Q: Coax or toslink from MOBO?
A: Neither
Why: Using either connection from the motherboard means you are using the integrated audio device. Stay away from that entirely and focus on a separate DAC or audio interface that connects via Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt.
The type of DAC/audio interface you choose depends on your current and potential needs. If you only do playback, a HiFi DAC will do; check AudioAdvisor.com. If you have even a remote possibility for recording anything or transferring vinyl, cassette, etc. to iTunes, focus on a pro-level Audio Interface. My vote is an RME FireFace 800 for those duties. It combines in one unit top-shelf D/A & A/D conversion, great clocking and jitter reduction, pro mic preamps, plenty of versatile connectivity, integrated mixing software, and one of the most stable and solid Windows drivers in its class.
A: Neither
Why: Using either connection from the motherboard means you are using the integrated audio device. Stay away from that entirely and focus on a separate DAC or audio interface that connects via Firewire/USB/Thunderbolt.
The type of DAC/audio interface you choose depends on your current and potential needs. If you only do playback, a HiFi DAC will do; check AudioAdvisor.com. If you have even a remote possibility for recording anything or transferring vinyl, cassette, etc. to iTunes, focus on a pro-level Audio Interface. My vote is an RME FireFace 800 for those duties. It combines in one unit top-shelf D/A & A/D conversion, great clocking and jitter reduction, pro mic preamps, plenty of versatile connectivity, integrated mixing software, and one of the most stable and solid Windows drivers in its class.