2. pc-audio
  3. 160015-5938

Splitting HDMI?

I have a pair of Gallo Acoustics SEs and powered subwoofer laying around. I would like to use them as my "computer speakers".  Tidal will be the main music source, but the speakers will also handle gameplay and YouTube videos.

The PC is an original Alienware X51 with an NVidia 1060 graphics card installed. I suppose I could replace that with something more current, but it has been a long time since I have seen a sound card in a PC.

Right now, I am using the only HDMI output on the graphics card to connect to the computer monitor (which has no speakers). The monitor does not have a toslink connection.  Sound is handled by a simple CA-Audio CA3602 2.1 powered speaker system.

Is there a way to also use that one HDMI connection to connect to both the monitor and the stereo gear?  Is there also an USB option for sound?  The Gallo Acoustics only want <100 wpc, so what gear would make sense to connect the PC's audio to (DAC, preamp, amp?)

I understand I could also tap off the PCs audio out (green connection) with a cable that ends in RCA outputs, but I have read that connection is the lowest sound quality.

As always, don't hesitate to offer brand name and model suggestions.
kythyn

Showing 1 response by auxinput

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I have a friend who went through a few different HDMI splitter devices.  They are not all made the same.  He finally ended up with a Gefen, which was more expensive but it ended up working the best.  The other splitters had signal problems as well as compatibility problems.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1202411-REG/gefen_gtb_hd4k2k_142c_blk_1_x_2_hdmi.html/?ap=y&a...

The Gefen 1:2 HDMI splitter above is a lot more expensive, but it works.  The BHPhoto seems to have one of the better prices on this item.
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