I've never really known the answer to this one. Between the following which gives the best audio output?
1) 1/8 inch jacks on the sound card or mother board.
2) HDMI audio.
3) Optical SPDIF.

I assume that the 'competition' would be between Optical SPDIF and HDMI...

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Jay

I think it might depend on your system. On my "entertainment" system, I have a THX certified SoundBlaster card. Since it serves as a preamp, I use the 1/8 inch jack. From there it goes to my Logitech speakers which have their own AMP. Also THX certified.

I love high quality audio, and I've always stuck with THX certified stuff. Never been let down.

Pete

Thanks Pete. With the new build I'm doing I'll have the option of all three audio sources.

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Optical SPDIF is supposed to be the best connection, but for old people like us you're not likely to notice a difference.

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stephen boots
Microsoft MVP 2004 - 2020
"Life's always an adventure with computers!"

I agree about not hearing a difference and I should probably stay with my current HDMI sound. I still may try SPDIF just to play. Right now the computer connects to an HDTV via HDMI then the TV connects to the sound system via RCA. With SPDIF I could go direct from the computer to the sound system. Since I use a glorified Yamaha sound bar instead of true surround sound I'm probably best to just leave the connections as are but you know me... have to play.

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