The best digital audio out of coaxial, or optical?

Avoid plastic Toslink, glass based Toslink is far preferrable. Coax is good as is AES/EBU, but only if both are properly impedance matched.

It's got to be optical, as long as the ends (glass) are clean -- nothing affects it's transmission except for a macro bend.

I have seen several manufacturers list Toslink as the least desirable of the outputs or inputs they offer on their equipment. They must feel compelled to offer it for compatibility with other equipment. I have never seen any company recommend it as the first choice.

Anti-Toslink people are damn funny. Cheap Toslink cables have issues sonically just like some metal-based digital cables. As an example, VDH Optocoupler is far superior to many standard digital cables and I would bet that most people would have trouble hearing the distiction. Soft bass? Yeah okay, whatever. Just like any other comparisons, listen for yourself and don't be swayed by any of us.

Most people......yes! MOST PEOPLE DOES'T APLLY HERE....OR DOES IT?