Coax/optical

[Paul S.]

Sort of a dilemma-

My reciever has an optical and a coax input, as does my dvd player. My cable box only has a coax. Would hooking up the dvd to optical make a difference in sound, and will the reciever still automatically decode the surround type with it?

[jkane]

You're talking about a digital signal, not analog.  Both mediums will perform exactly the same.  The signal will work, or it won't!

The debate is related to the manufacturer of the digital to analog converter inside the amplifier.  I can't tell the difference.  Mine is a Sony ES-50.

Unless you have $10,000 worth of audio equipment, you probably won't be able to tell the difference.

[jlegge]

Ah... the age old debate.

There are those that feel optical is better because the digital signal remains digital from source to source. With coax, there is a 2 step conversion that occurs, digtial to analog, the from analog back to digital.

Then there are those who feel coax is superior. Coax has a larger bandwith and doesn't get the "line jitter" that optical does.

In the end, they are about a horse apiece. Just use what is most convenient and enjoy the sound you get!

:guitar:

[Paul S.]

Thanks much! Now I can go get an optical line and run that from the DVD to the reciever, then use the coax for the cable.