Will an optical cable provide HD audio from a ps3......?

Question

or will HD audio only go through HDMI? I ask because I have a surround system that is setup with tv to ps3 via hdmi but optical lead from ps3 to the 5.1 amp. Will I be getting full HD sound for my games etc and bluray films? Ive been told to forget optical and put hdmi from ps3 to 5.1 amp then another hdmi going out from the amp to the tv. This is possible incase you are wondering.... but which is best? And which will provide HD sound? Both or just one?

Answer 1

Optical can pass HD audio. Just not 7.1, Optical cable maxes out at 5.1 HDMI is the only way to transfer 7.1 HD audio. But if you only have a 5.1 setup, an Optical cable will be able to carry all audio signals you equipment is capable of handling. Now obviously, HDMI is  the best for both audio and video, but Optical will be fine for you.

Answer 2

the other guy is right it tops at dd5.1  you can use the optic cable or component cables but i would suggest using hdmi