2. pc-audio
  3. 1154806597

Notebook digital vs analog out to digital amp?

Please let me know which is better:

Audigy ZS -> decent optical out cable-> Panasonic sa-xr55 digital amp -> Silverline SR-17

vs.

Audigy ZS -> decent RCA -> $2-300 Rotel/Marantz...-> Silverline SR-17

On the one hand I think I can give the Panasonic a bit-perfect signal with the optical out. On the other hand there's more flexibility in the amplifier if I go with an standard RCA connection.

Or is there a better solution to getting audio out of a notebook on the cheap? Anything better than an audigy around that price? Thanks.
angaria
arni
313 posts
 
Given that the source signal sets the foundation for the final sound quality; garbage in-garbage out, I believe you would be far better off with going digital straigt into the Panasonic. There is no DAC conversion until at the speaker output, and I believe you would get far cleaner sound. Even in analog comparison, I would expect the Pannie to outperfrom any $200-300 Rotel or Marantz receiver.
Good luck
angaria OP
35 posts
 
Arni - appreciate it.
wkraft
8 posts
 
i run two systems at the moment: 1. pc -usb-> waveterminal u24 -coax digital-> sa-xr55 in my office. 2.laptop pc -usb-> u24 -analog cable-> levinson in my living rm. The noise in the living room system is a major degradation, for which i am postponing a remedy, intending to try belkin cablefree wireless usb when available (sept?). you may get lass noise in your first option. will be away for a week sorry in advance for any delaye in responses.
angaria OP
35 posts
 
Wkraft - that wireless USB hub is going to be a boon - thanks.
angaria OP
35 posts
 
So I'm wondering - will a high-end card be wasted if I just want optical bit-perfect output? Since there's a dac in the receiver, seems like there's no use in paying for one I wouldn't use in the card.
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