Coaxial and optical cables are used in home entertainment systems to connect an audio source (such as a set-top box, Blu-ray player, or video game console) to a component (such as an amplifier, audio receiver, or speaker system). Both types transmit a digital audio signal from one device to another.
FAQ – What is the difference between digital coaxial and digital optical audio cables?
Not all audio devices support both coaxial and optical cables, so you may not have a choice. If you do have a choice, it may not matter much. Many experts say the difference in audio quality and performance is negligible. That said, it’s a good idea to learn the basics of coaxial and optical cable connections.
A coaxial (coax) cable is a shielded single copper wire used in many audio interfaces and connections, although it is not as common as optical connections in modern sound systems. Although coaxial cables theoretically promise superior sound – through greater bandwidth – the difference is probably not noticeable to most people.
Coaxial cables look and function much like traditional RCA connections, which are popular for their ruggedness and durability. They can be susceptible to radio frequency interference (RFI) or electromagnetic interference (EMI). If hum or buzz is already present in a system, a coaxial cable can transfer that noise between components. Coaxial cables are notorious for losing signal strength over long distances, which isn’t a problem for the average home user. However, if distance is an issue, optical cables are a better choice. Finally, coaxial cables don’t have the bandwidth to support high-end lossless surround formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.