I want to try my SPDIF output, but have some n00b questions.

Firegod

Firegod

Firegod

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Hi all

Looking for some help with this one. I have the Xonar D2X soundcard which I have connected to my Cambridge Audio Azur 640A Amp. I'm currently running through the 3.5mm jacks, but noticed it has an SPDIF output and loads of Dolby/DTS features associated with this output.

I don't think I can connect to the Amp using this type of connection, am I right? It only has phono connectors on the back and terminals for the speaker cables to go to.

I've had a look online and as far as I can tell SPDIF is called Coaxial Cable? (Not Optical). It seems to be a regular Phono (RCA) connection, but I was confused as there is only x1 SPDIF output on the soundcard which means would I only plug in to one connector on the Amp.... so how does that do stereo sound?

Or do I need a new amp basically with some kind of dedicated SPDIF input. lol. :o


Cheers for any help!
 
Thanks Jez. Much appreciated. :)

When you say my amp only supports 2 channels, why would this mean I can't do this? :o EDIT2: I only have a 2.1 setup, so would I not be ok.... if that's what you mean.


EDIT: And/Or what type of Amp would I need for arguments sake to get this to work? :)
 
Jez said:
Its not that you cant, its more that i wonder why you would want to use the digital output while only running 2 speakers? The point (generally speaking) of the digital output is for Dolby Digital and DTS support, which requires 6 speakers including a subwoofer and a 5/6 channel amp.
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Ahhhh cheers. I didn't realise that the Dolby Digital "thing" was for a surround sound setup. I thought I could use it on my 2.1 setup and get better sound quality.

So is there no point basically. lol.
 
Hi everyone

Thanks for the replies. Would I honestly notice a difference with my humble 2.1 setup though, which I think is what Jez is saying, that in my situation I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.

I run the Azur 640A, Morduant Short 902i speakers and the 309i Sub. Would the DACMagic at £230 be money well spent just to change to SPDIF?

I was hoping initially the answer was an easy "yes". Digital is uber better. lol. But Jez's comments have made it seem as though you need a decent setup to be able to tell the difference.

Thanks for anymore input and thoughts on the subject. :)
 
Thanks for the info.

I think for the time being I maybe better off bi-wiring my speakers and then review the DAC later on. :) By the sounds of it there is a slight increase in sound quality. As stated, perhaps not worth the cash though.
 
9designs2 said:
You don't think a DAC will make a difference, but 2 lengths of cable will..... I give up....ciao
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Well that's a nice attitude.

I've come on here to ask for help, thoughts and opinions and this is what you get. So just because I'm not clued up on the subject like everyone else?!

I never said a DAC would not make a difference. I said is it worth the money? And it was others that seem to suggest no. Have a re-read through the topic.

Jeez, you may as well not ask questions around this place as if it's against what everyone else thinks you get shot down for it!

This thread will be better off without you.
 
Last edited:
oli collett said:
It's not for bi-wiring, it's for bi-amping.
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Ok cool. Just read up about bi-amping. Seems like bi-wiring is not worth it in comparison and it's better to drive the woofer seperate to the tweeter with another amp. I can get a similar amp (same make, but just the A5) for £119. That's cheaper than the DAC. Would this be the smarter choice for better sound quality compared to going with the DAC? It's certainly a cheaper option! :)
 
Hello!

Wow, a lot more replies. For some reason I haven't had the notifications in my email so I'm sorry for not replying.

I definately think I'm going to try and get a hold of a DAC (borrow or test) and see what I make of it. :)
 
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