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Coaxial or Optical

I am just getting my new HT system together. It includes an Onkyo 676 (old Adcom seperates for Stereo), Pioneer Elite DV-37, and NHT 2.3A's and matching center and surrounds. Should I use coaxial or optical to connect the DVD to the receiver? Does it make a difference? How much do I need to spend that will make a difference? I am using an 8 year old Sony 32" XBR. For video, I only have S video, can I connect to the receiver first and then to the TV? Does this degrade the signal. I should have it up tomorrow. Any input will be really appreciated.
pablo1
timo
610 posts
 
If you have Toslink digital outputs/inputs don't bother with optical connections as the Toslink, in my experience is inferior sounding to the coax connection.

However, if you have AT&T optical connections you may want to experiment between optical and coax. Give The Cable Company a ring and see if they will lend you some ATT cable to try out. They have a library of cables for try-out and purchase. www.fatwyre.com is their WebSite address.

Tell them I sent you.

Tim O'Connor
Janesville, WI
massvm
126 posts
 
I will second Timo's statement about the Toslink connectors being inferior to coaxial. I can't offer any opinion on AT&T optical, as I haven't tried them. There are numerous threads on this site covering this subject, and I suggest you search using “optical” to find and read some other opinions as well.

My opinion, for what it’s worth.
sailor630
7 posts
 
Do not run your video signal through the reciever it degrades it in every way, resolution, clairity etc. You also have to buy a second cable, so it is much better to run it straight to the tv
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