Using Xonar Essence STX with Edifier S550 or 5.1 Systems

I saw a search query on the stats on this matter so i'm starting a post to give information about it,just in case anyone needs it.

So this is how to and when you can use a Stereo Sound Card/DAC like Xonar Essence STX with a Multichannel System like the Edifier s550 for Surround Sound.



When you can use it to get Surround Sound:

If your Sound System has an Integrated DAC (look for Digital Input) like the D Models of Edifier,Logitech,etc,for example Edifier s730D,so it can Decode Surround Sound Signal through SPDIF (Tosling or Coaxial).

When you CAN'T use it for Surround Sound:

If your System doesn't have a DAC to Decode Multichannel Signal unfortunately you can't.
All you can do is enable the Virtual Surround with Xonar or a DAC that has the same abilities,or listen to Stereo,or even use your Onboard Sound Card for Multichannel Sound and the for example the Xonar with a Switch that Switches the Front Inputs.

WARNING: Keep in mind that if you want to listen to the Card's Abilities in Stereo,after you watch movies or play games,remember to turn the Source back to Analog - Stereo,because using the Sound Card/DAC to send Digital Signal to Sound System/Amplifier's Integrated DAC,in fact don't use the Sound Card/DAC but the Integrated DAC,so the Sound will be Bad compared to Xonar or other aftermarket DACs.

Btw before you get a DAC like Xonar Essence STX for use with a Multimedia System,you might be interested to read my opinion about such action in the Asus Xonar Essence STX Review.