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Optical inputs are found at the amplification or DAC end, e.g. Something like the QED Performance Graphite Optical is a good entry-level option.Īlthough HDMI has taken over as the main socket of choice for many manufacturers, optical outputs are still common on games consoles, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes and televisions. Optical cables with a Toslink (Toshiba Link) connector slot into a matching socket on both source and receiver. Traditionally, in a home cinema environment, optical connections tend to be used to transmit compressed Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.
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An optical cable doesn’t allow noise to pass from source to DAC circuitry like a coaxial can, and so makes sense to use this socket when connecting straight into the DAC of a soundbar or AV receiver.
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An entry-level cable like the QED Performance Coaxial will do a fine job for most.Ĭoaxial might not be as widespread as its rival optical connection these days, but you'll still find it at the back of certain AV receivers, integrated amplifiers and TVs.Īnd, in our experience, compared to optical, a coaxial connection does tend to sound better. 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. But don’t be tempted to try and use a standard RCA phono cable in place of a dedicated coaxial digital cable.
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