Coax vs. Toslink


For what it's worth, Ive discovered that an optical hookup provides better audio sound out of my cable box than does a coaxial connection. I prefer to run the HDMI direct to my TV for both cable and DVD and, while coax works better for CD/DVD, optical provides markedly cleaner, fuller, more detailed sound from Comcast music channels. Don't know why coax works better - don't really need to know - just thought I'd put out the word.
jgb1166

Showing 1 response by kbarkamian

The reason why the optical output sounds better than the coax on your cable box is most likely that it isn't an electrical connection. Without an electrical connection, it can't transmit it's own electronic noise to the rest of the system. Ground differences between them are also eliminated.

Too many people say coax always sounds better than optical. They probably haven't tried a good glass optical cable and/or the source they were using didn't transmit much electrical grunge.

A good glass cable doesn't have to cost much. I use a Sonicwave glass optical cable from Amazon that I paid $25 for. Sounds excellent.