BudgetAudiophile

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Analog vs S/PDIF from computer (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/budgetaudiophile

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I have an older Sony amplifier I want to use for my computer, paired with some sort of speakers. While planning, I'm thinking: should I just use my motherboard's line out to the amp, or would I be better utilising the S/PDIF header on my mobo to get the audio digitally to the amp?

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[–] brandon 10 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I’d recommend keeping the signal digital for as long as possible, so you should go through S/PDIF if you are able to. Not only will this reduce the amount of noise/distortion introduce by extra analog components, it’ll also avoid any potential ADC the amp may be doing if it applies any DSP before outputting, which is extremely common in modern hardware.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

You'd like what I did with my current setup. It's digital all the way, through a DSP, to the DAC. Then 15cm of analog cables connecting the DAC to the amp. All of which happens away from any other signal or power wires.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Seems like digital is the way to go, thanks. And the possible ADC in the amp is also a good call, I'll check that too when I have it in hand.