Optical over RCA?

[Squishman]

Playing my Teac CD-P650 CD player with an optical (no coax) out that I am not able to use. I have one optical input on the RZ50 and that is already connected to my TV for antenna sound (Fire TV for everything else on TV). Stands to reason that an optical input would be a superior connection than an RCA input. But I am wondering, is it decipherable enough to make enough of a difference? Playing my Gold DCC Beach Boys Endless Summer CD at the moment in honor of Brian Wilson dying yesterday.

 

[lovinthehd]

Just use the line out rca into an analog input on your avr. Doubt there's any significant dac difference.

 

[Squishman]

Just use the line out rca into an analog input on your avr. Doubt there's any significant dac difference.

Yeah, that's how it's been hooked up. Glad to know it's not significant enough of a difference to matter!

 

[Squishman]

It does sound excellent though as is! Btw, this Beach Boys DCC CD is more than likely the best sounding Beach Boys CD or LP anywhere on the planet. Probably the only better would be the master tapes.

 

[TLS Guy]

It does sound excellent though as is! Btw, this Beach Boys DCC CD is more than likely the best sounding Beach Boys CD or LP anywhere on the planet. Probably the only better would be the master tapes.

The only issue is that you have 2 conversions unless you use pure direct. But I really doubt you would hear a difference.

 

[lovinthehd]

The only issue is that you have 2 conversions unless you use pure direct. But I really doubt you would hear a difference.

Typically even multiple conversions aren't audible....cleanest if using dsp in avr might be to use direct, tho.

 

[Trebdp83]

Should be fine either way. But, unlike Denon/Marantz units, Onkyo units do not have an LFE+Main setting to send a signal to a subwoofer in Onkyo’s Pure Audio or Direct modes when playing two channel signals.

 

[Samrahoo]

Optical (TOSLINK) is generally better than RCA for audio when it comes to clarity and resistance to interference. Optical uses digital signals, which means less noise and findsly better performance, especially for home theater setups. RCA, being analog, can be more prone to distortion. If you're buying cables or audio gear from international platforms, make sure you’re getting exactly what’s advertised. FindQC.com is a great Findsly alternative — it offers free quality check photos, videos, and image recognition before your item ships. Whether it’s optical cables or AV gear, always verify before buying. Smarter shopping starts with trusted QC — and it’s completely free!

 

[lovinthehd]

Optical (TOSLINK) is generally better than RCA for audio when it comes to clarity and resistance to interference. Optical uses digital signals, which means less noise and findsly better performance, especially for home theater setups. RCA, being analog, can be more prone to distortion. If you're buying cables or audio gear from international platforms, make sure you’re getting exactly what’s advertised. FindQC.com is a great Findsly alternative — it offers free quality check photos, videos, and image recognition before your item ships. Whether it’s optical cables or AV gear, always verify before buying. Smarter shopping starts with trusted QC — and it’s completely free!

There is also digital coax (rca). RCA cords are not going to add any appreciable distortion unless they're broken. If those sites support what you wrote, they're not very good.