Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Digital Coaxial vs. TosLink

Given a choice between digital coaxial and toslink, which should be chosen?

My understanding is that the two connectors essentially perform the same operation - to transmit the digital information from the component to the receiver/decoder.

If my set-up will require less than a 6 foot length of any one connector, are there advantages to choosing one over the other (quality, price)?

Thanks.
Adrien

Adrien
there is no functional difference between the two connectors. However, some people prefer coaxial because they are sturdier/hardier and less prone to damage (cracking). IOW, if you have reason to think you'll have numerous bends in the cable, or it's in a high traffic area, choose a coaxial. Otherwise, it doesn't matter so choose whichever is cheaper.

CapnPickard,

There is no difference in sound quality between the two--zero, zip. The only advantage of an optical digital (Toslink) connector is that it is totally immune to hum pickup from AC fields where a connector crosses an AC power supply cord.

From a practical point of view, I've never had trouble with hum pickup using a standard shielded coaxial cable, but that does not mean it could never happen. Coaxials are usually less expensive.

Regards,

Price wise - if you buy from partsexpress.com
and get 4 Dayton 6' optical cable - it'll cast you 7.50 a piece - and quality is really good.

Thanks - guys. I just got some Toslink cables, component cables and adaptors from there. Much appreciated.