Digital audio output, does soundcard matter?

[miksu103]

Hi, I'm noob with sound things, but I was thinking that if my sound leaves on hdmi or optical to my amplifier will soundcard matter? Is it the amplifier that makes the da conversion then?

[ACK]

If your amplifier supports digital input then you don't need a sound card because the amplifier actually makes that conversion. But, you have to be sure that your amp supports digital to analog conversion.

[MiracleMan]

For the average user there is absolutly no noticeable difference, your AVR will do the digital analog conversion.

[miksu103]

Ok, I'm using couple years old yamaha amp with my pc via optical. I'm also building home network right now, and tought about streaming music to livingroom (raspberrypi hdmi another new yamaha). I think i will be ok without soudcard.

[Metallurgico]

There's a little differences if your ears are trained. You can choose different fine settings in both sound card drivers and amplifier settings, but the difference will be very small.

[Money]

I wouldn't bother. The difference would be positively minuscule to most ears.

[ThatGuy]

Exactly what everybody else has been saying, but remember that only holds true for optical or digital. Analog will make a magnificently huge difference, but digital won't matter unless you're playing with some seriously serious sound equipment. So just get a decent optical cable and you'll be set!

[miksu103]

Ok, thank you all for answers!

[Profquast]

cool use for a raspberry pie, a 30$ music station!