optical output vs spdif which is better ?

jamieuk23 · 15 Jul 2007 at 08:44

Just noticed my 680i motherboard only have optical out, As I am in to my home cinema and all ways want the best Quality I am unsure if optical out can produce good Quality.

which is better and optical out or spdif ?

Spyhop · 15 Jul 2007 at 08:51

SPDIF is the protocol, so optical can carry it too. If you mean optical cable vs co-axial cable for digital audio then both have their advantages. Supposedly co-axial is perhaps slightly better in theory, but you will never notice a difference. Not worth worrying about

monkeyspank · 15 Jul 2007 at 08:52

Same thing mate.

james.miller · 15 Jul 2007 at 13:26

jamieuk23 said:
Just noticed my 680i motherboard only have optical out, As I am in to my home cinema and all ways want the best Quality I am unsure if optical out can produce good Quality.

which is better and optical out or spdif ?

if your in to your home cinema you should already know the answer!

jamieuk23 · 15 Jul 2007 at 13:35

I dont claim to no everything about my chosen subjects! DO YOU BIG SHOT!

james.miller · 15 Jul 2007 at 13:44

simply things, yes

if its somethign im enthusiastic about, most definately.

eddie101 · 15 Jul 2007 at 17:12

iirc spdif is the better quality. Guess i could be wrong

g0th2000 · 15 Jul 2007 at 17:52

Like wush said, they are both SPDIF

As for the cable,

Optical advantages:
Immune to electrical interference, really unlikely to be a problem in your typical house unless you intend to run it under your washing machine or something

Optical disadvantages:
Usually more expensive.
Quite easy to knacker the cable if you kink it.

Co-ax advantages:
Cheap as chips, common as muck 75 ohm cable.
Rugged.

Co-ax disadvantages:
Not totally immune to electrical interference, but you really would have to be trying for it to be a problem.

Quality is the same for both as they carry identical bitstreams.