Digital Optical vs Multi-Channel Inputs?

[Hecmor]

My blu player has multi-channel, digital coax and digital optical outputs (like must of u im sure).



i'm torn between Optical Coax and the Multi-channel.

For the sake of arguments i will be using Onkyo HT-SR800


This particular receiver has HDMI Pass Through only so that's out of the question.



What would you smart experienced people recommend?

help.yelp

[WickyWoo]

Multichannel, that way you can experience lossless audio

[j_rocca42]

So you can't get lossless with optical but you can get it with multichannel outs just using regular analog cables???

[ManUtd]

No question about it, multi-channel inputs are better.

[j_rocca42]

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

No question about it, multi-channel inputs are better.

Interesting. I was thinking about using HDMI straight to the TV and using optical to the receiver. I guess i'll try the multichannel. Just use the regular red and white audio cables? that just doesn't seem good...

[Hecmor]

Originally Posted by j_rocca42

Interesting. I was thinking about using HDMI straight to the TV and using optical to the receiver. I guess i'll try the multichannel. Just use the regular red and white audio cables? that just doesn't seem good...

I was wondering the same thing, about using 4 sets of RCA cable just dosen't convince me of the best optimal surround sound. i guess i'll refund my optical cable.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

Thanks for all the info.

[crackinhedz]

Have an old school receiver (non-HDMI) and want Lossless audio??

[detroitechno]

It depends on a few things...

-Does your receiver accept all the digital standards the player supports (eg. DTS-HD, DD+...)?
If it does, use a digital connection. Using a strait digital connection will eliminate any chance of picking up hum through the analog rca's.

-Does your player decode all HD type audio signals?
If it does then depending on the DA converters it should sound fine.


Digital audio should always pass digital as far as it can. Analog signals pick up 'hum' from power cables and such. A digital connection will never be affected by AC power lines.

Hope that helps

[musicman1999]

Multichannel for sure, so you can hear new formats if your player decodes them.Hum is never an issue if you lay out your system properly, if power cables and rca cables must be close to each other, cross them at right angles.No hum.

bill

[j_rocca42]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Have an old school receiver (non-HDMI) and want Lossless audio??

Thanks for that link. It was very informative!

[Lord_Phan]

Analog cables each carry a single channel. Optical can carry multiple channels IF it's low quality. For the lossless audio Optical can only carry 2 channels.

By using Multichannel analog you're directly carrying each channel in full from the player to the reciever. It will not be able to bitstream anything, but it will carry all the PCM for each channel. Your player decodes everything and sends it via PCM for each channel out each cord.

[Hecmor]

Soooo Multi-Channel WON!!!!?

[bobh33]

Wow! This might be the answer to my prayers!!! I have the HT-S894 Onkyo system with matching DVD player. I just have not been happy with the audio yet compared to everyone else in the reviews. I have HDMI for video/audio from DVD to AVR along with HDMI going to TV with optical cable coming back.
So, if I go multi-channel instead of optical, I will notice a distinct difference in audio?? I am picking up HD stations via direct coaxial cable from wall to TV, no box. The AVR decodes DD & DTS. I am not home right now, but what is this about 4 sets of cables for multi-channel? I thought it all came in one package??
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also see a subwoofer connection in the diagram up above. Would that also replace the existing RCA subwoofer connection that I'm using???
I just read another forum & it seems that unless I have HD DVD, multichannel is not needed? Stay with optical??