Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Question regarding S/PDIF
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Question regarding S/PDIF

post #1 of 4
1/11/11 at 11:20pm
Thread Starter 

Hi, I have a Xonar Essence STX, and I am so lost on what S/PDIF is for. I know it is for an optical signal, but I don't know if I can use it. I currently am using HD 598's (6.3mm plug) that goes directly into the Headphone jack of my soundcard. Am I getting the optimal sound for the current hardware I have? I have the provided TOSLINK that came with my STX, but I have no clue how to utilize it :( My friends told me that I can't use S/PDIF since I have a 1/4inch headphone, which makes perfect sense, but I've been reading around and almost everyone who has this card is recommending to use S/PDIF. I just don't know how >,>



Sorry for the lack of intelligence with this stuff.. just trying to figure out if I can up my sound quality at all with what I currently have :) Thanks!

Reply
post #2 of 4
1/11/11 at 11:46pm

The digital SPDIF is to be used with an external receiver or DAC, which you don't seem to have have so no need to worry about it. Just enjoy your STX, which is a great sounding card.

Reply
post #3 of 4
1/12/11 at 12:02am
Thread Starter 

Ok thanks!

 

As per my headphones, do you think I should use my STX's built-in amp? As in, should I turn it to 64-300? 300-600? Or just keep it at <64 Ohms? I have heard people say that increasing the Impedance increases quality, but you have to turn volume down by about 50% per increase in dB+ stage. Whats your opinion?

Reply
post #4 of 4
1/12/11 at 12:12am

I'd keep it at <64 Ohms.  The HD598s are rated at 50. 

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Question regarding S/PDIF