Audigy 4 Pro, what cable

Question

Hello, I just purchased your Audigy 4 Pro, I have the Logitech z-5500 5. digital speakers, it has inputs for Optical,Coaxial, as well as 6 channel direct I have an RCA Digital Coaxial cord and a Monster Optical cord, please tell me what cords I need to have digital sound

Answer 1

Sir_Dude,
Yes, the 6 channel direct inputs are analog as far as the output on the sound card goes, but then again so is the sound that comes out of your speakers when you use a digital cable like an optical or coax. Basically you are deciding where you want the conversion from analog to digital to take place, at the sound card or at the speakers. It is most likely that the converters in the sound card are of a higher quality than those on the speakers (this is where the 3dB SNR 24-bit/92 Khz DACs come into play). If you decide that you want to use an optical or coax digital connection there are some limitations you should be aware of:
You are limiting the number of sources that you will get surround in. With a coax or optical connection you will receive surround sound in DVD's and other AC3 encoded signals. Games that use Direct Sound will output in stereo.</LI>
You are removing the ability to playback DVD-Audio disks.</LI>
You will lose CMSS ability.</LI>
If you read the articles in the FAQ at the top of the board they will explain why this is the case and why it is better to use the analog outs on the card for your primary output.
Jeremy