optical or coax

[steakers]

whats best to carry sound form sky+ box to my amp at moment im using optical just wandered what coax maybe like is it better.

 

[The_Lhc]

Unlikely you'll notice much difference but it's easy to try, see what you think.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Either will be fine: I tend to favour electrical/coaxial, as that usually sounds a smidge better in most digital hook-ups, but though I have tried both on Sky boxes, I haven't done enough comparative listening to form a solid opinion in this respect.

That said, I have encountered hum problems once or twice when using electrical digital connections between some Sky boxes and some receivers, in which case the optical connection solves the problem by providing electrical isolation between the two.

 

[steakers]

thanks for advice , just going to swap and see.

 

[Anonymous]

I have to say that I much prefer a digital signal. The AV amp then does all the decoding raw with less error correcting because of a muddy signal reception.

In theory, with digital signal, there should be no difference in the output quality regardless of the input signal, all things being equal, because the processing is done by the same device.

I have spent hours listening via both inputs and couldn't hear any difference. That said, I would not call myself an audiophile, the type who can discern the slightest audible change in a layer of sound or frequency. I'm more of an enthusiastic amateur who knows how things are supposed to sound and what he likes.

In the end I chose to go with HDMI out into HDMI in on my amp. Nice and tidy behind the system, well relatively. But with all things audio, it's very subjective what is good for the goose may not be good for the gander. I would just say have fun trying both of them out until you decide what suits you and your ears best.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Relapse:
In the end I chose to go with HDMI out into HDMI in on my amp.

Not an option for the OP, unfortunately. HDMI from a Sky box only gives you picture plus stereo sound; you need an additional optical/co-ax connection to enjoy surround sound broadcasts.

 

[Anonymous]

V+HD sends 5 channel audio down the hdmi. but no reason for optical to sound any different.

 

[fayeanddavid]

Have to agree with Andrew here..........................coax gets my vote for a smidge more roundness and lower detail

 

[Anonymous]

I've tried both and can't tell any difference whatsoever.

If there is a difference its very very small.

I tend to prefer coaxial, but have no strong argument why.

 

[True Blue]

Relapse:V+HD sends 5 channel audio down the hdmi. but no reason for optical to sound any different.

Does it??

Mine doesnt, I have to connect my V+ to my amp via optical to get 5.1......