Is there really a difference in digital interconnects?
There are now three kinds of digital interconnects that connect transports to D/A converters: coax, plastic fiber (Toslink) and glass fiber (AT&T ST). In theory, these should sound EXACTLY the same (bits are bits). However, this assumes good circuit design (in particular, the clock recovery circuits of the DAC, and careful consideration of electronic noise) which may be compromised because of cost considerations or ignorance. Note: different signaling schemes are used on plastic and glass fiber. In any case, some people claim to hear a difference; of those who do, most seem to prefer the glass fiber. However, the technology of fast digital data transmission in consumer electronics is evolving very quickly now. Any specific recommendation should be treated with suspicion until the industry matures.
