The quality of sound can vary depending on the type of connection used to transmit audio signals between your player and A/V receiver. Here’s a comparison of the three types of connections:
- HDMI: HDMI is capable of transmitting high-resolution multi-channel audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These formats are lossless, meaning they can deliver sound identical to the original studio master. HDMI is the only connection that can transmit these high-resolution formats. When it comes to higher resolution audio, HDMI is the best option.
- SPDIF (Coaxial or Optical): SPDIF can transmit standard multi-channel audio like Dolby Digital and DTS, but it cannot transmit high-resolution formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio. This is due to bandwidth limitations and copy protection reasons. If you have to transmit through SPDIF, your player will have to down-sample to Dolby Digital. In terms of audio quality, a coaxial connection tends to produce better audio quality than optical, allowing for a higher level of detail and greater dynamics.
- Analog: Analog connections can transmit multi-channel audio, but the quality can be affected by the quality of the cables and the analog-to-digital conversion process in your equipment. Analog connections do not support high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio.
The actual difference in sound quality can also depend on other factors such as the quality of your audio equipment and your personal hearing preferences. Choose the connection that best suits your setup and preferences.