W3J - digital audio output?

Hi all. I have a W3J. Long ago I burned all my music to iTunes (and foolishly ditched most cds), and have been listening to tunage either streaming from my computer to receiver, or direct computer headphone output to receiver connection. Just significantly upgraded A/V system, and comparing music listened to in that fashion vs. same music played via cd on sony PS3 w/ digital optical output to receiver realized the former kinda sucks. I realize part of it is due to compression when saved to iTunes, and am pretty much stuck with that (although in the future will be going w/ apple lossless). However - question is whether W3J has a digital, rather than analog, audio output option. (I assume headphone output is analog, and currently have it attached to analog l/r receiver inputs.)

Part 2 of question (although this is probably the wrong forum for it) - contemplating getting an apple. Anyone know if it has a digital audio output? [Edit - just did a little research, and apparently apple macbook and macbook pro audio out is - somehow - both analog and digital.]

Thanks for your help.

 

This is a very common question and I have provided this solution many times on this forum. The Realtek soundcard on your W3J does support up to 7.1 audio if you were to use SPDIF/Digital Out.

The headphones jack is actually a dual auto-sensing connection that supports both analog (Stereo Headphones Jack) connection as well as digital (Toslink Optical) connection.

In other words you will need a Toslink Optical cable with the 2.5mm adapter which looks like this:

 

Awesome - thanks. I caught the slight but understandable snideness re the posted many times - to be honest, I did a google search, but like a putz didn't think to do a notebook review search. Should've. In any event, thanks very much for the quick answer, and the extreme close-up on the cable. Checking amazon now . . .

 

D3X - searched Amazon, but couldn't find such a cable. Do you know where I might be able to get one and, if so, could you please post a direct link?

At least I'm not also asking you to come connect it, and to change my VCR clock from flashing 12:00....

 

Here you go Ismael

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mini+optical&x=0&y=0

No snideness, just sometimes all you need to do is look into the infobooth threads and do some searches. But anyway, glad I was help.