Comp to Receiver, Long Cable Run, Optical or Coax Better?

[jman999]

I already have a good soundcard with an optical output, I'll have to buy a new soundcard for coaxial output. Which type of connection is better for long cable runs (Between 25-50 ft)? How much should I expect to spend?

Thanks,
-Jonathan.

[DaWiper]

I would say it depends on the quality of the cable. I have a 10 meter(~33feet) home built coax(75ohm) with goldplated connectors in both ends. I spent 150 NOK(~20-25$). It works great. I also tried to buy a prebuilt cable that came in a set with alot of other junk. It made the sound metallic and harsh(sp?).

Not sure what is the best, but I think a optical cable would be more expensive.

[jman999]

I would say it depends on the quality of the cable. I have a 10 meter(~33feet) home built coax(75ohm) with goldplated connectors in both ends. I spent 150 NOK(~20-25$). It works great. I also tried to buy a prebuilt cable that came in a set with alot of other junk. It made the sound metallic and harsh(sp?).

Not sure what is the best, but I think a optical cable would be more expensive.

Optical would normally be more expensive, but I already have a Chaintech AV-710 flashed to a Prodigy for bit-perfect digital output. I saw a decent 50ft. optical cable for $25 including shipping on ebay.

I can't find any cheap soundcards with coaxial digital output except for the Creative cards and I want to avoid Creative.

[Korndog]

go with optical if its that cheap

[DaWiper]

Optical would normally be more expensive, but I already have a Chaintech AV-710 flashed to a Prodigy for bit-perfect digital output. I saw a decent 50ft. optical cable for $25 including shipping on ebay.

I can't find any cheap soundcards with coaxial digital output except for the Creative cards and I want to avoid Creative.

What is the quality like?
I've only bought a optical cable once. It was for my DVD player.
I paid 398 NOK(~50-55$) for 1m(~3 feet) of Taralabs cable...

[zabomb4163]

What is the quality like?
I've only bought a optical cable once. It was for my DVD player.
I paid 398 NOK(~50-55$) for 1m(~3 feet) of Taralabs cable...

you my freind, got ripped off

as far as getting a cheap optical cable....go to your local radio shack. they have a 14ft optical cable....coaxial cable package on clearance for 7-8$.

[DaWiper]

you my freind, got ripped off

as far as getting a cheap optical cable....go to your local radio shack. they have a 14ft optical cable....coaxial cable package on clearance for 7-8$.

Hmm... No, I didn't. Have you ever had the pleasure of owning a Taralabs cable?

[jman999]

Quality matters to me only so far as as the sound gets from the computer to the Receiver with no interference,

[Vulcan]

It really does not matter. Both will work equally well.

[RobxMcCarthy]

Unless your computer is a couple football fields away from your receiver it doesn't really matter... You'll experience more loss from fan interference (although it's nearly non existent) than you will through interconnects.

[Dell_Axim]

Optical is superior.

[twEEkerAreUs]

I already have a good soundcard with an optical output, I'll have to buy a new soundcard for coaxial output. Which type of connection is better for long cable runs (Between 25-50 ft)? How much should I expect to spend?

Thanks,
-Jonathan.

Go with optical then, in your situation. Both are very good types of Cable. Supposely long coaxial runs are (more prone to interference) but I'd assume it is pretty minimal for most people & I sure as heck don't notice it. I have both & they both sound awesome.

Optical is superior.

Sort of a loaded answer Lol. Both sound pretty damn equal to me, although I am not using a uber high end HT equipment either.



as far as getting a cheap optical cable....go to your local radio shack. they have a 14ft optical cable....coaxial cable package on clearance for 7-8$.

Ditto, this is where I got mine. Just for kicks I bought a Monster Cable (High End) Coaxial Cable & a (Mid-Range) discount Optical cable. Sound indentical to me, don't waste absurd amounts of money on cables.

[madcow235]

Actually a glass optical should in essence be better than a plastic one so dont tell him he got ripped off for getting something of decent quality.