I need an interconnect for my Denon 1910 to my SKY HD box, but dont know whether to go the optical or coaxial way, does either have an advantage over the other or is all down to personal preference. I thought I read somewhere that coaxial was better as it didnt involve the signal being converted or something
OPTICAL v COAXIAL
- Thread starter DJEPSON
- Start date
You won't get a straightforward answer on this I'm afraid. The strict answer is coaxial offers better performance than optical since it allows direct
transfer of the electrical digital signal. Optical systems have to
convert the electrical digital signal: from output component the
electrical digital signal is converted into light pulses, which is
transferred by the optical cable, which then has to be converted back
into an electrical digital signal at the input component. Optical also
has a lower bandwidth than coaxial.
However Optical cables are supposed to be better over long lengths. And there are people who say regardles of all that science opticals just sounds better than coaxial. Personally I have an optical, but thats only because I had a decent quality spare one kicking around. I do actually have a coaxial cable and keep meaning to connect it up to see if I can hear any difference. I doubt I will hear any difference. Most people don't.
Short answer - Coaxial. But if you want a long length its Optical.
transfer of the electrical digital signal. Optical systems have to
convert the electrical digital signal: from output component the
electrical digital signal is converted into light pulses, which is
transferred by the optical cable, which then has to be converted back
into an electrical digital signal at the input component. Optical also
has a lower bandwidth than coaxial.
However Optical cables are supposed to be better over long lengths. And there are people who say regardles of all that science opticals just sounds better than coaxial. Personally I have an optical, but thats only because I had a decent quality spare one kicking around. I do actually have a coaxial cable and keep meaning to connect it up to see if I can hear any difference. I doubt I will hear any difference. Most people don't.
Short answer - Coaxial. But if you want a long length its Optical.
Does SKY+ HD have a coaxial output now? I know older models didnt have that......
Optical is by far the most popular cable now for this type of connection and considering it isn't prone to any electrical interference or RF interference I think this is the one to go for. The downsides are they can be prone to kinking and dont work very well over longer lengths.
Optical is by far the most popular cable now for this type of connection and considering it isn't prone to any electrical interference or RF interference I think this is the one to go for. The downsides are they can be prone to kinking and dont work very well over longer lengths.
Dave_
Well-known member
Carl P:
Does SKY+ HD have a coaxial output now? I know older models didnt have that......
Optical is by far the most popular cable now for this type of connection and considering it isn't prone to any electrical interference or RF interference I think this is the one to go for. The downsides are they can be prone to kinking and dont work very well over longer lengths.
The 1st gen Thomson boxes only had optical, the Amstrad,Samsung and Pace boxes being supplied/installed now all have optical and coaxial connections.
Does SKY+ HD have a coaxial output now? I know older models didnt have that......
Optical is by far the most popular cable now for this type of connection and considering it isn't prone to any electrical interference or RF interference I think this is the one to go for. The downsides are they can be prone to kinking and dont work very well over longer lengths.
The 1st gen Thomson boxes only had optical, the Amstrad,Samsung and Pace boxes being supplied/installed now all have optical and coaxial connections.
I will only be needing a 1m as the box is on the shelf above the amp, so I will look around and see what is available in my price bracket around £30-£40
Started with co-ax but changed to optital because i was getting a small but annoying static pop when i changed channels or went tv to and from tv EPG.
This could the Amstrad HD box, i haven't heard of others complaining so it could have been my box only
Both sounded good, personal perference would be co-ax but i'm more than happy
Vance
This could the Amstrad HD box, i haven't heard of others complaining so it could have been my box only
Both sounded good, personal perference would be co-ax but i'm more than happy
Vance
Alantiggger
Well-known member
From alI I have read about cables I wouldn't pick the optical (own choice) wouldn't think you'd have to spend as much as £30.00 - £40.00 on it though.
barnsleydave:
Short answer - Coaxial. But if you want a long length its Optical.
Hallo! Can barnsleydave or somebody else help with technical info? If I want to connet source with receiver but distance between them is 3-4 metres, should I better buy optical cable or coaxial cable? Will coaxial cable not lose its quality of bistream for 3-4m distance?
Big thanks!
Short answer - Coaxial. But if you want a long length its Optical.
Hallo! Can barnsleydave or somebody else help with technical info? If I want to connet source with receiver but distance between them is 3-4 metres, should I better buy optical cable or coaxial cable? Will coaxial cable not lose its quality of bistream for 3-4m distance?
Big thanks!
You'll need a strong faith to hear differences in sound quality with digital cables. Any scientific differences are merely theoretical, and won't have any practical effects with the sort of lengths you're dealing with in a hi-fi system. In any practical sense, what's put into one end comes out in the other; independent of cable type and prize.
On some cheap DACs the optical input might be inferior to the coax one though -- only 'CD quality', opposed to 'better than CD quality'.
Optical cables have two advantages over coax:
They're cheaper, and they're completely immune to all sorts of electrical noise. The latter is especially handy if the source is a computer -- but as pointed out above, it might affect other sources too.
A coax cable with good plugs might fit tighter than a cheap optical -- but an optical cable will work even if the connection is a little wobbly.
On some cheap DACs the optical input might be inferior to the coax one though -- only 'CD quality', opposed to 'better than CD quality'.
Optical cables have two advantages over coax:
They're cheaper, and they're completely immune to all sorts of electrical noise. The latter is especially handy if the source is a computer -- but as pointed out above, it might affect other sources too.
A coax cable with good plugs might fit tighter than a cheap optical -- but an optical cable will work even if the connection is a little wobbly.
Thanks again to all of You!
If teoretically coaxial have wider bandwidth (I didn't know it before) i want to try it. All these years i'm used optical cables only. If I'll hear any better differences from alternative interface or maybe due to another dac process, no matter, i will be a winner. If not, i will only satisfy my interest.
Only..... this 3-4m long coaxial cable is very expensive for simple experiment (if I will not hear any difference)
One more simple question to barnsleydave and Fahnsen, which one cables do you use? Coaxial or optical or HDMI for home cinema?
(about HDMI I believe this is something similar to coaxial if we speak about sound only and excluding video signal and another HDMI specifications like "lipsync", latest multichanel sound formats etc - or i'm wrong)?
Anyway, thanks one more time!
If teoretically coaxial have wider bandwidth (I didn't know it before) i want to try it. All these years i'm used optical cables only. If I'll hear any better differences from alternative interface or maybe due to another dac process, no matter, i will be a winner. If not, i will only satisfy my interest.
Only..... this 3-4m long coaxial cable is very expensive for simple experiment (if I will not hear any difference)
One more simple question to barnsleydave and Fahnsen, which one cables do you use? Coaxial or optical or HDMI for home cinema?
(about HDMI I believe this is something similar to coaxial if we speak about sound only and excluding video signal and another HDMI specifications like "lipsync", latest multichanel sound formats etc - or i'm wrong)?
Anyway, thanks one more time!
I did a bit of an experiment recently with my Sonos using optical and coax.
I felt as if there was more space between the different sounds and maybe a purer top end on the optical. However, there seemed much more detail to be heard, (which may account for the optical's "space"), and solidity of the sound in the coaxial.
I thought the coax was better for music, but then I think some people could prefer the type of sound the optical cable presented, plus it probably wasn't quite as good as the coax, (though both decent profigold efforts from a few years back). I use an optical for TV box to the amp and I'm usually ver pleased with the results.
Though I couldn't switch between the two like I did with optical / coax, I tried the Black Rhodium Rythm coax, (that I use from my DVD player), against the profigold coax. The Rythm revealed further detail, or made it more evident, but had a different type of sound to the profigold I wasn't initially 100% sure i liked better.
I eventually decided that it was a bit better than the Profigold, but not enough to go out and spend £50 or whatever to replace the profigold cable.
Not sure where I'm going with this, other than to say even though the signal is digital, you might well find benefits with different types and makes of cable.
I felt as if there was more space between the different sounds and maybe a purer top end on the optical. However, there seemed much more detail to be heard, (which may account for the optical's "space"), and solidity of the sound in the coaxial.
I thought the coax was better for music, but then I think some people could prefer the type of sound the optical cable presented, plus it probably wasn't quite as good as the coax, (though both decent profigold efforts from a few years back). I use an optical for TV box to the amp and I'm usually ver pleased with the results.
Though I couldn't switch between the two like I did with optical / coax, I tried the Black Rhodium Rythm coax, (that I use from my DVD player), against the profigold coax. The Rythm revealed further detail, or made it more evident, but had a different type of sound to the profigold I wasn't initially 100% sure i liked better.
I eventually decided that it was a bit better than the Profigold, but not enough to go out and spend £50 or whatever to replace the profigold cable.
Not sure where I'm going with this, other than to say even though the signal is digital, you might well find benefits with different types and makes of cable.
SGT - As I said earlier "Personally I have an optical, but thats only because I had a decent
quality spare one kicking around. I do actually have a new mark grant coaxial cable
and keep meaning to connect it up to see if I can hear any difference.
I doubt I will ".
So, I have an Chord HDMI cable (for video) going from my sky hd box to my amp and I also have an optical 'toslink' cable (for audio).
As I also said above (or maybe I just alluded to it) theoretically coaxial should be better, but the vast majority of people will struggle to hear any differences. I am in no hurry at all to test the theory out as the sound is just fine for me. I am sure any differences would be minor.
quality spare one kicking around. I do actually have a new mark grant coaxial cable
and keep meaning to connect it up to see if I can hear any difference.
I doubt I will ".
So, I have an Chord HDMI cable (for video) going from my sky hd box to my amp and I also have an optical 'toslink' cable (for audio).
As I also said above (or maybe I just alluded to it) theoretically coaxial should be better, but the vast majority of people will struggle to hear any differences. I am in no hurry at all to test the theory out as the sound is just fine for me. I am sure any differences would be minor.
coaxial has always in the past been thought of as the best connector however i have a
qed signiture 75 coaxial
qed reference opticial
both of which i got on ebay for between £40-50, they retail for more and i think the edge has to go to the coaxial for a slightly better sound.
i am being really picky though and the coaxial retails for more than the optical so that could be the reason.
to sum up not much in it just get the best cable for the cheapest price regardless of type
qed signiture 75 coaxial
qed reference opticial
both of which i got on ebay for between £40-50, they retail for more and i think the edge has to go to the coaxial for a slightly better sound.
i am being really picky though and the coaxial retails for more than the optical so that could be the reason.
to sum up not much in it just get the best cable for the cheapest price regardless of type
ok. someday i will try atlas compass (based on your recommendations) or equivalent. appreciate your time spend for me!
p.s. (to lee37) i need 3-4m long cable, but due to the crisis in our country (Latvia), my income has dropped sharply, but if I buy, then buy once...
p.s. (to lee37) i need 3-4m long cable, but due to the crisis in our country (Latvia), my income has dropped sharply, but if I buy, then buy once...
kinda:
I did a bit of an experiment recently with my Sonos using optical and coax.
I felt as if there was more space between the different sounds and maybe a purer top end on the optical. However, there seemed much more detail to be heard, (which may account for the optical's "space"), and solidity of the sound in the coaxial.
I thought the coax was better for music, but then I think some people could prefer the type of sound the optical cable presented, plus it probably wasn't quite as good as the coax, (though both decent profigold efforts from a few years back).
I have been using optical cable for a while, but having been told by a high-end audiophile that coaxial was better than optical, I decided to do a comparison. Both were relatively cheap cables, but not the cheapest available.
Having compared them for a few days on my hybrid electrostatics, it is blatantly obvious that they sound different - despite the theorists who say there can be no difference. After vacillating as to my preference I seem to be leaning in favour of the optical. I then wanted to see what others thought so I googled and found this forum.
The comment I most related to from my own observation was the above one by "kinda".
My experience is similar to "kinda"s. The optical definitely had more space between the different sounds. Each instrument stood apart from the others, and the instruments were more spacially distributed. That is, there was noticeably greater three-dimensionality and more depth to the soundstage. This was very obvious on Chesky's Ultimate Demonstration Disc. It is much less obvious on CDs where less care has been taken in the recording process. In comparison, the coaxial seemed more two-dimensional, with less depth to the soundstage, and the instruments seemed to have considerably less space between them. From a soundstaging perspective with acoustic music impeccably recorded, I felt the optical absolutely trounced the coaxial.
With respect to the top end, I also found a noticeable difference. I don't know whether the sound was 'purer' with the optical since I did not hear the original performance, but it was certainly more 'there'. In my case there was definitely more detail in the top end, but I could not make up my mind whether or not it was accompanied by spurious artifacts or not. The coaxial was smoother, blander, and sometimes gave the impression of being cleaner. These may have been a result of reduced detail or reduced artifacts, both, or neither. I can only speculate.
The coaxial had a somewhat more 'solid' sound, as "kinda" also observed, and this may appeal on lesser recordings or non-acoustic music. This solidity seems to be a feature of the midrange rather than the bass. For me though, if the choice is between 'solid' and soundstaging, I tend to choose soundstaging.
The difference between the coaxial and optical seemed minimal in the bass to the extent that I doubt that I could pass a 'blind' listening test on the bass alone. If anything, I thought the optical to be a very very slightly leaner.
Overall to my ears, on properly recorded acoustic music, the optical sounded like a live performance whereas the coaxial sounded like a sound system.
I realise my experience flies against the proclamations of many theorists and my conclusions may differ from others far more discerning than I - but I can only describe what I hear.
I did a bit of an experiment recently with my Sonos using optical and coax.
I felt as if there was more space between the different sounds and maybe a purer top end on the optical. However, there seemed much more detail to be heard, (which may account for the optical's "space"), and solidity of the sound in the coaxial.
I thought the coax was better for music, but then I think some people could prefer the type of sound the optical cable presented, plus it probably wasn't quite as good as the coax, (though both decent profigold efforts from a few years back).
I have been using optical cable for a while, but having been told by a high-end audiophile that coaxial was better than optical, I decided to do a comparison. Both were relatively cheap cables, but not the cheapest available.
Having compared them for a few days on my hybrid electrostatics, it is blatantly obvious that they sound different - despite the theorists who say there can be no difference. After vacillating as to my preference I seem to be leaning in favour of the optical. I then wanted to see what others thought so I googled and found this forum.
The comment I most related to from my own observation was the above one by "kinda".
My experience is similar to "kinda"s. The optical definitely had more space between the different sounds. Each instrument stood apart from the others, and the instruments were more spacially distributed. That is, there was noticeably greater three-dimensionality and more depth to the soundstage. This was very obvious on Chesky's Ultimate Demonstration Disc. It is much less obvious on CDs where less care has been taken in the recording process. In comparison, the coaxial seemed more two-dimensional, with less depth to the soundstage, and the instruments seemed to have considerably less space between them. From a soundstaging perspective with acoustic music impeccably recorded, I felt the optical absolutely trounced the coaxial.
With respect to the top end, I also found a noticeable difference. I don't know whether the sound was 'purer' with the optical since I did not hear the original performance, but it was certainly more 'there'. In my case there was definitely more detail in the top end, but I could not make up my mind whether or not it was accompanied by spurious artifacts or not. The coaxial was smoother, blander, and sometimes gave the impression of being cleaner. These may have been a result of reduced detail or reduced artifacts, both, or neither. I can only speculate.
The coaxial had a somewhat more 'solid' sound, as "kinda" also observed, and this may appeal on lesser recordings or non-acoustic music. This solidity seems to be a feature of the midrange rather than the bass. For me though, if the choice is between 'solid' and soundstaging, I tend to choose soundstaging.
The difference between the coaxial and optical seemed minimal in the bass to the extent that I doubt that I could pass a 'blind' listening test on the bass alone. If anything, I thought the optical to be a very very slightly leaner.
Overall to my ears, on properly recorded acoustic music, the optical sounded like a live performance whereas the coaxial sounded like a sound system.
I realise my experience flies against the proclamations of many theorists and my conclusions may differ from others far more discerning than I - but I can only describe what I hear.
I understood. Thanks again. The information you provide to me is not even really have to ask. National crisis, many shops closed, and not everyone wants to explain things, or are not sufficiently competent to
Try the same on my technique. Then it will see the win. Although the connection else, and other transducers using optical instead of coaxial ...
After purchasing the cable, I will certainly write my thoughts.
In my case the sound source is a computer with an "X-Fi Elite Pro" (but want to change the EMU 1616m PCI-E). I'm listening lossless formats (flac, ape) only. For stereo I use Genelec monitors, pair of 8040a and 7070a the subwoofer. For multi-channel listening to (movies and concerts) Marantz SR7001 Receiver and Canton Ergo acoustics. It is no top end, but I like the sound of this combination.
All this time I just could not imagine that this domain coaxial band is wider than the optics! Himself worked in the IT field, and there is a complete contrast - optics are top! It would not be sighted in these forums, did not knew
Ok, then until later and I very much appreciate your information! Thank you
(sorry for mistakes because I use google translator, my knowledge is not as wide)
Try the same on my technique. Then it will see the win. Although the connection else, and other transducers using optical instead of coaxial ...
After purchasing the cable, I will certainly write my thoughts.
In my case the sound source is a computer with an "X-Fi Elite Pro" (but want to change the EMU 1616m PCI-E). I'm listening lossless formats (flac, ape) only. For stereo I use Genelec monitors, pair of 8040a and 7070a the subwoofer. For multi-channel listening to (movies and concerts) Marantz SR7001 Receiver and Canton Ergo acoustics. It is no top end, but I like the sound of this combination.
All this time I just could not imagine that this domain coaxial band is wider than the optics! Himself worked in the IT field, and there is a complete contrast - optics are top! It would not be sighted in these forums, did not knew
Ok, then until later and I very much appreciate your information! Thank you
(sorry for mistakes because I use google translator, my knowledge is not as wide)
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