Do i use the coaxial cable or digital optical cable from my tv and run it through my receiver?

Question

Do i use the coaxial cable or digital optical cable from my tv and run it through my receiver?

Answer 1

I will assume you are referring to digital coaxial for audio versus digital optical for audio.  There is no difference between these two as far as functionality, but there are a few things to keep in mind.  If you are talking about regular RCA coaxial (one red and one white) then definitely use the optical cable.

An optical cable transmits the audio information with light instead of electrical signals which prevents interference from other cables nearby.  Optical cables are actually made of fiber optic glass so you must not bend it too tightly or it will break.   For coaxial digital you should just use a good 75 ohm cable that is shielded and it will work just as well.

Beware of people saying that one is better or more capable than the other.  Both connection types are confined to specifications that allow only certain audio formats like Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS.  The data is sent as 1's and 0's over both so the result is exactly the same as long as there is no interference.  Neither of them can handle the newer high definition lossless formats like DTS Master Audio or Dolby True HD that you get on Bluray.  You need HDMI for those audio formats.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

You will get the same quality from either.  Since you did not put in any specifics on source, setup, equipment etc.  I cannot make a very informed decision.  

I assume by coaxial cable you mean digital spidif.  The connector is usually orange.  I would recommend this one.  

If you are referring to the red and white (analog), then you should use Optical.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Use whichever one you want.  They will both deliver the same sound.  I would recommend digital coax to free up your optical input for something else, since more devices use the digital optical output.

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