Best Options for Windows 10 with 5.1 Surround optical output

[zombiesoul]

I have an asrock z97 with built in HD Realtek audio with windows 10 64 bit, and a 5.1 surround home theatre LG, at first it was fine but now every update to windows ten distorts and lowers my audio quality, I have tried everthing to fix from reinstalling drivers to changing cables. but now I am too annoyed and just want something with an optical output, because that's the only way to get the sound from the pc to the theatre system. Asrock as yet to update the audio Realtek drivers for 5 years, I am assuming they gave up, so maybe something new will help with all the crackling and white noise surprises I get when watching movies with friends, it's embarrassing. Thank you

 

[Colif]

So the question is: What is a good soundcard to replace Realtek HD Audio? just clarifying.

This seems to have a good reputation - https://www.asus.com/us/Sound-Cards/Essence_STX_II/

I wouldn't get Creative as their drivers may not work with win 10.

Asrock are like many motherboard makers, they support hardware for about 3 years and then just stop. Asus haven't updated drivers on my Z97 board for a few years now. They may update BIOS but drivers don't get a lot of support.

Have you tried downloading drivers direct from Realtek? they meant to come via Windows store - https://www.tenforums.com/drivers-hardware/5993-latest-realtek-hd-audio-driver-version.html

 

[zombiesoul]

I Have tried downloading drivers direct from Realtek, but it seems to have no page for it, That's were I used to go but it's gone, unless I'm looking in the wrong place. Anyway I'll take a look at that Asus, thanks for the reply
As far as the Microsoft app for Realtek, it doesn't seem to work yet, maybe when it's officially out it fix my problem,

 

[Colif]

Which Asrock Z97? Do you know which realtek chipset you have as mine is ALC1150. Reason I ask is this is new Realtek Web site but it doesn't appear to have the newer drivers on it for my chipset either - https://www.realtek.com/en/component/zoo/advanced-search/74?Itemid=276

I think site still being made

 

[zombiesoul]

Last update from both AMD and Windows seemed to have fix this, but who knows how long it will last, because every update seems to be a roll of the dice.

 

[gamerk316]

Windows updates should have zero effect on the quality of Optical out; it's a digital stream, the PC isn't processing anything. It's more likely the update messed with the output settings if anything; I know whenever my PC updates Windows insists on setting 5.1 even though I'm using a stereo headset.

If you insist on a soundcard for this, pretty much anything that can push optical will do. The only thing with considering is if you need Dolby Digital Live support to allow PC audio to be output as 5.1.