Xonar DG - SPDIF vs analog connection

[Faffer]

Hi

I currently have Edifier Spinnaker 2.0 speakers connected to a Xonar DG via SPDIF. Is this the best way to connect them or should I be using the analog connection? If I use SPDIF, is it going to be any different to the motherboard SPDIF? This is mainly for gaming and the occasional movie.

Thanks

 

[Marsman]

I'd use the analogue out on the DG. SPDIF is digital, which means the electronics inside the speakers (DAC) are being used to convert the digital data into sound, not the sound card. DSP effects aside, there isn't any difference between using the SPDIF out on the DG compared to the motherboard.

If you also use the DG for headphones or headset, then it doesn't matter so much if you are using the SPDIF for speakers; but if you are only using the SPDIF out on the DG, then really it isn't doing much at all.