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.
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.