Due to bandwidth restrictions, optical outputs do not support multichannel LPCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X – or high-definition audio such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This can be a problem because the optical audio outputs of some TVs don’t pass through a surround sound signal from external devices. The answer to this will depend on the kit you’re using. If it’s a straight choice between coaxial and optical, we’d go for the former. In our experience, a coaxial connection tends to produce better audio quality than optical, allowing for a higher level of detail and greater dynamics. You may not have enough HDMI ports on a device. Using optical audio for audio frees up the HDMI ports for video-only connections. They work up to a distance of 300 meters and also support coaxial audio connections. Optical vs HDMI: Which Is Better?

Now you might be wondering what a balanced signal means and why is it important. Simply put – a balanced cable reduces noise, while an unbalanced cable does not. The first thing we do to a pair of analogue interconnects is run them in by connecting them to our reference system. In our experience, their impact on a system can change over time so we make sure they have a couple of days with an audio signal running through them. The majority of TV and AV products launched over the last few years support HDMI version 2.0, but HDMI 2.1 (which supports 8K resolution content and features such as ALLM) is becoming more common among modern TVs and AV kit.

Types of Optical Audio Cable

If better to use the receiver; I have an optical cable already. I take it from your opinion that there shouldn't really be anything in it between that and a similar quality coaxial cable? (makes sense to me). The cable design is very sophisticated and appealing to the eye. The connector is made of glass, silica, or plastic. It also has to be implemented correctly so it's always running of battery. Many claim they do but in reality they really don't. Sinewave batteries can just produce stable clean power when done correctly, which is often very expensive. And, in our experience, compared to optical, a coaxial connection does tend to sound better. That's because it has greater bandwidth available, meaning it can support higher quality audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Optical is usually restricted to 96kHz.

For example, you might have a TV, a DVD player and a soundbar. The DVD player connects to the TV via HDMI, and you send the TV’s audio from the optical output to the soundbar. Some optical ports have a protective cap over the hole, which you must remove before you plug in the cable. You can see an example of this below: Optical output with a protective plastic cap Optical and coaxial offer comparable audio quality for the same audio format – and both send S/PDIF digital audio signals. HDMI’s feature set, upgradability and the fact it can handle both audio and video means you don’t need to worry about too many wires clogging up your system. And, best of all, you won't sacrifice performance.Switch on the TV and amplifier. Ensure the TV’s output is enabled, and you select the correct input on the home theater system. BillActually I took 4 tables and smoked a tree so as to make sure I was self opinionated and knew everything and would be guided by some myth blind testing an inconsistent placebo effect, but thanks all the same I know what happiness is, as do all those millions that have walked the cable path. cheers mate. 🙏 Reply But don’t be tempted to try and use a standard RCA phono cable in place of a dedicated coaxial digital cable. They look similar and can work, but an analogue interconnect has different impedance values from a digital one (50 ohm versus 75 ohm), so won’t work as well. An entry-level cable like the QED Performance Coaxial will do a fine job for most. HDMI Cables (High Definition Multimedia Interface) are versatile cables that transmit both digital audio and video signals. They are commonly used to connect devices such as TVs, projectors, AV receivers, and gaming consoles. HDMI cables support high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, offering stunning audio quality. Benefits of High-Quality Digital Audio Cables: Superior Sound Quality: Sometimes, a digital audio output will connect to an amplifier first. This device will amplify the sound signal and send it to your speakers. How Digital Audio Out Looks

Connect your DVD player directly to the soundbar rather than the TV. This will require your soundbar to support multiple inputs.PCM is a great option if you don’t have surround speakers or amplifiers but still want to improve the sound on our television speakers. In the picture above, the optical port has a protective ‘door’ that will move out of the way when you push the cable in. HDMI cables are a more advanced alternative to coaxial and optical. It will let you get the benefits of both and will also let you use features such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, DTS Master Audio, and DTS X. You can achieve this with the help of an adapter. An analog to digital adapter will have RCA ports on one side and digital output ports on the other side, which will be used to connect directly to your digital sound device. For digital to analog converters, it’s the only way around: they will have optical and coaxial inputs and analog RCA outputs.

An analog audio out is an output used to transmit analog sound signals. These devices are generally connected with RCA cables. These cables are usually white and red. In the digital age, the quality of your audio system is only as good as the cables connecting its components. Digital audio cables play a crucial role in transmitting digital audio signals, ensuring accurate data transfer from your source to your speakers or headphones. These cables are designed to minimize data loss and interference, allowing you to enjoy the truest representation of your favourite music. Understanding the Technical Aspects of Digital Audio Cables Connect the cable from the TV’s optical out to the home theater’s optical input – making sure to line up the connector correctly as it will only insert one way around. When you choose digital audio cables from HiFix, you benefit from our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our knowledgeable team is available to provide advice and guidance, ensuring you find the right cable for your specific needs. With our extensive selection, top-quality products, and exceptional customer service, you can shop with confidence and trust that you're getting the best digital audio cables available. ConclusionAs a general rule of thumb, we'd recommend setting aside 10-15 per cent of the total cost of your system for cables. In the case of a hi-fi set-up, you'll be looking at analogue interconnects, speaker cables and, potentially, a digital optical or coaxial cable depending on the sources you're using. So you'll want to dedicate a share of this to a pair of suitable analogue interconnects. You won’t get extra special audio by overspending on a cable. Just buy a good value, well-made brand – and note the emphasis on well-made. Dive into our comprehensive range of digital cables, designed to elevate your Hi-Fi and audiovisual experiences. At the heart of our collection is the unmatched precision of our digital audio cables, including both digital coaxial cable and digital optical cable selections, ensuring optimal clarity and transmission for your systems. For those after the very essence of audio purity, our digital audio cable and digital coax cable offer an unparalleled auditory experience.