Digital connections-which is best?

[Sporter]

As I understand it, there are two "consumer" type digital connections. One uses an optical lightpipe cable, while the other uses a coax with rca connectors.

Assuming I have both, is there any advantage using the optical over the other? The optical cable is much more expensive, but do both connections accomplish the same thing?

Thanks, Steve

[Clay Stahlka]

Both the optical and coaxial "consumer" digital protocols carry the same digital data. That is to say they are both s/pdif format. Both of these protocols have quite stringent length restrictions, and typically are not for runs longer than about 20 feet. You may find that optical "cable" will be less expensive than good digital coax cable. You do not want to use standard audio cables for coaxial s/pdif digital runs due to the impedence mismatch and the high inductive reactance of traditional audio shielded cable. This is especially true in audio cable with braided shielding. This can cause a lot of data loss problems and often results in a very jittery clock signal and/or complete clock drop-outs. (you hear clicks & pops in audio) Good quality coaxial digital 75? cable is not cheap, from manufacturers like Monster Cable, Apogee Wyde-Eye and the like, but it is, after all, just cable and therefore is very flexible. Optical "cable" on the other hand, is not very flexible, cannot be bent around corners and doesn't like to be stepped on, run over by rolling chairs or crimped in any way. That will ruin it. Sometimes your decision is based on simple installation issues, prices, or even consideration as to what devices on the other end of your run will or will not accept. Either way, they both work well on short runs. If you need to extend a cable run, you can buy AES converters for coaxial s/pdif, while optical is always limited. I hope this helps you make your decisions. -cs

[Sporter]

Originally posted by Clay Stahlka
Both the optical and coaxial "consumer" digital protocols carry the same digital data.

<snip>

I hope this helps you make your decisions. -cs

That's exactly what I needed to know! Thanks a million.:p