audio cable questions

[DaveTheRave]

I'm considering connecting an Airport Express to my old stereo. Is there any difference in quality between connecting 3.5mm to 2 x RCA, or 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables? My stereo can accept both inputs.

Also, for Audio and Video, is there any benefit to using component to HDMI cable instead of component to component if a HD TV can accept both types of inputs?

Thanks!

 

[bwhli]

I'm considering connecting an Airport Express to my old stereo. Is there any difference in quality between connecting 3.5mm to 2 x RCA, or 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables? My stereo can accept both inputs.

Also, for Audio and Video, is there any benefit to using component to HDMI cable instead of component to component if a HD TV can accept both types of inputs?

Thanks!

There won't be a difference in sound quality between RCA and 3.5mm. 3.5mm will have a little more crosstalk, but it's a negligible amount. You won't even be able to hear it. Use either one. HDMI is all digital. Component is analog. There won't be a huge difference in picture quality. HDMI might be "better" because it's either all there or not there at all. HDMI also does audio and video with one cable if that's something you're considering.

 

[DaveTheRave]

Thanks. One more question. My old receiver has a SPDIF input. Is that the same as Toslink? Can I connect an airport express to this input?

 

[Destroysall]

Yes, you should be fine.

 

[Julien]

Thanks. One more question. My old receiver has a SPDIF input. Is that the same as Toslink? Can I connect an airport express to this input?

S/PDIF (a type of signal) is carried over Toslink (a type of optical cable). S/PDIF ca also be carried over RCA (a type of plug) coaxial cables.

S/PDIF will give you the best technical/audio connection. Airport Express uses a Mini Toslink connection. You will need a Mini Toslink to Toslink connector like this.

If your receiver's S/PDIF input is RCA then you will also need an optical to coaxial converter.