Coax or Optical???

[jayswizz]

Hey everyone! I am sure each person has thier own preference but can "anybody out there"(Pink Floyd) give me any input as to why I should chose one over the other. To me it seems as if the coax cable would have a morte secure connection to your components. Will I really be able to hear a difference between the two? Right now I use the toslink cable but the connection to my DVD player seems a bit shaky. Thanks in advance.

 

[Buckle-meister]

Will I really be able to hear a difference between the two?

You may be able to hear a difference, but none actually exists. The two cables will give identical sound.

 

[jaxvon]

It's seriously a personal preference. Choose the one you want and use it.

 

[markw]

You just got the Reader's Digest condensed version.

If you want the latest* unabridged version, here ya go.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18217

*This topic pops up almost weekly.

 

[tbewick]

I've tried using coaxial and Toslink and I can't notice any obvious difference. If you are having clicks or interruptions occuring when playing CD's, then it could be a problem with the Toslink.

What Hi-Fi? magazine say coaxial is better than Toslink, but then again they think DAC's need to be broken in, and that 'cables can make or break your system'. Dolby say either will do the job.

 

[JVC]

I agree.............. You won't notice a difference between the two.
The only time you MAY notice a difference, is if using one of these cables for a long run. Then, I heard (no personal experience with long runs) the optical is better. Watch out how you turn a corner with an optical cable though. The glass inside will break, if you turn too sharply, or crimp it along the way.
Good luck!

 

[zipper]

Optical cables are actually a lot tougher than you would think............however, you should avoid any tight turns or kinks as they will cause signal loss & possible reflections.