best sound out of a laptop ?

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I have done my own listening and measurements between TOSLINK and coax and I am happy with my preference for TOSLINK if the design is right. a TOSLINK signal is far larger in amplitude compared to a coax signal. So TOSLINK signals are easier to reclock with a simple schmitt trigger circuit. Supply noise has less of an effect on the actual signal from a TOSLINK socket. The noise would only affect the electronics inside the socket.
A coax signal needs to be amplified first from 0.6V to at least 2.7V. That can be an issue in a design.
There are also no earth loops issues with TOSLINK.

HDMI vs. Optical or Digital Coax.

HDMI gives more clarity and detail ? are better quality ?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/understanding-the-differences-between-hdmi-optical-coaxial-rca-cables-184572http:url]http://www.avsforum.com/t/1348062/hdmi-vs-optical-or-digital-coaxhttp://www.avsforum.com/t/1348062/hdmi-vs-optical-or-digital-coax[/url]

do I need the s'pdif altogether ??
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...6185928AAdfQVF