Coaxial S/PDIF Output?

[FooAtari]

I am planning on getting the Asus P5N-E but im not sure about the audio output. It has the usual connections, speakers/headphones, mic and line-in and also a 6 channel Coaxial S/PDIF output.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/image.html?image=MTE1OTE2MzY3MGF6b1JQemFMb3pfMV8xM19sLmdpZg==

Am I right in thinking this would provide 5.1 surround? And is it a good/commonly supported output type? Is it any better or worse than 6 analouge ports that some motherboards have?

I do actuallty have an Audigy ZS that I plan on using, but im just curious about the on-board outputs

Ta.

 

[nite0]

It's a digital output. You can pass through 6 channel surround using an optical cable or an RCA cable to an external decoder. It's better than the 6 analog outputs because it's a digital connection but it requires having a receiver/speakers with a digital decoder.

 

[Audioguy]

Although onboards are getting better day by day. They still don't compare with a decent add in card. Your audigy 2 would sound alot better then your onboard and provide better support for gaming aswell. Most onboards will only give you 2.0 stereo over digital connection UNLESS your playing a 5.1 encoded DVD or file etc. It is possible your onboard may have some type of upmix technology but highly doubtful. Install the Audigy 2 Zs and be done with it. THe A2 ZS also supports digital in the exact same manner.

 

[FooAtari]

Cheers guys. I think thats the mobo il go for, seems to have decent sound as far as onboard goes. But ill be using the Audigy

 

[nite0]

Good plan. The Audigy has digital ouput and is superior for 2 channel stuff.