Which are a higher standard for sound, a DIGITAL COAX cable or TOSLINK cable?

Question

I'm installing my first home theater with higher grade components and want to use the best since the price is the same. My Sunfire processor doesn't allow HDMI, otherwise I would use those cables. Thanks!

Answer 1

The ones and zeros are the same so both are identical.

BUT - you might want to run 6 analog component cables from the DVD player to the processor/amp.

The new un-compressed audio tracks on BluRay disks can only be transfered 2 ways:

- HDMI

- 6 analog component cables

(The coaxial-digital connection and the optical connection only carry compressed 5.1 sounds, not un-compressed).

So your older Sunfire processor may actually let you hear movies with the newer TrueHD sound if you hook the analog connections.

Answer 2

HDMI is definetly the best among rest of the lot but since you can't use it is out of context. Now as far as COAX and TOSLINK is concerned since practical quality of both is same, price is also same and does not make much difference.

COAX and TOSLINK (Optical) are capable of sending good digital signals but HDMI has much much better picutre and sound quality. DVI fits somewhere between COAX and TOSLINK (Optical) and HDMI.

However, Coax cables carry signals with electricity in copper wire and hence it can cause serious cable and grounding problems. While on the other hand TOSLINK are optical cables which are fragile and can be easily damaged by stepping on it.

Answer 3

optical. (faster transmission at the speed of light)

Answer 4

COAX or TOSLINK are the same signal quality. Digital. One, and Zeros, works or dosen't

Some say COAX is better since it has two less convesions, electric to light, back to electric.

It really doesn't matter.

Answer 5

None of them are higher standard.  HDMI is essentially the same cable with different connectors that understand DRM.  The other cables (Coax and fibre)  have different connectors that don't understand DRM.  They are all digital cables.

Use what is recommended for your setup, or have a professional do your cabling.

Answer 6

Get a good coax cable if you can choose, as for the money spent, you will get better value.  It is true that there is little difference between them and both provide excellent sound.  However, take it from someone who has done all the experiements and comparisons of Brand X vs Brand M cables, if you spend $70 on a good coaxial cable, you will have to spend $100 to get the same performance through optical.  The RCA style connector provides a better connection, and true that there is less conversions to go through.  We are talking about a 5-10% difference if you are truly discerning, but from a purely econimical/performance  stance, get the Coax cable.

Answer 7

Wow I am way behind the times.  I'm not sure what TOSLINK is, but I am using Digital for mine.

Answer 8

Both perform equally well.

Optical audio/TOSLink has the slight advantage in that it is impervious to electromagnetic interference.  However, the cables are more susceptible to damage from sharp bends or kinks.

If you go with a digital coax cable, any decent RCA cable should work, so long as it has the proper resistance (75ohm)

I'm actually using a RCA cable from an AV cable for my DVD player.  Works just fine, and was MUCH cheaper than any of the dedicated Digital Coax cables I saw at the store.