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digital optical interlink vs. coaxial

Hi, what do u prefer for a digital interlink: an optical (I mean not the Toslink, but the real optical one with real glass fibre, like the Wadia IT&T and the Accuphase) or a coaxial one (S/PDIF)? I'm asking because theoretical the optical connection is perfect regarding data transfer, but still others claim the S/PDIF sounds better (more musical perhaps?). Do you have some explanation for this theory vs. real life situation controversy?
dazzdax
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Use the Optical if your video system is inducing a ground loop hum, AT&T has the most bandwidth, followed by Coax, and then lastly Toslink. I found that toslink is vastly lacking in quality compared to coax/AT&T.
pictura
32 posts
 
Hi there! I was using the Aural Symphonic Optimism AT & T cable. Just sold it here on the Audiogon. It was the best cable I have used. Reluctant to let it go as the replacement digital cable might not be on par. Problem is that the latest universal transport doesn't support this type of connection. The Lexicon RT-10, the Theta Compli and the Teac DV-50 and the Krell SACD standard does not have optical connections at the back. Sigh!

Might have to settle for coaxial digital cable. Some machines don't even have a XLR Balanced digital out.

Happy hunting.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Cytocycle...Please explain what you mean by "bandwidth" of an optical data transmission media. The light source is monochromatic, so any deficiency of "bandwidth" would just amount to lower transmissibility. The optical light source circuitry and the light receiver may have data bandwidth limitations, but that has nothing to do with the nature of the fiber.
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