[mythtv-users] New system spec -- seeking comments.

Allen Edwards allen.edwards at oldpaloalto.com
Wed Jun 11 00:46:49 UTC 2008


On Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 12:47 PM, Mark Greenwood <fatgerman at ntlworld.com> wrote:
> On Tuesday 10 June 2008 19:27:13 Brad DerManouelian wrote:
>> On Jun 10, 2008, at 8:24 AM, Robin Hill wrote:
>>
>> > On Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:10:12AM -0700, Allen Edwards wrote:
>> >
>> >>> If you have the option for optical into your pre-processor, take it.
>> >>> It will eliminate any possible interferrence (hum, hiss, whatever)
>> >>> that may occur in the connection.
>> >>>
>> >>> Kevin
>> >>> _______________________________________________
>> >>
>> >> Interesting input. I have used Coax S\PDIF inputs for years and never
>> >> had a problem.  I don't really understand the benefit of optical and
>> >> am not sure why people use it, to be honest.  You just need to be
>> >> careful of your grounds, make sure they are all the same reference.
>> >> You need to do this anyway as you are going to have video connections
>> >> that are not optical.
>> >>
>> > Optical just eliminates any issues with interference over the
>> > connection.  However, most systems use very cheap optical parts, so
>> > you
>> > end up with added interference/errors in the electrical/optical
>> > conversion
>> > process instead.  Overall I doubt there's much in it, unless you're
>> > running the connection through a particularly noisy area.
>>
>> Optical cables (TOSLink) are great for long runs. Not very common in
>> myth setups, but awfully common in recording studios which is where
>> many of my components once lived. Coax is just as good on short runs.
>> They should perform exactly the same.
>
> Many audiophiles (me included) will tell you that coax usually sounds better than optical over a short run. Usually this is due to the poor quality of most optical cables and optical converters.
>
> Mark
>
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>
>
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I have used coax with a 20 ft cable with no problem.  I like using 75
ohm coax like I buy in bulk for TV lead in wire.  It works great.
(You need some F to RCA adapters or some special RCA coax connectors).
 Other than being stiff, this makes a better cable than you can buy in
the store for much less money.

I am thinking that consumer equipment uses optical because it is
probably cheaper to have the output be a light module than a good 75
ohm driver.

Allen


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