Is it worth trying to split S/PDIF output (and what do I need to do so?)

[sep]

I'm looking for an affordable audio interface with 6ch output. Some interfaces, like the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 have their outputs 5/6 come out through one S/PDIF jack. I've never used S/PDIF, but apparently I need a "compositie video rca connector" or "digital audio coaxial rca connector" to use them (based on a cursory view of a Wikipedia article!). Is it possible to split this to output each of the two channels into two separate speakers, and if so, what hardware would I need?

Or are there two many drawbacks/problems in doing so that it'd be better to dish out the extra money for an interface with six standard audio-jack outputs?

 

[voodooless]

Spdif is a digital signal. So you need a DAC to convert it back to analog. That will also get you normal RCA connectors again (or XLR).

Better get an 8x interface, or some 7.1 USB interface.

 

[timiark]

I recently switched from USE to S/PDIF. I really cannot say there are any noticeable differences.

 

[djtetei]

If you want to use digital signal, remain in digital domain until the signal is ready to be sent to the speakers and digital processing equipment with the highest sample rate and bit depth capability. Avoid multiple conversions from digital to analog and vice versa.

 

[RayDunzl]

Assuming you are taking one coax output to two inputs, I'd try one of these cheap things:

RCA Splitter

Or even one of these:

The signal is unidirectional, and fairly robust for short distances, and I would consider it unlikely to cause any damage.

 

[djtetei]

You can not use these type of splitters on SPDIF digital output.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Assuming you are taking one coax output to two inputs, I'd try one of these cheap things:

RCA Splitter

View attachment 224891

Or even one of these:

View attachment 224892

The signal is unidirectional, and fairly robust for short distances, and I would consider it unlikely to cause any damage.

For analog but not for S/PDIF.

 

[RayDunzl]

For analog but not for S/PDIF.

I don't see why not,

What's the problem?

Coax splitter

Is there a downside consequence on splitting the coax out from a usb/spdif device to two other devices (amp, dac etc)? Degradation of the signal? https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01D5H8RE0/ref=pe_3044141_189395771_TE_dp_1

www.audiosciencereview.com

Maybe I misunderstand what he's trying to do with the channels, but I'd bet a usable duplicate of the input signal would appear at both outputs.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I don't see why not,

What's the problem?

Coax splitter

Is there a downside consequence on splitting the coax out from a usb/spdif device to two other devices (amp, dac etc)? Degradation of the signal? https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01D5H8RE0/ref=pe_3044141_189395771_TE_dp_1

www.audiosciencereview.com

Depends on your goal but (1) maintaining the proper impedance load is important for S/PDIF and (2) there's no what to extract the two channels from S/PDIF without a digital processor or a DAC.