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April 27, 2019 - 11:13am
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S/PDIF
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1. If there is a ground loop between the components, using optical will alleviate it.
2. If the "RCA" cable is of proper impedance, it is likely(!) to be superior to TOSlink.
Thank you! I have a decent RCA, my worry is that the source of the sound is a PC sound card with a 3.5 mm jack. Optic cable "looks" more... serious.
It may be a "decent RCA" on one end, you have a mini-plug on the other. Try the optical cable...................but the limiting factor might be the PC sound card itself.
I've been wondering about that. Asus Conan is a $300 investment, and there seem to be no solid consensus on whether or not it will grant a noticeable improvement over a stock Realtech. New Realtech chips supposed to be rather decent. Would you say I will notice a difference if I upgrade my video card? I just bought a new amp and speakers, I'd hate for them to be bottlenecked by an inadequate audio card. I didn't get anything very high-end, just a Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 Stereo Receiver and a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 230 Tower Speakers. Still, I would invest into a new DAC if it will make a difference.
To be honest, I have no experience with any audio card. Your component selections are modest but respectable and are likely to benefit from good sources. Does your computer have a direct S/PDIF output? Have you compared that, just as a base level, to the ASUS card output? It might inform you about whether you are might want to pursue upgrades or just enjoy what you have for a while.
My PC does have a direct S/PDIF. What I'm realising now is that my new receiver doesn't (it is due to arrive in mail on Tuesday) . My current Technics has an optical input, I sort off assumed that the new receiver will have one as well. I will hook everything up as is for now, and see if the sound is what I want it to be. I just got a Mingus' "Gunslinging Birds" on a vinyl and cannot wait to hear it on the new setup. I'll get that audio card if it still sounds like it does now... thank you!