Digital audio better than analog using headphones?

[halchuck2269]

I am wondering if it is worth the hassle of configuring my headphones for digital inputs versus using the typical RCA connections? Can you really hear more detail with digital?

 

[jay32267]

For me personally....it wouldn't be worth the hassle. The difference I can hear is so small, I don't even know if I'm hearing a difference.

 

[madmatt30]

Digital generally (when it comes to stereo headphones) is more about reduced interference/background noise rather than any difference in actual quality.

After all what you hear at the end of it all is analog anyway.

 

[True Buie]

Heyo halchuck2269

I agree with what @Madmatt30 said. The only reason that we've moved forward from RCA's is pretty much to make the analogue part cleaner.
However..
If you're searching for a difference, you should check out balanced connections. These could be just normal AUX cables, but the difference is there's a ground lead in each cable. The most common balanced is probably the 4-pin XLR connection (You've probably seen these used with microphones).
I do believe there is a noticeable difference from unbalanced to balanced, but this is once again a subject that can be discussed since it's so subjective in nature.
The balanced connections is WAAAY more expensive, so unless you really want to get a "better" listening experience, you should just stay with normal unbalanced.

Cheers

 

[Deleted member 217926]

The only reason to use a balanced connection is with a fully balanced amp and DAC. Otherwise it's just a connection. A Schiit Jotunheim with a balanced DAC at $500 is as cheap as I've seen for a truly balanced setup. Then you can even spend a couple of hundred bucks on cables.