Hi there my preference would be XLR every time although HDMI may fidelity wise be just as good I like the sturdiness of the XLR plugs and sockets. Also with the propensity of after market cables I feel they may put too much strain on the HDMI sockets.
XLR or HDMI for Audio Only?
Good morning to the Community! I am seeking a bit of advice concerning the highest fidelity method in which to transmit an audio only signal. Let’s dispense with the equipment itself and assume all things being equal, which route would you choose – XLR or HDMI? Many thanks!
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XLR Is Analog HDMI is digital that’s the way I understad it. High end BlueRay players have both. HDMI will play Dolby Atmos , not XLR I may be wrong but I think HDMI will use the digital processing of the processor while XLR will use the DAC of the source ( BlueRay ) Bypassing the processor . Just like multi-channel RCA input ( analog ) I am a bit confused about that . |
One other thing. the differential in price in HDMI cables may be the quality in the sockets. More than the wires in the cable. The sound will be about the same. you can find 1 meter XLR cables at 100$ and you can find 1 meter XLR cables at 1 000$ . the sound will not be the same. also , some people prefer digital sound. Some people prefer analog sound. If I am wrong, I would like to know. |
To me the number one failing of HDMI is the connectors are very fragile. I do not like them at all. but use one just for the TV/disc spinner. XLR are battleship ready. Tough, very unbreakable. Designed to be kicked around in the professional studio. Bump a HDMI connector slightly the wrong way ...dead. junk. |
BlueRay players with both output : HDMI and XLR https://www.pioneer-audiovisual.eu/uk/products/udp-lx800 https://www.panasonic.com/ca/consumer/televisions-home-entertainment/blu-ray-disc-players/dp-ub9000.... maybe l should have written ´´ connectors ´´ rather than ´´ sockets ´´ also , ´´ bypassing any digital processing’´ rather than ´´ bypassing the processor ´´ |