Question

Is there much of a sound difference between digital optical audio (TOSLINK) and 3. 5mm?  

Answer 1

Yes. To me it's like comparing bluetooth to direct audio.  

Comments

@sidney I’ve got a Bose soundbar that only takes 1 of each so was debating if to buy an optical switch or not

---

@erroneous just depends on quality of sound to you. Optical is considered lossless audio. You can get a decent cable at a reasonable price ($10-15) on Amazon.  

---

@erroneous reaching here, so please don’t be offended. You are using a sound bar and don’t already have an amp that’ll handle input switching. You aren’t an audiophile. You won’t be able to tell the difference. Run whatever works.  

Answer 2

Hell Yeah. One's digital, the other analog.  

Comments

@prelatism so I’m best running 2 optical and a switch if my sound bar only takes 1 optical?  

---

@erroneous It all depends on the source of the signal and if it's worth it. If you don't know the difference between the two, chances are you won't care or notice the difference in sound quality. So do what's easier.  

Answer 3

Depends on which device has the best DAC Quite a few places I'll use line rather than digital & if using digital I try to keep to coax, yes there's also a difference between digital signals

Answer 4

Not to this guy.