im outputting from the sp/dif coax port on my a7n8x-e deluxe into my logitech z-5500 system. the coax cable im using is a standard RCA video cable, the kind that comes with vid cards for the video-out port. my question is, is using a reguar RCA video cable instead of a special expensive ultra-shielded sp/dif cable effecting my quality? i would imagine that since its a digital signal, that shielding wouldnt do much in regards to sound quality, just a few lost packets here and there, right? Dave

No, the sound quality will not be affected so long as the sheilding is in good order. Try to avoid WASTING money on these ULTRA expensive "gold plated", "triple shielded", "double thick insulated", yadda, yadda cables... most of the time under normal circumstances, they are a complete waist of money

ADDED: I just HATE seeing people get sucked into this "ULTRA" cable silliness!

thanks for the response :) yeah i find the super cables are rediculous in price. the Monster brand specifically. the component (rgb) cables they sell come in a few varieties, and the top one is a couple hundred dollars. for a CABLE! i will take regular $15 cables anyday Dave

With computer stuff, it usually won't matter. With higher end home theater stuff, it does make a difference, although not usually a landmark one. I would never pay what retailers charge for Monster Cable brand stuff. While they do make good cable, you can get just as good cable from other makers online for far less. I often use Tributaries brand cables... Please help survivors of Hurricane Katrina! www.redcross.org