Audio Cables: What the Heck Do you Choose!

There are so many different types of audio cables that are available on the market today. It is quite difficult to make an informed decision about what is right for your needs. Here are the quick, down and dirty, ins and outs of the different types of audio cables that are available. Hopefully this will make it easier for you to choose what is right for your project.

The Coax digital audio offers digital connection with copper cables. These cables are usually long. The Dolby digital cable is supported. However, the copper cables run into interference. The DVD-A or SACD are neither supported.

Fire wire is the best way to go if you are looking for multichannel audio with large bandwidth. It’s compatible for some HTPC newer receivers. As well STB's, DVD's with digital audio workstations. You may have support for DVD-A and SACD. The drawbacks the lack of locking connector. This would cause it to disconnect easily, so audio only interface would be your main reason for use with most systems with the exception possibly being with Set Top Boxes, audio and video use, HDTV's and digital VCR's.

If you are looking for a digital connection that won't have any electrical interference then Toslink is the way to go. This is great for audio signals that have the same equipment. The drawback with Toslink is the cable length is limited and also the cables aren't very sturdy either which could cause it to disconnect easily. Also, keep in mind that you will need fiber optic cables for those lengthy cable reaches.

If you are looking for 1080p video plus 8 channels of 192 kHz audio then the HDMI digital connection is the way to go. With one interface you get great digital and audio video. The problem you may have though is the lack of locking connectors which will make it to disconnect.

If your equipment is not compatible with digital audio, analog in the next best thing. This has dual RCA plug cables and two channels. The drawback is it lacks surround sound.

Denon Link is at the bottom of the barrel you will not want this one.

The bottom line is there are many types of audio cables to choose from for your home theater system so pick the best one for you.

Tymon Hytem has been in the electronic field for the past 15 years. He has helped many a client design, choose the correct Cables for the job and install their own home theater systems.