Newsgroups: rec.audio.tech
Subject: Re: SoundBlaster Live! -> Home stereo
References: <[email protected]>
James  writes:

> First, a quick question:
> 
> For those who know: What type of cable is the "digital link" cable that
> connects a stereo amplifier to something like a CD changer for control? It
> appears to be an 1/8" inch jack, is it? If so, two conductor or
> three? (mono or stereo).

The "digital link" uses S/PDIF standard, although they use non-standard
physical connector for that interface. 

S/PDIF interface uses one 75 ohm coaxial cable (cable with one 
conductor in the center and shield around it) to carry stereo sound
in digital format. Standard S/PDIF connections use RCA or BNC
connectors.

The SB Live output connector is to my knowledge a 3.5 mm mono plug
(at least some documentation recommended a normal mono 3.5 mm to RCA
adapter to connect standard S/PDIF cable to it).

For more information on S/PDIF take a look at
http://www.epanorama.net/documents/audio/spdif.html

> And now my main question:
> 
> Similar question about digital audio. I have an SB Live! card with the
> digital output on it (1/8th" jack). I also have a stereo receiver
> supposedly capable of analog or digital inputs. If I in fact can use the
> SB Live! with the stereo, do I use a standard stereo 1/8" inch to stereo
> RCA connectors? The stereo is a JVC RX-778V. I have the computer plugged
> into the receiver via the "DVD" port which has two RCA inputs. The other
> end is a stereo 1/8" cable. 

This will work nicely on analogue mode.

> Should it work for me to move the 1/8" plug
> from the "audio out" to the "digital out" port on the SB Live! and switch
> the receiver into digital mode? 

If you  move the 1/8" plug from the "audio out" to the "digital out" 
port on the SB Live! and then move one of the RCA connectors to
the "digital in" in the receiver. Then swiotch the receiver to
digital mode. One of the RCA connectors in the cable will work, 
the other does not (it should be left channel that works I think).

> I unfortunately know almost nothing about
> digital audio.

Time to start learning. 

-- 
Tomi Engdahl (http://www.iki.fi/then/)
Take a look at my electronics web links and documents at 
http://www.epanorama.net/