analog vs. optical audio out ... and what cable to I use?

Question

analog vs. optical audio out ... and what cable to I use?

I've ordered an iPod Hi-Fi, which I intend to use in place of external speakers for my G5. I have two questions:

First, do I want to connect using the analog or the optical audio out?

Second, if the latter, what kind of cable to I need if the optical is preferable?

Thanks

Posted on Mar 12, 2006 1:16 PM

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Answer 1

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Mar 12, 2006 8:07 PM in response to Robert Jones12

I prefer optical, I bought the following

"The AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit with Monster Cables includes everything you need to get the most from AirPort Express: a Monster mini-to-RCA left/right audio cable, a Monster mini-to-optical digital Toslink audio cable and an AirPort Express power extension cord. Priced at US$39"

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Answer 2

Mar 18, 2006 5:59 AM in response to Robert Jones12

Thanks. After considerable running around to no avail, I ordered the same thing myself.

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Answer 3

Mar 18, 2006 8:26 AM in response to Robert Jones12

I think you might be mistaken here. The optical input on the iPod HIFI is not toslink but optical mini. I believe you will need a optical mini at each end (say if running from an Airort Express to the HIFI)

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Answer 4

Mar 18, 2006 9:11 AM in response to Robert Jones12

I don't have a wireless network -- the house we live in is wired for Ethernet, and neither of us use a portable computer. My only concern, therefore, is to find a cable that will go from the PowerMac G5 optical audio out to the audio in on iPod Hi-Fi. From what I've been able to learn online, the former is Toslink, the latter -- as you say -- mini. So I'm assuming that the "mini-to-optical digital Toslink audio cable" will do the job.

I confess, however, that most of this information has not been easy to come by. Apple could certainly do a better job here.

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Answer 5

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Mar 18, 2006 4:32 PM in response to Robert Jones12

Hello Robert,

I am very sure the one (Toslink-Optical mini) you ordered is ocrrect, as I am currently using it between G5 and HiFi

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Answer 6

Mar 18, 2006 4:50 PM in response to Robert Jones12

Thanks for your reassurance, Mitch. I'll breathe a bit easier now while I wait for it to arrive in the mail.

Bob

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Answer 7

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Mar 18, 2006 5:12 PM in response to Robert Jones12

one more thing to add which you may miss, the new cable will come with 2 tiny plastic covers (very easy to overlook) on the Toslink and Opitcal mini (end of the plug), you must take them off before connection. Have fun, I am sure you will get at least 20% better performance vs RCA/minijack cable

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Answer 8

Mitch 751

Level 6

11,644 points

Mar 18, 2006 5:11 PM in response to Warren Willows

Warren, you are right, optical mini at each end for airport express to hifi, but a toslink & opitical mini for hifi tp G5.

When the airport express released, user will use a opitical mini at the end of airport express but the toslink to their digital amp.

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