My audiophile options?

Hello All,
I just go my Asus A7N8X Deluxe. From what I understand it has digital
audio outs and some cool audio stuff. I am trying to figure out what
exactly it has. What I'm looking for is a front or rear device that
enable me to have pure digital audio, or maybe even interface my stereo
with the pc. Does anyone have any ideas for me?
Thanks in advance.

Soundstorm doesn't have optical or coaxial out, only S/PDIF.

XP 2500+ Barton @ 2256Mhz
A7N8X Dlx
2x512MB Corsair PC3200
MSI GF3Ti 500 @ 265/570
16x DVD-ROM
2x80GB 7200RPM Maxtor
Onboard audio
3DMark 2001 SE - 10528

Right, my mistake. I meant no optical out. It's just got that RCA jack back there.

XP 2500+ Barton @ 198x11.5@.185v
Thermalright SLK-800
Thermaltake Smartfan II
A7N8X Dlx
2x512MB Corsair PC3200
MSI GF3Ti500@265/570
2x80GB 7200RPM Maxtor
Soundstorm

Like you rightly said your Asus A7N8X Deluxe has some Digital Audio Outs but from what I hear it has a Coaxial output, so take a look at my list.

First at the low end are the Creative's Inspire 5700 Digital Speakers. It has a decoder to decode Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS and even Dolby Pro Logic I and II. It even has a remote control which is great if you dont want to grapple with the knobs. Its subwoofer incorporates some SLAM technology which ensures deep powerful bass though its clarity is not so good. 5700 is £275.

If you need something louder and clearer then go for Creative's Megaworks 550 5.1. These give an astonishing 500 Watts Power, its subwoofer is even deeper than the Inspire's and its got a wired remote control with a headphone socket. The main feature of this speaker system is the incorporation of THX but since your soundcard is not THX compatible (correct me if im wrong) then its kinda wasted. These speakers are around about £300 - £350.

Logitech have got a solid set of 5.1 Speakers (i don't know the model number as yet) they can decode all the neccessary soundtracks. The main selling point is the inclusion of Aluminium phase plugs which ensure clear sound quality through the satellites. My friend has these and the clarity was amazingly clear during dialogue and high frequency sounds. However I found the subwoofer lacked bass when I played Dead Prez's Hip Hop (this song has a continuous bassline throughout the song) compared to my Inspire 6700 6.1 speakers.

Nevertheless if you already have a surround sound hi-fi with digital coaxial inputs then you are probably up to your knees in wires so just get an appropriate lead to connect your soundcard to your Hifi. Or then again if you want some separate speakers but dont want any PC speakers then buy youself a decoder and get some good speakers.

Hope this helps. Me? Well I was unlucky to be stuck with a crap onboard stereo sound so I got myself a set of Inspire 6700 6.1 speakers coupled with a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 - connected using analogue connectors. The 6700 speakers have a CMSS function which allows the speakers to create a 6.1 soundfield when the speakers are plugged into a 5.1 soundcard.

Just cos I am a semi skinhead it does not mean that I am a semi PC Guru. I am 25% PC Guru, 15% Thug and 10% Alcoholic!!!