I say no, so long as both cables are working correctly and not dropping bits. Digital is all 1s and 0s so there is no .98 vs .99 performance. Generally those who tout improved digital performance are trying to sell something and hope you'll convince yourself you can hear a difference. That said, there are people I respect who disagree with me so I continue to keep an open mind on this issue.
Optical does require some data management on both ends so you can lose some bits there and I have had optical systems that I thought didn't sound as good. Maybe it's the conversion.
I use USB.
Jerry