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[suikodan]

I want to buy a Logitech Z-680 5.1 speaker system (http://gear.ign.com/articles/375/375816p1.html) but I wonder what is a COAX plug. I know the Optical plug with the cable that goes with it and the plug on the PS2 and on the Xbox HD cord but a COAX, I thought you could obtain 5.1 with the audio RCA cables (!?).

Is COAX the same as Optical except for the cable type? Like I want to play games with 5.1 setup except I don't have a HDTV for Xbox which the Optical cable can only be used with the HD Pack.

Any recommandation as of what to do?

P.S: It's either the Z-680 or the Z-5300...

 

[borghe]

coax is just a different digital audio output. It uses your typical RCA style plugs.

in general the two plug types are kind of a pain in the ass because you have to make sure your receiver has enough inputs of EACH TYPE to accomodate all of your equipment.

 

[suikodan]

Yeah, but can I use that jack with my Red/White cables because there is only one in the console?

 

[Fragamemnon]

Yeah, but can I use that jack with my Red/White cables because there is only one in the console?

Coaxial digital audio cables and stardard analog RCA cables have very different internal composition, even though they look very alike. You cannot mix and match.

 

[123rl]

Yes you can. Before I got my custom-made subwoofer lead, I used a standard audio RCA lead to go between my amp and subwoofer

An RCA lead is an RCA lead, it doesn't matter if it's used as stereo RCA from, say, CD player to amp, or as a coaxial lead from amp to sub (or processor to seperate amplifier)

 

[Wraith]

Yes you can. Before I got my custom-made subwoofer lead, I used a standard audio RCA lead to go between my amp and subwoofer

An RCA lead is an RCA lead, it doesn't matter if it's used as stereo RCA from, say, CD player to amp, or as a coaxial lead from amp to sub (or processor to seperate amplifier)

I can vouch for this, as I currently run my subwoofer on what was supposed to be a video cable. I think I'll invest in a real cable soon.

 

[fart]

they actually don't look that different internally, but they do measure differently. it won't kill you to mix, but ideally you want to use a cable designed for coax digital.

 

[123rl]

I noticed a big difference when I switched to a dedicated sub. coaxial but using a standard RCA worked fine (it just didn't sound as good)

If anyone's interested I got my cable from www.scorpioncables.com. They're handmade by the guy who runs the site and I swear I've never seen better build quality in a cable! These things sound and look like they should cost three times their actual price. Which, tbh, they probably are since there's no ridiculous markups being added to inflate the price

 

[NohWun]

You guys are arguing about different things.

You CAN'T take a analog audio signal and plug it into a digital port. Won't work.

You CAN use a regular RCA-RCA cable to connect two digital ports. Works fine. Won't be any difference in quality depending upon the type of cable. It either works or it doesn't.

You CAN get an adapter and convert an optical digital output into a coaxial digital output & vice-versa.

 

[Error Macro]

Seriously, a cable is a cable is a cable. Monster Cable makes big money off of people who don't know this.

 

[Zaptruder]

Seriously, a cable is a cable is a cable. Monster Cable makes big money off of people who don't know this.

But they really do make the best cables. But the market is niche. For most people, the cables are just bling.

 

[Miroku]

But they really do make the best cables. But the market is niche. For most people, the cables are just bling.

If you were being sracastic, forgive me for not picking up on it. Otherwise... Monster Cables are far from the best. Heres a few brands that are superior:

Kimber
Audioquest
Transparent
Tara Labs
Blue Jeans
Bettercables

 

[Hitokage]

Seriously, a cable is a cable is a cable. Monster Cable makes big money off of people who don't know this.

Depends on the signal. For digital stuff all you need is for the signal to get across the conductor. For analog stuff you absolutely need shielding if you want fidelity because otherwise you will get noise on that wire. Of course, being analog, it's all a matter of degree.

 

[WHOAguitarninja]

I suppose I'll throw a Q in here as well.

If nobody answers this within the next few days, don't bother, as I'll already have found out the answer.

I've just picked up a Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system, and am outing through an SB Live! sound card.

I had an oppurtunity since then(quite conveniently timed) to pick up an audigy 2 zs for $50. I, of course, did.

Will this make a noticeable difference in sound quality? I'm thinking more music than games here.