Connecting S/PDIF Out-Coaxial

sparky853

Distinguished
Jun 25, 2003
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I want to try to connect a sound output from my computer to my HT receiver.
I currently have an MSI K8T Neo2 mobo with 6 channel audio plus Optical and Coaxial S/PDIF out. I have a set of 5.1 speakers hooked to my onboard sound, but also want to connect the sound to my receiver.

What kind of cable does the S/PDIF Coaxial out use? Will a standard RCA cable work? Or is there a special cable? Also, is this output always active or do I need to do change settings (in BIOS for example)?
 

Crashman

Polypheme
Former Staff
Digital Coaxial cable has a bit stricter standards than analog RCA cable. But it turns out the specification is the same for Digital Coaxial and Composite Video cable.

This is really, very funny. Go into a store and look for a 2 meter Composite Video cable. Then look for a 2 meter Digital Coaxial cable from the same company. You'll notice that with most brands, the same cable is used, with the same ends. Yet the one labeled Digital Coaxial cost twice as much! Yes, it's a marketing scam.

So your best value will be in standard-grade composite video cable.