Discrete analog audio vs HDMI audio

[jasper1605]

I'm a touch confused. I worked at best buy last year and the guys there all told me that a discrete analog audio channel going into my amp would provide a higher quality than HDMI would, which makes sense to me. But after reading some things on this forum, lots are saying that HDMI can give a better sound. I've got a yamaha RX-v663 amp w/ a full 7.1 complement of paradigm cinema c90 speakers (the center is better but I don't remember what its model is) and audio quality is very important to me on my gaming

I'm using the onboard w/ my p7p55d deluxe that gives 24 bit at 192khz through the discrete analog connections. I am looking for recommendations on first, whether analog discrete or HDMI is better. Then if onboard is good or a separate sound card would be better (I think I know the answer so I'm ready to drop some coin if need be) and finally the best sound card you can recommend that gives me as close to reality as possible largely w/ gaming and music as I use my ps3 for blu-ray.

Thanks

 

[FordGT90Concept]

HDMI = digital
"discreet" = analog

If you have an analog amp, give it an analog signal. If you have a digital amp, give it a digital signal. If you give a digital amp an analog signal, some quality will be lost; if you give an analog amp a digital signal, some quality will be lost (rather, it was previously lost).

All analog is the best but seeing as the original source is digital on computers, it is best to keep it digital until it reaches the speakers.


24 bit at 192 kHz is applicable to digital, not analog, signals.


I can't complain about my HT Omega Striker 7.1.

 

[jasper1605]

All analog is the best but seeing as the original source is digital on computers, it is best to keep it digital until it reaches the speakers.

gotcha, thanks for that. That makes sense to do the least amount of converting possible. What would be a true analog source then (just for kicks and giggles)?

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Records, 8-tracks, and cassettes. CD was the first major consumer medium to have digital encoding.

 

[jasper1605]

any recommendations on a good sound card to do all this fun stuff with then?

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Depends on needs. All I can really recommend is to avoid Creative products. Asus, Azuentech, and HT Omega is where it is at today. Beyond that, it depends on your needs and willingness to spend. Expect to pay around $100 for a decent sound card and $200+ for professional audio.

Practically all cards in that price range have analog 7.1 out (center/sub, front l/r, side l/r, and rear l/r miniplugs) as well as coaxial, optical, and mini-plug digital out. Optical digital is best but they all sound the same.