Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Digital Optical Audio Cable: A digital optical audio cable, also known as a TOSLINK or S/PDIF cable, is designed to transmit uncompressed digital audio signals. It uses light pulses to transmit data and can carry multi-channel surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS.
2. Standard Audio Cord (Analog Cable): A standard audio cord, also called an analog audio cable or RCA cable, uses analog signals to transmit audio information. It typically carries two channels of audio (left and right), suitable for stereo setups but not ideal for surround sound systems.
When to Use Both:
- Older Equipment: Some older AV receivers or audio systems may not have digital audio inputs. In such cases, you may need to connect the source device (e.g., DVD player, Blu-ray player) to your receiver using both digital optical audio and standard analog audio cables to ensure proper sound output.
- Limited Inputs: If your AV receiver has a limited number of digital audio inputs, you may need to use analog audio connections for additional devices that don't require surround sound or for non-critical audio sources.
When Not to Use Both:
- Modern Equipment: Most modern audio devices and AV receivers support digital audio connections and can decode surround sound signals from a single digital optical input. In these cases, there's no need for an additional analog connection. Using both digital and analog cables together may result in audio interference or signal duplication, which can degrade sound quality.
In conclusion, while a digital optical audio cable typically provides the best quality audio transmission for surround sound, the need for standard audio cords depends on the capabilities and requirements of your audio setup. For older systems or setups with limited digital inputs, combining digital and analog audio connections may be necessary. However, with modern equipment, a digital optical audio cable alone is usually sufficient for high-quality surround sound.