Cable question (1 Viewer)

[Matt Lando]

I don't want to start any cable wars here. I know this is a very sensitive subject around here but as a newbie to home theater I really would like to hear some of your opinions about cables. I'll need to choose a cable soon as my home theater setup is to arrive any day now. I have both connections so I can choose either optical or digital coaxial cable. All I want to know is what are the pros and cons of each if any if anyone has had any serious problems with any particular cable. I really need your help as I can't decide. I can find no info on this anywhere. Please just give your opinion and ignore any nasty replies. thanks.

 

[Darell_Land]

I have used both on the same system and I myself cant tell the Diff. The only thing is that Optical is more prone to damage (wich I have done) and now useing Coax Cable as for what is the best noooo wont get into that you will hear a ton of answers on that.

 

[Matt Lando]

Thanks for responding.

Why is the optical cable more prone to damage? I'm guessing maybe because the cable is thinner than digital coaxial cable? Or is it something else.

 

[RichardH]

digital coax is basically just 75 Ohm cable with RCA ends, like used on video signals.

optical is either plastic or glass with a shield, and it's prone to breaking at 2 places.

1) the glass/plastic itself can break if the cable is kinked or mishandled.

2) the connectors are typically plastic and don't really form a tight connection, so they could break.

As to the sonic differences between the two, this is what I've heard:

coax is better because with optical you have to make the extra conversions from electric to light and back. Don't know if that holds any water, though.

A plus for optical is that it's immune to EMI/RFI (interference).

 

[Vasanth B]

I think optical or COAX is FINE. COAX does have the following practical advantages.

a.) It's more durable

b.) It's a cheaper cable. Most of the opti cables will run you around $15-$20 unless you buy one of those overpriced Monster cables and then you will pay $50. A good quality RCA-RCA video cable will work absolutely fine as a digital-COAX cable.

As far as sound quality is concerned, I haven't heard any difference and I suspect that any differences are perceived rather than actual.

 

[Matt Lando]

Thanks very much to all of you for your input. You guys have all been a great help to me!

-Matt