Digital audio cables have replaced analog cables to create sound. The digital cables use digital signals made from data the same as a computer uses 0 and 1’s. CD’s, DVD’s and MP3 players all use a digital chip to process audio signals. The digital information or audio recording is of higher quality and last longer than the old analog audio recordings. Digital audio cables preserve and transmit the highest quality digital signal possible. There are two types the coaxial or optical digital audio cables available.



Currently the coaxial digital cable is generally used most often as the connector cable for digital audio equipment and transfer. They resemble RCA cables but carry digital signals instead of analog signals. The cable looks like is used for cable TV. Only they have RCA connectors. They are also thicker than the average RCA cable. Coaxial digital cables are also shielded the same as cable TV cables. Coaxial cables are used so frequently because they are cost effective, averaging around $10 for every six feet of cable.

Coaxial digital cables use pulses of electricity to transmit digital signals. Coaxial cables consist of copper wire shielded with a surrounding aluminum wrap to cut down on interference. They are contained in an outer case that is very strong. Coaxial digital cables have 75 ohm impedance. This allows them to handle more energy and a larger bandwidth than a regular RCA cable.

Optical digital cables are also known as S/PDIF. They have fewer limitations than coaxial cables. Optical digital cable is seen as the better cable for transferring digital audio signals. Pulses of light are used instead of electricity. This lets the signal travel over very long distances without degrading or weakening. Basically what you have at one end is what you get at the other end. Toslink or EIA-J connectors are used instead of RCA style connectors.

Only drawbacks are that optical digital cables cost more than coaxial cable and don’t work if bent. Any time optical digital cables are used they have to set up straight. Light does not bend, so the wire cannot be bent. The optical digital cable works great in a straight line but is useless if needed to in any other position than straight. This can make using optical cables a bit tricky. Deciding what cable to use is going to depend on price, quality of audio transfer need and the location or position the wire.