Frequently Asked Questions
Digital Audio cables
We don't get a lot of different questions about digital cables, but we do get asked the first one very often. It's definitely a frequent FAQ.
- Should I use an optical or coaxial digital cable?
- Is the audio output of HDMI better then other digital sound?
Is the audio output of HDMI better then other digital sound?
Most audiophiles would agree that coax sounds better then optical. However this is generally associated with listening to CD Players and outboard DAC's. In theory the two different types should be equal. But because it is more expensive to correctly convert and maintain an optical signal then it is compared to a coax signal a lot of components have better coax outputs then optical.
Having said all of that, in the real world for home theatre, the difference is hard to pick so either is good. Even though it has been argued extensively (yawn), and some companies or individuals have claimed one to be better then the other. In practice we have found both types of connection to be great. So you should choose the one that best suits your system. This may depend on how many connections you have.
Is the audio output of HDMI better then other digital sound?
No, it is the same. HDMI does however offer the convenience of sound and vision in one cable.