC (Digital-Analog Converter) with 106 dB Signal-to-Noise ratio playback quality, designed especially for Windows Vista Premium PCs.

Blu-ray/HD DVD Full Rate Audio Support
The ALC889A enables high quality Full Rate Lossless Audio for content protected media and support for both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats for an exhilarating home theater entertainment experience.

7.1+2 Channel High Definition Output
The ALC889A provides support for 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo output (multiple streaming) through the front panel stereo outputs.

[zeke125]

so there is no dolby support? i find the onboard chip very lacking on bass even on a bass heavy headphone like the pioneer m290..

[Dark Mantis]

To be honest in my opinion none of these onboard chips are as good as a dedicated sound card, even the lower end ones. They are fine for games etc but if you want quality music or special effects etc then you really need to add your own card.

[zeke125]

ouch.. i was just wondering that it sounds ok on my laptop which has a realtek 888s but mediocre in the 889.. will a usb soundcard suffice? like a creative sb play?

[Dark Mantis]

I really don't know as I have not had any experience with them. Absic your Moderator is a hot shot on audio and I sure he will be able to advise you better on this aspect.

[zeke125]

Thanks! I just wanna really use the potential of these headphones as they were a gift from my sister..

[absic]

Hi there,

I don't actually use the on-board sound chip on my PC and, to be honest, I haven't since my very first computer. I have always found these chips to be lacking in one area or another.

However, saying that and having looked at the Realtek site ( http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=28&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=173 ) I think your sound should be better than you are currently experiencing. According to this page the following are available:
HDMI audio driver for AMD platform
Dolby® PCEE program™ (optional software feature)
DTS® CONNECT™ (optional software feature)
SRS® TrueSurround HD (optional software feature)
But it does say they are optional software features so it could just be a configuration setting that you need to make but, to be honest, I'm not sure where that would be made.

[zeke125]

I just wondered that dolby is functioning on my laptop with a 888s chip while it doesnt on my mobo.. perhaps gigabyte disabled this to bring the cost down of this particular mobo?

My friend has a software called SRS AUDIO SANDBOX, i've tried it and now at least there is a volume and bass boost, a temporary fix for the moment..

absic, is the SB PLAY USB an ok solution? a have a creative live value here but i cannot but it to use because the bracket cannot be aligned with my generic case..

[absic]

To be honest I have not had any experience of using the Soundblaster Play USB device but, on the face of it, it does seem a reasonable solution to your problem.

[zeke125]

thank you absic and dark mantis for the speedy replies! Just installed the soundblaster play usb and what a difference!

[absic]

Pleased to have been able to help and that you're now sorted.