Digital What? Options

[CptAnalog]

OK, I read the rules, I'll try to be civil.
Ever since the 90's, Y'all have told me what a great new world digital audio is, never mind what my ears told me. Gone are the days of aligning tape machines and cleaning heads. Also gone are the days of great sound and being able to plug anything into anything and have it work.
I just spent three days configuring a digital system. I finally figured out that Cubase is seeing input on 5/6, not 1/2, as is the default. I get things happening from the SPDIF input of the interface, do some recording, fast forward to the next cut, then all heck breaks loose. It sounds like total crap, though the next selection is at a lower level. I quit, restart the computer, then there is nothing on the right channel.
It's not as if I can swap cables to find the problem.
I do love the editing capabilities, but for recording, I'll stick with my old Studer.