Audio Output Comparison: Analog vs. Digital vs. Analog-Digital Speakers


wojtekmazgaj

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OS
Windows 11
Question
When it comes to speaker setups and audio output, which approach is generally considered best: analog, digital, or hybrid analog-digital?

Details
I am looking to understand the technical trade-offs, advantages, and disadvantages of each connection type (analog vs. digital vs. analog-digital) when choosing and configuring speakers.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
I can't necessarily tell you which is the best, but I can tell you what I use. For speakers, I use a pair of BOSE 2.2 Direct/Reflect bookshelf speakers (8 Ohms), that I have had since the late 80's. I then drive them with a PYLE PDA69BU Stereo Amplifier. I also use a Marantz SR6010 DC Receiver/Amplifier that I purchased in Germany around 1981. But the Marantz system needs it's controls cleaned.

Both amplifiers are driven direct from my laptop, although the PYLE is Blue tooth capable and comes with a remote. I also have a Marantz turntable and a "audio technica AT-LP60X" turntable to rotate my vinyl collection.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Home, 26H2, OS Build 26300.9550Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-8145U CPU @ 2.10GHz 2.30...8GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Home, 26H2, OS Build 26300.9550
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP 15-dw0xx
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-8145U CPU @ 2.10GHz 2.30 GHz
    Memory
    8GB
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    930 GB
    Keyboard
    Built In
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech M325S
    Browser
    Chrome 154.0.8037.58
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Cygwin64
  • At a glance

    Windows 10 Home, Version 22H2, Build19045.3693AMD E-300 with Radeon HD Graphics 1.30 GHz10GBRadeon HD Graphics 1.30 GHz
    Operating System
    Windows 10 Home, Version 22H2, Build19045.3693
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD E-300 with Radeon HD Graphics 1.30 GHz
    Memory
    10GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Radeon HD Graphics 1.30 GHz
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15"
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    700 GB
    Keyboard
    Wireless
    Mouse
    Wireless
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    This computer is connected to my IC-735 radio.
Question
When it comes to speaker setups and audio output, which approach is generally considered best: analog, digital, or hybrid analog-digital?

Details
I am looking to understand the technical trade-offs, advantages, and disadvantages of each connection type (analog vs. digital vs. analog-digital) when choosing and configuring speakers.
All sound that you actually hear is analogue.
The quality of that sound depends on the DAC and the speakers and the way the source was actually created and mastered
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
OS
Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
MSI
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core
Motherboard
MEG X870E Godlike
Memory
64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30
Graphics Card(s)
MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
Sound Card
Soundblaster AE-9
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
Screen Resolution
3840x2160
Hard Drives
Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB (gen 5 x4, system drive/games)
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
Samsung 870 Evo 4TB
Samsung 870 Evo 2TB
Samsung T9 4TB
PSU
Seasonic PX-2200
Case
Bequiet! Dark Base Pro 901
Cooling
Noctua NH-D15S Chromax black
Keyboard
Logitech G915 X (wired)
Mouse
Logitech G903 with PowerPlay charger
Internet Speed
900Mb/sec
Browser
Microsoft Edge
Antivirus
Windows Defender

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