Sky to NDX
Posted by: Bananahead on 22 September 2015
I know that this has been touched upon in the past but I couldn't find a definitive answer.
I currently take the audio feed from my Sky HD box into my 282 directly.
I tried connecting the coax output from the Sky box to my NDX with a bit of random coax and it works fine - slightly nicer sound but needs longer listening.
My question is: Should I use optical or coax from the Sky box to the NDX? What quality of cable?
Thanks
I would use optical - help avoid any grounding issues.
I would use optical - help avoid any grounding issues.
+1 My Samsung Smart TV is connected to the optical input of my NDX to avoid any potential problems with ground loops.
I use optical from my Samsung networked DVD player to my NDX also ref. ground loop avoidance.
Just out of interest does anyone know of a way to adjust the time lag so that voices sync with the images of people talking on the screen in cases where they do not?
+1 on optical to avoid grnd issues
I use it from my TV optical out rather than any of the service providers boxes, so no matter what service I'm using, the sound is what is on the screen.
Ahh, so thats the key Mike-B, thanks, understand now.
I have hidden cables through the wall from my TV, and they are a tight fit, so I have to connect the optical out from the DVD (with Smart TV/catch up etc) box instead.
Think I can adjust the latency, just need to find it in the settings.
I have an ND5 XS at the core of my system. I have noticed that the shell of the coax digital inputs is isolated from the analogue signal 0V, so grounding issues aren't likely.
I have a PVR connected optically and a Blue-Ray connected via coax, with no grounding issues.
Mike, I tried that, with a Toshiba television no less - as the inventors of Toslink you'd think they could get it right, but apparently not, I've never been able to use the optical out from my TV nothing will lock the signal. Should have worked, but didn't.
Yes they're transformer coupled so isolated. No difference with my old NDX when connecting up the DVD player (via one of the S/PDIF inputs) to system sound.
Thanks everyone.
Is there any difference between optical cables?
I would go Toslink. There should be no grounding issues per se - as the NDX is I believe galvanically isolated on its SPDIF input - but Sky STB are not renown for being that electrically clean and can float quite high with respect to true earth - and you don't want that RF grunge conducting down your coax shield. (remember galvanic isolation is to isolate DC and not AC radio frequency currents)
I am sure you might hear subtle differences between optical fibres, but the real benefit comes in the connectors rather than the fibre itself in my experience... I use standard plastic fibre with good quality polished ends and they are good for upto 5 metres and probably further if you are limiting to 48/16
Simon
I take the optical from my LG TV to my DAC (2Qute) so DVD/BRP/SKY+ that is on TV gets into my system, seems to work OK.