Audio connectors and cables form one of the most important aspects of producing great audio sound for all audio lovers. These cables are available in many types, with a few of the most common ones being given below:
Digital Cables –
Analog signals are no longer in use for creating sound in the modern day audio equipment. Replacing them is the digital signal which uses the values of 1’s and 0’s to make data. DVD, CD and MP3 audio signal are included in digital media. These create much better sound which is more long lasting than previously used analog audio as they are processed with the help of chips. The best quality of digital signal is preserved and transmitted by digital audio cables. These cables are of generally 2 types:
1) Coaxial Digital Cables
2) Optical Digital Cables
Coaxial Digital Cables –
The most common cables in use for digital audio are the coaxial cables. These are very similar to the RCA cables which were used to carry analog signals.
TV cables bear a lot of similarity with these cables with the difference being that coaxial cables have RCA connectors on their ends. Their costs are generally around $10 per 6feet and are slightly thicker than normal RCA cables.
Digital signals in coaxial cables are transmitted in electric pulses. There is a surrounding wrap of aluminum shielding them from the interface and have an inner copper wire in them. The impedance of these cables is 75ohm and thus they have the ability to handle more energy and also have larger bandwidth in comparison with RCA cables.
Optical Digital Cables –
Optical cables are the 2nd type of cables in use. These are the ultimate choice for perfect transferring of digital audio signal as they do not have any limitations unlike the coaxial cables. The fact that coaxial cables still employ copper wires for data transmission while optical cables uses only light, gives optical cables an upper hand.
Pulses of light are used by the optical cables. The signal in these cables does not weaken and nor does it degrade as there are no chances of interference. Optical cables may be up to 50% more expensive than other cables but the fact that these offer probably the best reproduction and transmission of the digital signals, makes this technology the best. These cables employ Toslink instead of the traditional RCA connectors. The main drawback in these cables is that one cannot bend them. Since light can’t bend, therefore if the setup requires passage through curved paths it is recommended to use the coaxial cables.
Coaxial or Optical Cables?
The choice between these two types depends on your needs as almost all components allow the use of both these connectors. Most of the listeners would not be able to realize the difference in the sound quality. But if you want the best in quality, it is recommended to choose the optical cables. Environments having a lot of electrical interference do not affect optical cable transmission. If long distances, such as 25 to 50feet, are needed to be covered during transmission then optical cables is the best choice.
However if your focus is on having a good system at an affordable price then you should go for the coaxial cables. These cables are much cheaper and also if bending of cables is required then these are probably the only choice you have.
Related articles:
- What does “No Audio Device” mean? The “No Audio Device Error” usually appears at your monitor...
- What is Free To Air? A Free to Air Satellite receiver, well-known as abbreviated FTA...
Leave a Reply: