There are several options that one will get when it comes to using audio. Some will prefer to use HDMI, others optical audio and others may even use coaxial cables. But do optical audio cables make a difference?
As a general guide, Optical cables make a huge difference where media setups require high volumes of data transfer rates at the highest speed rate possible, without degradation or lagging. Typically, the difference will depend on the goals you have in mind for using optical cables than using other cable types. In some cases, optical audio use does make a difference while in other cases it does not make a difference.
For example, in terms of interference, if you would like to change from using a coaxial audio cable to an optical audio cable, using an optical audio cable is a much suitable option because it is less affected by interference than the coaxial cables.
Similarly, if you would like to connect cables over long distances, optical audio cables will make a difference because they can easily be connected over long distances and suffer minimal distortion compared to when you connect HDMI cables over long distances.
However, when it comes to audio quality, optical audio cables make little difference, especially in terms of the sound quality that you get. Optical provides the same audio quality as using an HDMI to connect your audio devices. You will receive the same audio performance regardless of whether you use optical or HDMI to convey your signal..
Are optical cables different?
Optical cables are the same. They may only be different in terms of their durability and how they are manufactured but when it comes to sound transmission, optical audio cables are the same. Therefore, they may be different in how long they last. Sole cables may last longer as compared to others, some are more durable and therefore will not easily bend while others are not very durable and will snag easily.
Optical cables that are less costly perform precisely the same duties and transmit exactly the same messages as optical cables that are more expensive in terms of cost. Even if you pay some more money on a cable with a very well-constructed sheath, which will aid in the safety of the cable, you will not notice any improvement in audio quality as a result of the increased expenditure. This means that you should avoid falling prey to the ludicrous marketing promises made by certain cable makers.
The fact that optical cables are available in a variety of different configurations does not change the fact that they all work in the same manner. In their most basic use, they are used to transfer data between two different devices.
Things to be on the lookout for when choosing optical audio cables
There are several factors that you need to consider when looking at optical cables.
Construction and materials
When it comes to structuring, other cables like coaxial cable outperforms optical cable in terms of quality. It’s also important to remember that cables are produced from a variety of different materials. Braided material is used in certain cases, whereas it is not used in others. Depending on the material, the connectors might be constructed of silver, gold, or copper.
Length of the cables
The duration of your transmission might have a significant impact on its quality. The majority of the time, when they are linked across long distances, they face signal degradation. As a result, be sure to set an appropriate length to minimize signal loss during transmission.
Interference.
If you compare optical cables to other cables like coaxial cables, you will see that optical audio cables perform better in terms of interference.
Bandwidth.
The bandwidth of coaxial audio, on the other hand, is much greater. However, much like with optical audio, its bandwidth is insufficient to enable high-quality codecs with high-resolution audio. As a result, it is compatible with uncompressed PCM stereo, Dolby Digital, and DTS surround sound.
Price.
Considering the pricing is also extremely significant when you are working with a limited budget. Optical technologies are quite inexpensive. When it comes to these connections, you must, however, place a strong emphasis on durability and quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are certain instances where coaxial cables will make a difference while in other cases they will not. This will depend on your situation and what you would like to use the optical audio cables for. For instance, they are a great option if you would like to avoid interference or connect them over long distances as compared to other audio solutions like coaxial cables and HDMI cables.
