Choosing Blu ray player

[K-High-Fi]

Thank you all for reply, and Smokey for the link. Is optical better than coaxial? As far i remember coaxial have 75 and optical is 65.

As for players, I hope Sony will do the job If only does not sound bright or less realistic when playing DVD movies.

[Smokey]

Is optical better than coaxial?

Although both are same, if given a choice I would go with coaxial. Coaxial is less finicky than optical and don't use conversions in the signal chain (electrical to optical and vice versa).

[Feanor]

Although both {optical and coaxial S/PDIF} are same, if given a choice I would go with coaxial. Coaxial is less finicky than optical and don't use conversions in the signal chain (electrical to optical and vice versa).

There is a school of thought that says between computer and DAC one ought to use optical because the DAC from radio frequency noise, (RFI/EMF), created by the computer. Personally I use coax.

If you use coax, a LONGER cable length is desirable to minimize the effect of source/target impedance mismatch; opinion varies as to the best length but 15 feet/5 meters would be conservative. On the other hand, optical cable should always be as short as possible.

[Mr Peabody]

Theoretically your DVD playback should sound the same, keep in mind whether the Arcam or Sony the signal coming out is still digital and will be converted by the Krell's internal DAC. So any potential difference would be whether you could detect any difference in transports.

I prefer coaxial digital connection based on reliability. I've never had issue with coaxial but have had an optical cable go bad and some compatibility issues. The optical cable was expensive so trouble seems to occur no matter the price range. Also, I've read papers claiming if the optical is bent or has to curve it could cause the optical information to become corrupt, as in timing changes or distorting the bit to where it can't be read.

[Smokey]

If you use coax, a LONGER cable length is desirable to minimize the effect of source/target impedance mismatch; opinion varies as to the best length but 15 feet/5 meters would be conservative.

The formula for [coax] cable impedance does not include cable lenght as one of its derivative. So it cable lenght should not be an issue

[Feanor]

It's apparently more complicated than that. The issue is signal echo/bounce that occurs when the source and target impedances are mismatched; it hasn't to do with the impedance of the cable itself. The result, by analogy, is a little like ghosting we used to see on our off-the-air TV. The result in digital terms is jitter, i.e. playback timing problems which affects the sound.

There is a lot of discussion of this issue over at Audio Asylum's Computer Audio Asylum.

[Mr Peabody]

I wouldn't think that to be the case with DVD or CD players, I don't no of any pre-fab cables 15' long, most manufacturers advise to keep the coaxial cable run short, in fact, Audio Note recommended a .75 meter as optimum. So they either have a standard impedance which makes this a non issue or perhaps the impedance issue is off base for non-computer gear. I don't know, it's just contrary to what the consumer electronics companies say. You would think the shorter the distance the better.

[Mr Peabody]

I hooked up a new Sony S590 in our living room, it was one of the easiest set ups I've ever done. I had the manual sitting beside me but never needed it. Wyfi hook up was a breeze and the family had a lot of fun with the aps. Something to keep in mind if loading time is important, it has a feature to automatically search the internet for Blu ray extras when a disc is inserted, if you turn that feature off the movie loads quicker. I like the looks of the slim line unit but it's light as a feather, it may look out of place with all the rugged Krell .

[Smokey]

It's apparently more complicated than that. The issue is signal echo/bounce that occurs when the source and target impedances are mismatched; it hasn't to do with the impedance of the cable itself.

But there is no impedance mismatch between the source and target for coaxial digital protocol. Like the video connection, the source will have 75 ohm output and the target will have 75 ohm input impedance. And to keep the effects of cable minimum, the cable should have 75 ohm impedance.

If cable is not 75 ohm for these type of connections, then you will run into problems like signal echos and noise pick up.

Most manufacturers advise to keep the coaxial cable run short, in fact, Audio Note recommended a .75 meter as optimum.

Whether we like it or not, the cable will have an effect on the signal it is carrying. The longer the cable, the more cable resistance, capacitance, inductance and noise ratio effects will have on the signal. So keep it short

[Feanor]

But there is no impedance mismatch between the source and target for coaxial digital protocol. Like the video connection, the source will have 75 ohm output and the target will have 75 ohm input impedance. And to keep the effects of cable minimum, the cable should have 75 ohm impedance.

If cable is not 75 ohm for these type of connections, then you will run into problems like signal echos and noise pick up. ...

I suggest your seek & read the discussion at Audio Asylum; I'm not an electrical engineer and can't provide you with a full discussion. There are people at AA who are and can. One thing, though, the actual impedance of the cable itself is far less than 75 ohms; the 75 ohm specification pertains to the source and receiving circuits.

...
Whether we like it or not, the cable will have an effect on the signal it is carrying. The longer the cable, the more cable resistance, capacitance, inductance and noise ratio effects will have on the signal. So keep it short

There's no question of my likes & dislikes: I agree that cables can effect the signal. However I use a 30 foot coax cable myself with excellent results.

BTW, Mr P, I wouldn't take any comment pertaining to things digital coming from Audio Note as authoritative.

[E-Stat]

If you use coax, a LONGER cable length is desirable to minimize the effect of source/target impedance mismatch; opinion varies as to the best length but 15 feet/5 meters would be conservative.

Agree only to an extent. Like many parameters, there is a sweet spot where values below and above are less ideal.

RE: Long S/PDIF cable - audioengr - Digital Drive

Steve Nugent of Empirical Audio is the most vocal proponent of appropriate cable length. He prefers longer than one meter to reduce the reflection issue and shorter than five meters to reduce jitter.

RE: Long S/PDIF cable - audioengr - Digital Driv