Anything wrong with S/PDIF Out from laptop?!

[Citizen86]

I've been reading around some older threads, and with the surprising amount of USB DAC/Amp's, is there a reason for that? Does S/PDIF out on computers, especially say a laptop, just not work very well? Does it have to be bit-matched like on an X-Fi for it to really work?

I read a thread or two that talked about the clocks and how it can mess up the digital output, distort the stream, etc. That type of stuff. So is S/PDIF out from a laptop, more specifically a PC have issues? (I have the Gateway P-6831FX on it's way to me).

I've tried the search button, but come up with more stuff to confuse me, so anyone willing to help a noobie out?

 

[breakfastchef]

An S/PDIF output from a notebook should be fine as a source. Of course, you still need a DAC and amp to listen to the music flowing through that optical output.

I am not much up on this bit-perfect stuff, but I understand that ASIO is the way to go if that is a concern or problem for you. There is a rather extensive thread on the forum about ASIO.

 

[Citizen86]

Yes, I'm talking about in reference to feeding a DAC, I'm thinking the Zero Dac/Amp. And I would set up ASIO on it for sure, already did that on my previous laptop and my computer at work.

Anyways, I just saw some posts about how S/PDIF doesn't work very well, and all the USB Dac/Amps out there, wondered if there was a reason I wasn't seeing why S/PDIF isn't used, since it's a pretty common feature on computers nowadays, but USB ports are basically only used on computers... thought I should ask

 

[cconnaker]

There is no black & white answer to this question. It all depends on the implementation of SPDIF and USB. Either one can be superior and may sound different in your system v. my system. SPDIF is inherently jittery and was not invented as a data transfer method to be available to the public whereas USB is not very jitter prone compared to SPDIF and USB was designed to transfer data.

You'll probably have to try this out for yourself.

 

[ccfoodog]

I suspect the main issue is that more computers/laptops have USB ports than have SPDIF ports. It is probably a product sweet spot. The SPDIF means the product will cost more and for less of a return.

-john

 

[Citizen86]

Thanks for the replies. cconnaker, I went to your site, very nice, and I found your article on USB vs. S/PDIF, it was a good read and good to know.

I guess with a little more reading the problem is basically with bit-perfect S/PDIF, because apparently cheaper sound cards/motherboards will up-convert files from 44.1khz to 48khz, and very poorly. Since it seems to happen with Realtek AC97 software and apparently even older Creative Audigy cards.... so I'm not going to hold my breath that the new laptop will be able to do it

cconnaker, I believe you are using a Mac, and I'm pretty sure they are able to do bit-perfect playback, so it's probably a lot less of an issue.

Looks like USB for me.

 

[krmathis]

No, at least not in general.
There are certainly differences between different laptops, just as there are for all other products.

I use a laptop (MacBook Pro) as transport in my system, and find it to be really great. No background hiss, noise or distortion that I can hear.

 

[Citizen86]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, at least not in general.

Sorry, but what was that "no" in reference to? One part of my reply, or the whole thing?

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citizen86 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sorry, but what was that "no" in reference to? One part of my reply, or the whole thing?

A reference to the thread topic -> "Anything wrong with S/PDIF Out from laptop?!"
Meaning that I think there in general are nothing wrong with S/PDIF Out from a laptop. But that there certainly can be "less-perfect" laptops out there.

 

[Citizen86]

Ah okay, thanks. Like I said before, from what I've read is that you need bit-perfect playback, or else the software will resample the music and mess it all up.

Well I think I got it figured out, thanks for all the feedback