Why should you use digital optical audio cables?

Question

Why should you use digital optical audio cables?

Answer 1

No reason at all. Digital is digital, it doesn't care what the medium is. You get exactly the same digital over coax as you do over fiber. Except fiber costs 100 times more. Many modern receivers have both coax and fiber optic inputs. There is no reason to favor one over the other except cost of the cables. Yes I have done comparison tests and I can't tell the difference. In fact at the moment I have one DVD player hooked up fiber, and one hooked up coax. They both sound fantastic. Too bad that won't improve the crappy sound of a movie that was mixed poorly, lol.

Answer 2

Because it is a light signal, there is no chance of any electrical interference. It's also good for running long lengths around corners and thru walls. But remember quality is also important, so be careful of cheap brands.

Answer 3

Well there are different ways to get 5.1 surround audio. Optical is one, digital coax is another and there's 6ch/8ch analog outputs on dvd-audio players as well some models of HD DVD and Blu-Ray players. HDMI also carries digital 5.1/7.1 audio if your receiver supports an HDMI connection.

The benefit of using optical cables is that since the signal is a light pulse and not copper wires it is not susceptible to interference from radio frequency interference or electro-magnetic interference.

The drawback is it will not be enough to decode the newer DolbyTrueHD or DTS HD Master audio formats and will only go up to 6.1 sound. To get 7.1 you need HDMI or 8ch analog outputs.

Answer 4

easier to use, i hooked one from my old stereo (tape decks cd player all on board) to my new receiver, one cable does all teh work to get it to play through the new receiver.

Answer 5

it is the simplest way to get all your audio information.it is what it says "digital" you are probably using rca cables now,meaning you are getting an analog signal,if your equipment has the capability hook up the optical cable to get digital

Answer 6

Optical cables do not cost 100 times more than coax.  You can get them fairly cheap.  If your equipment is up to date, as well as the format of your audio source, you will get a nice clear digital sound.