Is "Digital Out" the same as "Coax?

S/PDIF optical audio to digital audio coax, is it worth it?

• My computer which I use to drive most media has S/PDIF but sadly my surround does not. But it does have the single coax/RCA plug in for digital audio. And I see little converter boxes to convert s/pdif to digital coax on ebay for around 20 bucks. Is this worth it? Would I hear markedly better audio? Currently I have it going out of the headphone port to stereo plug ins and it sounds excellent since the system is nice. Just wondering if I can really improve upon that or it would be negligible considering it having to be converted etc etc

• Answer:

  You are currently using analog stereo - probably through a un-shielded adapter you got from Radio Shack. The back of your computer is usually HORRIBLE for RF interference and 60 hz noise. Using the digital converter will not only give you some interference rejection, but opens you up to sending 5.1 sound to your sound system from a DVD or 5.1 video files. I think it's worth it or it would be a fun weekend project to try it. Note: Radio Shack also sells these little converter box's. You could even get one of those $9 optical switches and feed your sound system from your computer, your xbox/PS3, media server, etc.