"Digital Out" signal quality...

[al bundy]

When using digital speakers, does it matter (soundwise) whether the digital signal is being sent from a high-end soundcard versus a cheapo digital-capable card?

Or is the digital signal output quality from each card identical, thus producing no difference in sound quality between them?

[soupnazi]

My instincts are saying that it "should" be identical but not all cards are created equal. I've read of people noticing difference in the digital out of an SBlive versus an Audigy 2. Not major differences. Eg. Slightly better bass/highs.

[Abula]

Al,

I dont think it matters that much, due that the processing of the card will be bypassed. But you have to remember also that the outputs matter, so a cheap card will have cheaper components in the connections also. Although you will use a digital output, I think noise and weak connection could end up degrading the signal. I still go with a good sound card intead of a cheaper one going in digital because that reason.

Hope it helps,
Abula

[Isezumi]

considering that quite a few cards do DAC ADC to get digital signals, it can very well make a difference.

Pre 2k/XP we used ANALOG sound cables to hook up opticals to soundcards.

It is mostly relative to the Chipset that you are using.