Optical cables better?

[jb1945]

I have a VIP 622 connected to a Sony 60" tv with HDMI. The Sony tv is connected to a Sony surround sound system with what appears to be rca jacks. The tv sound is turned off, I always use the surround sound system. Questions: 1. Would optical cables provider better sound? 2. Should the optical cable connect the sound system to the tv or the 622? 3. Would I really notice the difference?

 

[rcdallas]

Optical out will give you 5.1 surround sound. I'd hook it to the back of the 622.

 

[KE4EST]

It really depends on your ears and how good your surround system is built, but yes I would come directly out of the back of the 622.

 

[stimpson]

Optical is the way to go. Run the optical from the 622 to the surround reciever. Some people say you can't tell a diff. I can tell you that it does sound better with the optical.

 

[tsduke]

It should sound much better with optical. Your only getting 2 channel audio with composite cables instead of 5.1 channel. If you can't notice the difference then you need a new system.

 

[bigthrust]

Optical is a major upgrade from rca (composite). Connect your TOSLINK optical cable from the 622 to your surround receiver (assuming your receiver has a TOSLINK optical in. Make sure the receiver is set to use the optical connection. You cannot get true 5.1 surround without a digital audio connection such as optical or HDMI.

 

[withay]

Another vote here for the optical, there's a difference.

 

[destrada]

another vote for optical

 

[jb1945]

I have been persuaded, will buy an optical cable ASAP. Any trick to installing it? I am guessing it just plugs in like any other cable. Is Toslink a brand name or type of cable?

 

[bk63ross]

Toslink Cable

Don't forget the settings on both receivers for optimum performance.

 

[RandallA]

I have been persuaded, will buy an optical cable ASAP. Any trick to installing it? I am guessing it just plugs in like any other cable. Is Toslink a brand name or type of cable?

Go to Monoprice, they have good prices and quality is good.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&style=

 

[kstuart]

Many helpful responses, but none get to the essence of the situation.

Your two RCA cables feeding your stereo are analog.

The Toslink optical connection is digital, and will sound better regardless of whether it is 2 channels of 6 channels (5.1 audio).

Is Toslink a brand name or type of cable?

It is an optical cable system, the one usually used for digital audio, both by Dish and by makers of Audio/Video receivers. Actually, A/V receivers often also have another connection for digital audio that uses the same RCA jack, which is referred to as "coax digital audio". But, Dish only uses the Toslink Optical Digital Audio.

Optical is a major upgrade from rca (composite).

This is confusing things. As explained, some digital audio can use RCA connectors, and "composite" only refers to video (the yellow jacks), not audio.

 

[jb1945]

Thanks for all the input. Monoprice seems to have what I need: product ID 2763 for $5.55 with full size Toslink connectors at both ends. Of course, it is out of stock will not be available until March 25. I'm sure you guys know what you are talking about, but when I look at the picture of the cable connectors on Monoprice and the flat place on the 622 where is supposed to connect it looks impossible. Am I overly concerned and the connection will be obvious with the cable in hand? My surround sound system is a Sony DAV-FR8. The booklet makes no mention of the type of connector (Toslick), just that is used for satellite receivers. Do I worry too much??

 

[tsduke]

Optical digital cable is what it's most often referred to as. Forget the whole toslink deal.

 

[lakebum431]

The one you have linked to is fine, but the "fancy connector" is just that, a fancy connector, it doesn't actually do anything for you. Just go with this one:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...cs_id=1022901&p_id=1447&seq=1&format=2&style=
for $2.66
or this one if you need a little more length
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...cs_id=1022901&p_id=1419&seq=1&format=2&style=
for $3.27

 

[havana]

A less expensive optical cable will work as well as one that costs twice as much.

 

[BobaBird]

the connection will be obvious with the cable in hand?

Should be. The squarish connector has a flat side and a side with rounded corners, so it will help to also be able to see the hole it goes into. Older equipment will have a plug filling the hole. Newer equipment, including the 622, will have a shutter over the opening, just push the cable in.

 

[kstuart]

Optical digital cable is what it's most often referred to as. Forget the whole toslink deal.

That's going to make the guy who coined the name "Toslink" unhappy !

 

[rdinkel]

Shop at www.cablesforless.com (I have used them often)

Here is their optical audio section: https://www.cablesforless.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=483

 

[downriver]

Good link, good prices.. Thank you!!!

Go to Monoprice, they have good prices and quality is good.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&style=