Audio Cables
Author: Hyun Kim

Here are types of audio cables for your home theater system.
And comments about the pros and cons of each are discusses for
our review.

Coax Digital Audio (S/PDIF) – This offers digital connection
with copper cables, most generally Coax. Cables are long. And
Dolby Digital 5.1, 7.1, DTS etc. is supported. However, the
copper cables mess with run into interference. Neither DVD-A or
SACD are supported.

Firewire – This offers digital connection with large bandwidth,
multichannel audio. Highly compatible and choice for some HTPCs,
new receivers, STB's, DVD's and with Digital Audio Workstations;
and may have some support for DVD-A and SACD. However, lacks
locking connector, also disconnects easily; so audio-only
interface is main reason for use with a lot of systems at this
time, except for use with Set Top Boxes, audio and video with
camcorder use, HDTV's and Digital VCR's.

Toslink - This offers digital connection without electrical
interference, great for digital audio signals with compatible
equipment; Digital Cable / DVD/Satellite Receiver with Toslink
connector compat. Dolby Digital 5.1, 7.1, DTS etc. However,
cable length is limited, the cables aren't sturdy and they
disconnect too quickly and easily. You will need fiber optic
cables or repeaters for lengthy cable reaches. Neither is there
is any DVD-A or SACD support, nor locking connector.

HDMI – This offers a digital connection with great quality
electrical interface transmitting up to 1080p video plus 8
channels of 192kHz audio. Great with both digital audio and
video via one interface. However, they lack locking connectors
and easily disconnect.

Stereo – Features analog audio, with dual RCA plug cables
usually, and two channels, left and right. If your equipment is
not compatible with digital audio, analog stereo is next choice.
However, this lacks surround sound, unless simulated.

Denon Link - DL3 of SACD combined with DVD-A. However, only
comes with Denon goods.

Mono – you don't want this, forget about it!

So check out your own equipment and system compatibility. There
are many types of audio cables for your home theater system. And
you want to select the best for your home theater experience and
enjoyment.


About The Author: Hyun Kim is a freelance writeer who writes
about home audio & home theater topics. He loves to visit
http://www.stereo411.com to read about Home Theater Receivers &
home theater reviews at http://www.stereo411.com/reviews/.