In article , Eeyore
wrote:


An optical link has the potential advantage of eliminating 'ground loop
problems' (research into these is advised if you're into hi-end systems)
since there is no so-called 'galvanic connection'.

Since you don't define the term it is hard to disagree. :-)

However, in reality it is quite easy to get contacts which are essentially
Ohmic. i.e. which show no real sign of nonlinearity.

Not that this matters much for a digital link like SPDIF. You would need
quite gross nonlinearity to disturb such a link.

Also, ground loops don't require contacts to be non-Ohmic in order to
arise. So your statement seems to conflate two distinct matters.

However, if you just want to get get some kit going and you don't live
in an area where you have massive electrical disturbances, I reckon
you'd be equally happy with one or the other.

Provided also there are no oddities in the grounding arrangements, etc, I'd
agree. FWIW I find that co-ax SPDIF works fine in my domestic systems.

Slainte,

Jim

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