Quick question: Receiver to use with XBOX, is digital input necessary?

[odz]

I am looking for a new receiver/surround sound setup to use with an XBOX, is a digital input necessary on the receiver for top-notch sound?
Thanks.

 

[StageLeft]

Yes it is necessary for the digital 5.1 decoding. I would think that all but the crappiest of receivers nowadays have an optial input though...

 

[amnesiac]

If you want Dolby Digital 5.1, yes. If you want crappy assbite stereo sound, no.

In most cases you shouldn't have problems finding a receiver with Dolby Digital support. Many come with DTS decoders built in too which helps.
Either way, that means it should also come with digital optical or digital coax input for sound. If it doesn't you're looking at the wrong class of receivers (read: cheap)

 

[StageLeft]

Just checked and at best buy at least you can get a digital 5.1 capable receiver for no more than $200 for the cheaper sony one.

 

[odz]

Ok, what about optical digital vs coaxial digital, is there a noticable difference?
THanks

 

[BD2003]

There should be no noticible difference between optical and coaxial. Digital is digital.

(shameless plug) BTW, if youre looking for an inexpensive DD 5.1 receiver, I'm selling on in the FS/T forums.

 

[NARtheWang]

There should a very noticable difference.. coaxial used to have a very distinct *hiss* where you don;t get that with optical

 

[odz]

Originally posted by: NARtheWang
There should a very noticable difference.. coaxial used to have a very distinct *hiss* where you don;t get that with optical

Hmmm... That throws a wrench into it. I am about to click continue to purchase the:
Pioneer 500-Watt
Dolby Digital/DTS/PLII Theater System
with 5-Disc DVD Changer (coaxial digital input)

ANyone else with an opinion on coaxial vs optical?

 

[0roo0roo]

i think he meant analog or something. coaxial doesn't have a hiss digital is digital. its not like our harddrives are connected using optical cables eh?

 

[odz]

Cool, I did a search and the general opinion is that there is no difference...makes sense.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: NARtheWang
There should a very noticable difference.. coaxial used to have a very distinct *hiss* where you don;t get that with optical

Um, you must be thinking of RCA connections. Coaxial digital is still digital and has no artifacts or hissing.