Ever wonder if Coaxial audio cables are good at handling Audio files better than HDMI and Optical audio cables?
A coaxial cable is one of the common ways of transferring audio signals in digital form over devices. A coaxial cable is probably a preferred audio cable for wiring car audio as well as at home. But, how good is Coaxial cable at handling digital audio files?
Coaxial cables are not as good as HDMI and optical audio cables. Coaxial audio cables lack the capacity to handle high bandwidth, and audio signals are mixed up with noise while in transmission. HDMI cables and Optical cables are your best choice for transmitting digital audio files from one device to another for better audio transmission.
Though an argument can be made for their lack of difference in the quality of sound they can produce when using multi-channel audio like Dolby digital, HDMI audio and video cables are by far more superior and ergonomic at transferring media files as they can use a single cable to transmit both video and audio, bi-directionally without latency issues. Unless Coaxial cables are the only option to wire your sound system, HDMI cables are your best bet when it comes to higher resolution audio.
A coaxial connection sends a S/PDIF signal between two devices. The coaxial cable will be able to give you audio on 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby surround sound. It also supports DTS and uncompressed PCM stereo audio formats.
You can easily use a coaxial connection if you want to send multichannel audio. If you want to send audio from a computer, DVD player to your soundbar or any other surround system, the coaxial is a very good option. It also comes in handy when you have to send audio from your CD player to a stereo amplifier to get audio.
A coaxial output can be located on the back of your TV. Nowadays, it’s not very common as most of these TVs include an optical output that has the same function. Coaxial cables are very common and can easily be found in the markets.
These cables also have a more robust design as compared to other audio cables. The device that you are using plays an important role in the kind of cable that you will choose to use. A coaxial cable produces great audio quality with details and dynamics as compared to some other audio cakes like optical cables.
For transmitting signals, a coaxial cable makes use of electricity. The coaxial is similar to the RCA connector. This connection can be found in many devices such as AV receivers, amplifiers and TVs. This also comes in many types.
It is very important to know each of these types so that you know which cable to connect to your device. Coaxial cables are not the same. They come in different sizes, shielding and different cables. An example of a coaxial cable is an RG6 cable. This cable can have extra shielding or not.
When To Use The Coaxial For Audio
A coaxial cable can be used for audio if you have it on your devices and you want high-quality audio. Most of the time, we recommend using an HDMI connector if you have it on your device because of the many formats that it is able to support. If you do not have this connector on your device, you can use the coaxial connector.
With a coaxial connector, you will still be able to hear the audio in other formats like 5.1 surround sound and standard stereo. The coaxial is also an excellent way if getting high-quality audio.
It is not a great option if you are looking for a connection that is able to support lossless formats. Coaxial cable does not support lossless formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and more. For these kinds of audio formats, you will need to have an HDMI cable and connection.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Coaxial Cable
When choosing a coaxial cable, you need to consider some factors so that you do not make the mistake of getting a coaxial cable that does not fit your requirements or needs.
Cable Length
This is a very important factor that you should consider. Coaxial cables come in different lengths. Therefore, you can easily find the length that you are looking for. If you want to connect things in the same room, then go for cables that are short and so on. Also, take note that the length can affect your signal.
Connector Type
There are different connectors. The kind of connector that you choose will depend on your needs. For connecting TVs, an F-type connector is usually used. This connector is also needed for a lot of other devices. Always make sure to check the connections that your device can accept.
Quality Of The Cable
Before buying a coaxial cable, you need to consider the quality of the cable. Make sure to get a cable that has a good and decent quality. It should not be fragile and should last long.
HDTV
If you are buying a coaxial cable to use it for your HDTV, then you need to make sure that you get a very good cable. Choose a cable that will not easily be affected by interference and signal loss.
Advantages Of Using Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables have a lot of advantages. This is why they are still being used in some other devices today. These are the advantages:
- Cost
Coaxial cables have a lower cost as compared to most other cables. This way they are a great choice if you are looking for budget-friendly cables.
- Easy Installation and setup
Installing coaxial cables is very easy. You can easily wire these cables to your coaxial your TV aerial. They are also a great choice for extended connections.
- Capacity
Coaxial cables can transfer great amounts of data. This makes them a very good option for anyone simply looking fo basic cables.
- Design
Coaxial cables have a very good design. Their construction is sturdy and this ensures that they are not easily damaged even when bent tightly.
- Bandwidth
Coaxial cables have a bandwidth that ensures that they are able to give you good quality audio. The bandwidth of the coaxial is around 750 MHZ. This is what ensures that the signals transferred are of good quality.
- Audio Quality
The audio quality that these coaxial cables offer is very good. They also deliver good quality video signals. Coaxial cables that have extra shielding ensure that there is low attenuation and signal loss.
Disadvantages
Electromagnetic interference is one of the main disadvantages of these cables. This can lead to buzzing in coaxial cables.
Another disadvantage is that these cables are not able to support lossless audio formats. Therefore, you won’t be able to hear sounds in audio formats like DTS X, Dolby TrueHD and other lossless audio formats.
Types of Coaxial Cable
There are different types of coaxial cables. You need to know the types so that you connect the right type of cable to your devices.
RG6: This coaxial cable is very common and mostly called the coax. It is used to as a cable TV.
Hard-Line Coax: This also another type of coaxial cable. This is usually used in radio transmitters. This is because it has a high signal strength.
Other types of coaxial cables are the Trial Axial & Twin-axial coaxial cables. These are very different from standard coaxial cables.
What Kind Of Coaxial Cable Do I Need?
If you want to transmit digital signals, it is advisable that you use a coaxial cable that is 75 ohms. This helps in ensuring that you do not get any errors in your signal.
You can also use an RCA cable if it is available as it will work in the same way. However, make sure to only use this if you do not have any other option
A coaxial digital connection looks like a female RCA connector. It can be orange or black in color. Always make sure to cross-check before you connect your cable. A coaxial cable has a male RCA jack at both ends.
Is coaxial better Than HDMI?
HDMI cables are far superior to Coaxial cables. They are another option that you can choose for audio connection. HDMI is a very good connection. HDMI is a better connection to use when compared to the coaxial. The HDMI has better creatures and is capable of supporting a lot more audio formats as compared to the coaxial.
What Is Better Coaxial or Optical Audio Cables?
Coaxial and optical connections will give you the same audio quality when the same format has been used. But, what is better, Coaxial Or Optical Audio cables?
Optical audio cables are better than Coaxial audio cables. Coaxial audio cables lack the capacity to much Optical audio cables ability to handle high bandwidth. , and audio signals handle via coaxial cables get mixed up with noise while in transmission. Optical audio cables are therefore your best choice for transmitting digital audio files from one device to another for better audio quality.
However, the Optical connection supports a very high resolution as compared to the Coaxial connection. The resolution of the coaxial is up to 24/192 while that if the optical is. 24/96. The optical connection is better when it comes to interference since it is not easily affected by electromagnetic interference.
What’s better Coaxial or RCA?
Digital coaxial and RCA cables look similar but work differently. The digital coaxial cable transmits digital signals whereas the RCA cable transmits analog signals.
Coaxial cables are better for many reasons when it comes to choosing between these two. It has good shielding, comes at a good cost and the audio quality they provide is very good.
The digital coaxial has a high bandwidth of up to 750 MHz. This ensures that it gives you high-quality audio and video signals. The RCA on the other hand has a lower bandwidth and the signal is of lower quality than that of the digital coaxial.
Conclusion
Coaxial cables are an excellent choice for audio. They provide audio that is in good quality. They have great bandwidth and will ensure that audio is delivered without any problems like signal loss and attenuation. A coaxial cable sends digital signals and is capable of giving you 5. 1surround sound, DTS and uncompressed PCM audio. it has a lot of other advantages including cheap price, design and easy installation. Therefore, if the coaxial cable is the option that you have, it is an excellent choice for your audio.