Whats better for sound quality an optical cable or an hdmi?

Question

To connect the Sony ht-ss2000 to my ps3 xbox360 and tv

Answer 1

Although both can cary digital audio...they're about the same, to a certain extent. Optical is limited by it's bandwidth, while HDMI has a much bigger bandwidth capability. Currently, you can only get up to 5.1 surround sound with an optical, while you can get 7.1 with HDMI. In addition, if you own a blu-ray player (or plan to get one) If you use an optical cable, you can not take advantage of the new HD Sound codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio) as again, it does not have enough bandwidth to carry these signals. If possible, it's best to use HDMi at all times when trying to configure a surround sound. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

both carry digital signal, really depends what is your configuration.. if you are just connecting from tv to receiver dont need to spend more dough on the optical toslink cable.. a regualar hdmi cable will work fine.. inspiretech sell a decent one for 5 buck

http://www.inspiretech.com/c-31-hdmi-cab...

Answer 3

BOTH are digital so there will be NO difference in the sound quality from either one....

However, HDMI does do TRUE HD DOLBY and it's the best way to connect it if your audio amp is setup with the True HD dolby.  And your DVD discs are True HD also.....

But that's the only REAL difference between the two cables.....

And I need to clarify ONE THING....optical audio cables can certainly carry higher bandwidth.  But the fact of the matter is True HD was designed with the HDMI cabling because that is the way the public was moving....

So why redesign Tos-Link when everybody is using HDMI ?

You might see optical outputs disappear in the next 5 - 10 years if HDMI really catches on !

I know the Digital Coax connector is out the door.....

Answer 4

All of the other people are kind of right, but it doesnt not matter because the sony system you have will not decode dts-hd or dd-thd so for you my firend, it doesnt really matter.

Answer 5

Neither are better than the other. The only thing good about HDMI is you can transher HD video and HD soulnd however optical is only designed for sound and can only carry HD sound.

Answer 6

HDMI is capable of carrying HD audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master audio but not optical because opticle doesn't have the bandwidth.  So HDMI is capable of greater quality audio. Your equipment has to have the ability to handle those formats though or it won't make much of a difference.  For more details visit

http://www.avtruths.com/uncompressed.htm...