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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteOptical TOSLINK and coaxial digital audio carry the same type of digital audio signal—S/PDIF—but use different cables: optical sends pulses of light through fiber, while coaxial sends an electrical signal through an RCA-style connection. For most setups, choose the connection that matches the source’s output and the receiver or soundbar’s input. Neither one bypasses S/PDIF’s format limits; for supported high-resolution audio such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, use HDMI instead.
How optical and coaxial digital audio differ
Both connections carry S/PDIF, short for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format. The difference is the physical medium, not a different kind of audio file: optical uses light pulses in a fiber cable, while coaxial carries an electrical digital signal through an RCA-style cable. Sony describes the optical link as a fiber-optic cable that transmits the digital audio bitstream in pulses of light (Sony Support); Philips likewise identifies both as S/PDIF connections (Philips Support).
| Feature | Optical TOSLINK | Coaxial S/PDIF |
|---|---|---|
| Signal medium | Light pulses through optical fiber | Electrical digital signal through an RCA-style connection |
| Common port labels | Optical, TOSLINK, Digital Audio | Digital Coaxial, S/PDIF |
| Typical connector clue | Square port, often with a small protective flap or cap | Single RCA-style jack, often orange or black |
| Format capability | Limited by S/PDIF and the device implementation | Limited by S/PDIF and the device implementation |
Which cable should you use?
Check the audio output on the device sending sound and the audio input on the device receiving it. Match the port types: an optical output needs an optical input and a TOSLINK cable; a coaxial S/PDIF output needs a coaxial S/PDIF input and a digital coaxial cable. Labels can vary, so check the device manual if the port name is unclear.
- Optical output to optical input: Use a TOSLINK cable. Remove any protective caps and keep the cable connectors clean; avoid sharp bends that could impair the optical path, as Philips advises in its connection guidance (Philips Support).
- Coaxial digital output to coaxial digital input: Use a digital coaxial S/PDIF cable. Do not mistake a red-and-white analog stereo pair for a digital coaxial connection. Sony distinguishes the digital coaxial cable from a standard RCA cable, noting that the former is designed for the wider bandwidth of a digital bitstream (Sony Support).
If both devices offer both connections, port availability and the installation are usually more useful deciding factors than claims that one cable must sound better. Philips says the connections are “equally good” for its guidance, and Cambridge Audio says that typical domestic setups rarely reveal differences between reasonable examples of each cable (Philips Support; Cambridge Audio). That is practical manufacturer guidance, not a guarantee that every device, cable, or installation will behave identically.
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- Bi-Directional Coaxial and Optical Converter: Plug and play, Coaxial to Coaxial&Toslink, or Toslink to Coaxial&Toslink, just a switch button for your input selection
- Supports LPCM2.0/ DTS/ Dolby AC3/ 5.1CH : Multiple digital audio formats to achieve lossless digital audio conversion makes our Converter to be an ideal tool for your shocking home theater
- Supports up to 192 KHz: Noise-free transmission and the highest support 192 KHz 24bit sampling rate for excellent audio output, as well as 32KHz, 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 96KHz, 192KHz
- Noise Reduction and Power indicator: made of high-quality alloy shell material,the converter is fantastic for Noise-reduction and thermal resistance; Power indicator for your Converter working check
- Wide Applicability: 1m Coaxial cable&2m Optical cable provided for Long-distance transmission is perfectly compatible with Apple TV PS4, Xbox 360, Satellite receiver, BR player, Blu-ray Player, UHD TV, DVD, Sound Bar, Amplifier and other devices with Optical and coaxial interfaces
Do optical and coaxial support different audio formats?
Neither physical connection gives S/PDIF more format capacity. A Philips manual for the BDP5406/F7, BDP3406/F7, and HTS5580W/F7 says that bandwidth limitations prevent Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution, and DTS-HD Master Audio from being sent through either optical or coaxial digital audio output (Philips product documentation). Check the manuals for your specific source and receiver for supported formats and output settings.
If both devices support HDMI, HDMI is the connection to investigate for higher-bandwidth formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio (Klipsch Support). A coaxial cable is not a higher-format alternative to optical simply because it carries an electrical signal.
Rank #2
- Converts RCA Analog Stereo Audio Signal to Digital Coaxial Audio And Toslink Spdif Optical Digital Audio Simultaneously
- Supports Uncompressed 2-Channel LPCM Digital Audio Signal Output.
- Supports Output Sampling Rate At 48 KHz. Reminder: The Signal Source Of The Analog Port Does Not Support Dolby!
- Provides Electromagnetic-Noise-Free Transmission.Note! Only Outputs 2 Channels of Sound
- Easy to Install and Simple to Operate With 1 Year Warranty From Musou
Output settings can change what the receiver gets
A digital connection does not guarantee that the source sends the same audio format in every setup. With bitstream output, the source sends compressed audio for the external device to decode. With PCM or LPCM output, the source decodes the audio and sends PCM instead. Device support and audio-output settings therefore matter alongside the cable type. If sound is missing or a format is unavailable, check the source’s audio output mode and the receiver’s format support; Philips outlines the distinction between bitstream and PCM in its format guidance (Philips Support).
What about cable length?
There is no universal maximum length established here: results depend on the transmitter, receiver, and cable. Cambridge Audio’s revised 2025 guidance makes a theoretical comparison: it describes coaxial as superior up to 5 m and optical as having the advantage beyond 5 m. This is a manufacturer’s theoretical rule of thumb, not a guaranteed limit or a universal test result (Cambridge Audio). For a particular installation, follow the device and cable maker’s specifications.
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Rank #3
- 【analog to digital audio converter】Converts RCA or 3.5mm AUX analog stereo audio signal to Digital Coaxial audio and Toslink Spdif Optical digital audio simultaneously. Note: It’s not a Digital to Analog audio converter(This product requires unplugging the power source before connecting the audio cable; otherwise, a humming noise will occur)
- 【TV aux to optical for sound bar】Supports uncompressed 2-channel PCM digital audio signal output,Supports output sampling rate at 32K,44.1K,48K audio sampling rate（Note: This device does not feature volume control. To adjust the volume, please use the signal source/amplifier.）
- 【Automatic encoding design 】No software installation, automatic recognition of audio formats, high bandwidth design, no need to have concerns about distortion and loss of some audio content
- 【Small compact design】 Soft light LED indicator to avoid harsh bright light.Designed with aluminum metal housing to guarantee heat dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility，extending product life
- 【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with devices with RCA plug or 3.5mm jack output, such as TV / PS3 / MP3 / DVD player / smartphone / tablet / recorder / laptop / radio / digital audio receiver / home theater system et（Does not work with Bluetooth speakers）
How to solve an optical/coaxial port mismatch
If the source has one type of digital output and the receiver has the other type of digital input, use a converter that changes the signal between optical and coaxial S/PDIF. Choose the direction based on the signal path; these converters are not interchangeable in every setup. Philips recommends an optical-to-coax converter for a TV optical output connected to a system with coaxial input, and a coaxial-to-optical converter for the reverse (Philips Support).
- TV optical out to receiver coaxial in: Connect an optical-to-coaxial converter between them.
- TV coaxial out to receiver optical in: Connect a coaxial-to-optical converter between them.
- Digital output to analog-only input: Use a digital-to-analog audio converter instead. An optical/coaxial converter changes the digital connector type; it does not convert digital audio to analog.
Check the converter’s own documentation for signal direction and power requirements. A converter can address a port mismatch, but it cannot remove S/PDIF’s format limitations. If you need lossless high-resolution surround and both devices support it, check their manuals for HDMI connectivity instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Coaxial to Optical Converter:Converts Coaxial Digital Signal to Optical SPDIF Toslink Audio Signal. Built-in 1m Toslink Cable and a Built-in 1m Coaxial Cable for Long-distance Transmission, Plug and Play
- 192kHz Sampling Rate:Noise-free Transmission, Sampling Rate at 32, 44.1, 48, 96 and 192 kHz,24-bit , Provides Clear Audio
- Audio Format:The Converter Supports LPCM2.0/DTS/Dolby AC3/5.1CH Audio, Providing Lossless Digital Audio Conversion
- Long-distance Transmission:Features a Built-in 1m/3.3ft Toslink Cable and a Built-in 1m/3.3ft Coaxial Cable, it is more Convenient to Connect and Install without Occupying any Space
- Plug and Play:Perfectly Works with Older TV, DVD, Soundbar, Amplifier and Other Devices with Optical and Coaxial Interface. A 5V 1A Adapter (Not Included) Is Recommended to Power It
Rank #4
- Bi-Directional Digital Audio Converter: Support 2-way audio convert: Coaxial to Toslink or Toslink to Coaxial. An input signal switch button that can easily select either SPDIF (Optical/ Toslink) or Coaxial input
- Audio Format: Supports Stereo sound format: Dolby / DTS / ACC / PCM. PCM sampling frequencies can reach to 192KHz, and PCM word length is 16-bit. High definition audio output for your amplifier and speaker, noise-free transmission
- Plug and Play: No need to install any driver. With built-in amplification chip, the converter can also serve as a repeater of audio signal and extend the transferring distance. Comes with a 5V micro USB power cable, which supply stable power for the converter
- Wide Applicability: Compatible with Blu-ray Player, Satellite receiver, BR player, Xbox 360, HDTV, DVD, Amplifier, Sound Bar, Speaker and other device with Optical and coaxial interfaces
- What You Get: 1*Digital Audio Converter, 1*USB Power Cable (adapter is not included), 1*User Manual; Please contact us if you have any questions, we will solve it for you
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