?Rank order connection types by best to worst SQ?

[KEW]

I always choose digital over analog when available, but wonder if there are exceptions.
Also wonder if hdmi is better than toslink or composite for use as audio only.
Thanks!

 

[highfigh]

It all depends on the DAC. I think more should be done with optical when equipment is spread around a house and I'm glad more small converters are available. That allows using a coax that may be available to send the signal in digital form from one end of a building to the other and then, by connecting a small box to it, convert to optical. This can be done in reverse, too. It literally eliminates the chance of having a ground loop and yes, that can be a problem on a digital coax cable.

I have seen optical leads that wouldn't transmit enough light when they were coiled too tightly, even though it didn't look like it was a small diameter. Too bad they don't show the minimum diameter on the package.

 

[3db]

I have seen optical leads that wouldn't transmit enough light when they were coiled too tightly, even though it didn't look like it was a small diameter. Too bad they don't show the minimum diameter on the package.

In fibre optic speak... that's called "critical bend radius".. where a bend is too tight for signal propagation to be maintained.

 

[3db]

I use my BluRay player as my CD and I have used both HDMI and analog signals out and I heard no change in quality between the two form factors.

 

[zieglj01]

I use all HDMI - and I do not miss a beat.

However, in the pass - I chose coax over optic cable

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

There shouldn't be SQ difference between copper shielded coax and optical. It's same type of signal. Optical cable would provide RF/EM isolation but it's not always need.
Now As for HDMI - it could carry HD audio signal which are by design NOT allowed to travel over coax/toslink, but other that that it's all same.

 

[highfigh]

In fibre optic speak... that's called "critical bend radius".. where a bend is too tight for signal propagation to be maintained.

I know, but nobody indicates this.

I do remember that in water, the critical angle at the air/water boundary is 48.6°. They drilled that into our heads in my HS Physics class.

OTOH, it's easy enough to see with an optical audio cable's red light- if it becomes more dim, it's too tight.

 

[3db]

I know, but nobody indicates this. .

yeah really It should be listed in the spec. How difficult is it to say "no bend with a radius smaller than x" (insert favorite unit of length measurement)

I do remember that in water, the critical angle at the air/water boundary is 48.6°. They drilled that into our heads in my HS Physics class.

OTOH, it's easy enough to see with an optical audio cable's red light- if it becomes more dim, it's too tight.

 

[SurvivalDad]

I didn't know that issue was even out there. Crazy how this stuff works.

 

[highfigh]

yeah really It should be listed in the spec. How difficult is it to say "no bend with a radius smaller than x" (insert favorite unit of length measurement)

They must pay more for their words than us mere mortals.