digital/analog sound card, speakers compatibility question

[Relztrah]

I believe the older sound cards have analog output and the newer ones have digital output, correct? Do new digital speakers work with an older analog sound card and vice-versa? It seems like they would be compatible so that you don't have to upgrade both, but I'm not sure.

[pangea33]

The term "digital speakers" can be a little bit of a misnomer. Most any powered speaker system that takes direct digital input will also allow analog line-level input via rca jacks. To ignore this capability would be to completely ignore any consumers who want to plug their ipods directly into powered speakers.

My understanding about the difference in analog vs. digital output with respect to soundcards, is that it lies in where the signal processing occurs. I have a Soundblaster 5.1 MP3+ audio card that I bought on Ebay around 2001 or 2002 and it has both analog and digital outputs.

It might be helpful if you provided more specs about what hardware you currently have and what you're looking to do. I strictly listen to audio on my machine so I have no need for fancy 7.1 digital surround sound output. Gamers looking for an immersive experience probably have a vastly different opinion than I do about what makes sense.

For the most part you will be able to upgrade either the soundcard or your speakers and retain compatibility with legacy versions of either item. Again specifics will help you get a more definitive answer though.