S/PDIF jack?

[biff]

I have a Asus P5E-VM HDMI in my htpc and so far just have been using the onboard sound - not a permanent solution just something to get me up and running for now. I wanted to try sending optical to my receiver to see what improvements there are. I thought I was losing my mind when I couldn't find the optical jack on the back. I know it has optical audio, it says so in the manual. Turns out it has a header on the mobo for optical audio. So I need to get a S/PDIF jack that presumably mounts in a card slot cover, any ideas on where I can get one?

[cadaveca]

You don't have a coaxial port on the reciever? same difference....


Anyway, here ya go:

Asus SPDIF / Optical Out Adapter, 3-pin at Memory Express Computers

Asus SPDIF Out Adapter at Memory Express Computers

Verify which one you need though...not too sure they are the same. If you need help getting one, let me know.

[biff]

Thanks.

So you're saying there's no diff between optical and the coax?

[cadaveca]

Nope. Not at all. Both are SPDIF...Sony/Phillips Digital InterFace, and you'll see that the connectors I linked only have 3-pins to connect to, but both connectors...


There may be an overall bandwidth difference, but not in a way that I have found any difference between the two...

[biff]

I just did some quick searching and most agree with you, that there is no difference. Some argue that coax is slightly better but optical is better for long distances but that doesn't apply to me. I'll have to give it a go... anything special I need for a cable would any RCA do?

[cadaveca]

any rca will do, but you'll find less "noise" in a "proper" SPDIF cable, due to better sheilding.

[biff]

Found this funny.

Rat shack has a shielded cable that seems descent enough and for cheaper than the cost of those jacks you linked AND it's on my way home. I think I'll just p/u one of those and call it a day.

Thanks for the info.

[cadaveca]

No problem! Have fun!

[biff]

Got it hooked up and notice a significant difference in the amount of noise which was mostly what I was hoping for. Oddly I notice a difference in sound too, sounds more crisp and airy if that doesn't sound too weird. I wasn't expecting any SQ differences since I'm only using a pair of el cheapo boombox bookshelf speakers ATM. An added bonus. Can't wait to get my proper speakers built now!

[Babrbarossa]

Built? ....building your own speakers? if so I want to pick your brain.