Is digital coax better than optical for 24/192? (1 Viewer)

[Rick_Brown]

The latest Q&A #344 in the Secrets of Home Theater says:

"Digital coax will pass 24/192, while Toslink optical appears to be limited to 24/96. We will test this at some point."

Can anyone comment on this? Does it matter?

 

[Craig_Kg]

What's the 24/192 source?

 

[Rick_Brown]

What's the 24/192 source?

I can only assume it's DVD-Audio, right? As DVD-Audio is currently passed only via analog connections, this is why I'm asking if this matters. Perhaps it will matter when new standards for passing hi-rez digital come into play in the future?

 

[Brian L]

As DVD-Audio is currently passed only via analog connections, this is why I'm asking if this matters.

Well, the Pioneer DVD Player/Receiver pair (not sure the model numbers, but they cost about $6K for the set) use a proprietary Firewire link. I think Denon has a similar offering.

I don't know didly about Firewire, but I think all the copy protected, secure interfaces that exist today (for audio and/or video) are wire based.

Not sure if that is due to technical limitations of the media, or for other reasons.

I don't expect you will ever see an "in the clear" hi-rez link, be it copper or fiber.

BGL

 

[Cliff Olson]

IMO and experience, a "low-end" optical will yield better results over a "low-end" coaxial. But, if you've got higher-ended components, and want a high-end cable, go with the Coaxial.