Coaxial or optical for digital sound?

[DentyCracker]

Good old common mode. I haven't read the definition since my first College days (in the late 80's). Second year Electronics.

[Indiana]

Although "digital" often is not really "digital" in the audio world (there ARE quite easily hearable sound differences in different CD players even when you use their digital out), I have tried this optical vs. coaxial a few times with devices that have both connectors and I'd say anyone that claims to hear a difference between those connections between the same devices is just paranoid. I NEVER had any problems with the connection with optical nor coaxial, either.

That said, if you are free in your choice it's cheaper to go coaxial and MUCH easier to get really long cables. Besides those optical cables are said to be quite easily damaged (bend them too much just one time) - however I didn't manage to kill only one of my optical cables up to now, so...

[Wombat]

We use a lot of optical cable at work (Gigabit ethernet everywhere). You really do have to be careful with it. Bump it the wrong way and you'll get a break in the line.

[Dogbert]

Bah !

I have an optical cable to record MPs to my minidisk and believe me, this poor cable has suffered and is still suffering.
I mean being pulld hard, accidently finding itself under some heavy load (heavy stuff fell on in and since I needed it, I gave it a nice tug to see if I can get it without picking up the stuff first - I eventually had to get up and pick up the stuff).
This cable is still operational.