Digital speakers vs. analog speakers (FPS2000 vs BA4800)

[CoderFirstClass]

When I was looking at the Cambridge FPS1800 and FPS2000, the only difference I could see was a S/PDIF connector on the FPS2000, even though the FPS2000 was $30 more. After reading lots of forum posts praising the BA4800 (analog only), I'm wondering, what good does an S/PDIF connector do you? I plan on using my speakers for games, MP3s, and DVDs.

Oh, I looked on Pricewatch, and the only Phillips Acoustic Edge soundcard I could find was a 5.1 card. I don't intend on buying 5.1 speakers, does anyone know if they make a 4.1 card for less?

 

[grygrx]

Phillips also makes the Seismic Edge which is a 4 channel card. You'll have to get your other answers from someone more sonically aware then I.

Adam

 

[culex]

I've tried both the analog playback and spdif playback on the FPS2000...

I haven't noticed any difference.

But then again, I'm not a huge audiophile.

 

[Philly C]

There's virtually no difference between using the SPDIF and analog connections.

 

[Viperoni]

You would need better speakers (IE; $500+ audiophile grade) to hear the difference.
BTW: I'm implying something there.

 

[yellowperil]

Sound quality is a small difference. Not so much in quality but in less hiss. The bigger difference is that you can't get Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS with an analog connection, but I believe the FPS2000 doesn't do either so it shouldn't be an issue.