Actually, there IS a difference in Toslink and coax digital signals. Toslink is technically slightly faster, but coaxial can carry a 24 bit/192kHz signal, whereas optical is limited to 96kHz. Coaxial can, on the other hand be subject to line noise if used in a cluttered area. Optical would be best in a larger scale studio set-up or system where multiple amplification sources are utilized. Coaxial has an audibly better dynamic range and provides a HUGE amount of headroom for high-complexity music passages. Optical is a "better" signal, but not for audible range and clarity are desired.
Have use red white RCA for long time. This year, I use Toslink optical. It's connector I use to connect from HDMI Extractor to Converter 😅. RCA on that Extractor seems making annoying ground loop 😑
Sorry if I missed any mention of this in the video but it should be noted that if using any form of DSP (e.g. various forms of room correction software found in any number of AVRs) my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) is the DSP/room correction feature is completely bypassed when using analog inputs.
also you want to use the analog outputs when you are listening to mqa or dsd because digital outputs don't support both of these formats to their max resolution.
So for output from a Wiim streamer to an A/V reciever that does signal processing to 5.1, I'm going to guess digital-in is better because an analog-in signal gets converted to digital by the receiver anyway? And if the source happens to be 5.1 mix or atmos, you don't want the streamer's DAC to downmix it to stereo?
All your videos are great! I am looking into getting a music streamer. I have a 5.1 system and growing powered by an Emotiva XPA 3 Gen 3 for my LCR. Any suggestions? Budget $1500.00 or less. Happy Holidays😀
The ST5 I use in the video is excellent! Very good DAC inside. Not sure which AVR you currently have, but it may have an impressive DAC inside on its own, since you’ll probably just want to have a digital connection between the streamer and AVR anyway. I know your budget is $1,500, but a Wiim Pro Plus is also a fantastic streamer if you just need digital streaming options and AirPlay2 or Google Chromecast support at a fraction of the cost. 🤷♂️😁
Yo Ealan I have to use analog connection for one of my sound bars but it is no big deal because I only want better sound from my TV because TV speakers usually aren't that good. 😂😂😂
Yes you can hear ones and zeros. This is what you do: 1) take a boom box player 2) put a data CD in (not a music CD) 3) hit play Good luck not blowing out your speakers though.
What is the best option to connect a laptop to a DAC ? HDMI? And then whats the best option to connect the DAC to the amplifier in terms of sound quality?
From a PC usually USB is best, if your DAC has a USB input (which I imagine most should?). And if you’re dealing with a standalone DAC, since it will be the component converting digital to analog, you’ll want to go analog out to an amp.
To this day, I still can't understand why Manufacturers still insist on installing Optical Inputs in their products. It's so useless these days. Especially with HDMI and Coaxial being the better options. But Ealan, I really intrigued by the Speakers you displayed with the ARCAM products. Those speakers are beautiful to say the least. What brand/model are they? Great Short Video.
Optical’s only saving grace is that since it’s a beam of light, it isn’t prone to any EMI issues like RCA cables can be at times. 🤷♂️ But yeah…should be obsolete by now, or at least an updated version of it. And the speakers are Aperion Audio Verus V8B’s. Link is in the description of the video. 😁🙌
Coax can carry higher bandwidth.. Optical would not be affected by EMF interference. RCA Coaxial should be 75ohm .. not just any cable.* fact check me. =)
@@ealanosborne - Agree. The really flimsy connectors all around are not great. SOME of them are great ..but you can imagine how much more money you spend to find the metal and well constructed units that have them.. OR a BNC / AES digital.. etc.
Love the sound from the sabre DAC. It's probably part of the reason why I chose my particular AVR.
Good video, btw and so relevant!
Reminds me of those infomercials, “Does this ever happen to you”?!
Exactly! 😄
"Worry no more...b'cos we have..." 😂
Thank you for a very informative video. Please make more like this.
I plan to! 😁
Love your videos buddy. Great info and great humor.
Thank for this video! I've always wondered which of those ports made more sense to use and when
Yay! You’re welcome! 🎉
Rocking a 2 channel setup in my office using an older Yamaha AV Receiver. Does the job well!
Actually, there IS a difference in Toslink and coax digital signals. Toslink is technically slightly faster, but coaxial can carry a 24 bit/192kHz signal, whereas optical is limited to 96kHz. Coaxial can, on the other hand be subject to line noise if used in a cluttered area. Optical would be best in a larger scale studio set-up or system where multiple amplification sources are utilized. Coaxial has an audibly better dynamic range and provides a HUGE amount of headroom for high-complexity music passages. Optical is a "better" signal, but not for audible range and clarity are desired.
Have use red white RCA for long time. This year, I use Toslink optical. It's connector I use to connect from HDMI Extractor to Converter 😅. RCA on that Extractor seems making annoying ground loop 😑
Sorry if I missed any mention of this in the video but it should be noted that if using any form of DSP (e.g. various forms of room correction software found in any number of AVRs) my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) is the DSP/room correction feature is completely bypassed when using analog inputs.
Yes, that is usually the case. Good call. 🤘
Both Arcam units have Dacs so choose the one with best Dac, which is Arcam Stereo Amp so use Coaxial Connection.
Sorted
Great information I've been looking for A long time
Great job but you should’ve did this like one year ago! lol 😂
Love it! 😎👍
uh now i think abt it the cables arent practical, so no
Where is that home theater video promised in the intro? Is that video still coming? Hope to see it soon. Thanks for the great content.
This video answers an important question
Just switched from analog aux to digital optical cable and never looked back. Digital is the way to go no doubt if you want the best signal.
also you want to use the analog outputs when you are listening to mqa or dsd because digital outputs don't support both of these formats to their max resolution.
Do you have a video on how the homepod sound travels? Is it ideal?
I don’t…yet…because Apple products are expeeeeensive 💰
So for output from a Wiim streamer to an A/V reciever that does signal processing to 5.1, I'm going to guess digital-in is better because an analog-in signal gets converted to digital by the receiver anyway?
And if the source happens to be 5.1 mix or atmos, you don't want the streamer's DAC to downmix it to stereo?
Pretty much, as far as the Wiim is concerned. Analog out from a steamer would definitely be stereo and not multichannel at that point.
All your videos are great! I am looking into getting a music streamer. I have a 5.1 system and growing powered by an Emotiva XPA 3 Gen 3 for my LCR. Any suggestions? Budget $1500.00 or less.
Happy Holidays😀
The ST5 I use in the video is excellent! Very good DAC inside. Not sure which AVR you currently have, but it may have an impressive DAC inside on its own, since you’ll probably just want to have a digital connection between the streamer and AVR anyway. I know your budget is $1,500, but a Wiim Pro Plus is also a fantastic streamer if you just need digital streaming options and AirPlay2 or Google Chromecast support at a fraction of the cost. 🤷♂️😁
Can you do a video on a totally wireless setup?
How so? Just curious… 👍
Yo Ealan I have to use analog connection for one of my sound bars but it is no big deal because I only want better sound from my TV because TV speakers usually aren't that good. 😂😂😂
ANYTHING is better than TV speakers. 🤣🤘
@@ealanosborne yessir I knew that you would agree brahda. Happy Holidays 🎄
Yes you can hear ones and zeros. This is what you do:
1) take a boom box player
2) put a data CD in (not a music CD)
3) hit play
Good luck not blowing out your speakers though.
What is the best option to connect a laptop to a DAC ? HDMI? And then whats the best option to connect the DAC to the amplifier in terms of sound quality?
From a PC usually USB is best, if your DAC has a USB input (which I imagine most should?).
And if you’re dealing with a standalone DAC, since it will be the component converting digital to analog, you’ll want to go analog out to an amp.
The toughest question… in all the hifi world… ;-). How much time did I spend listening to both approaches trying to find a difference…😅
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you! 🎉🎄
optical ?
My cd is analog out
He’s incorrect, coax offers higher resolution than optical. Always use coax if available.
Thanks
You’re welcome, Craig! 🎉
Glad the intro was only 30 seconds...
Easy, DIGILOG!
To this day, I still can't understand why Manufacturers still insist on installing Optical Inputs in their products. It's so useless these days. Especially with HDMI and Coaxial being the better options.
But Ealan,
I really intrigued by the Speakers you displayed with the ARCAM products. Those speakers are beautiful to say the least. What brand/model are they?
Great Short Video.
Optical’s only saving grace is that since it’s a beam of light, it isn’t prone to any EMI issues like RCA cables can be at times. 🤷♂️ But yeah…should be obsolete by now, or at least an updated version of it.
And the speakers are Aperion Audio Verus V8B’s. Link is in the description of the video. 😁🙌
Coax can carry higher bandwidth.. Optical would not be affected by EMF interference.
RCA Coaxial should be 75ohm .. not just any cable.*
fact check me. =)
Ah yes. True. I just wish someone improved the outdated connections of optical cables so they weren’t so prone to breaking. 🤘
@@ealanosborne - Agree. The really flimsy connectors all around are not great.
SOME of them are great ..but you can imagine how much more money you spend to find the metal and well constructed units that have them..
OR a BNC / AES digital.. etc.
That Giants hat just bothered me the whole video
Go dodgers!
😄🙌
Clickbait.
😂🤣😂🤣