Optical Audio vs. Jack Outputs
I just got a Mac Pro because I am starting my own film editing production company. At the back of the Mac Pro is an optical audio input/output. Is the sound quality on the optical plugs better than regular speakers and what are the best speakers to use with a Mac Pro??
You’re right, the built in speaker on the Mac Pro is weak. It isn’t intended to be your primary audio source. Just about any external speakers will improve the quality of the sound. I really like the Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 system because it sounds great and looks great with the Mac Pro.
To answer your question, technically, yes, optical plugs provide better audio than you get with a regular 1/8″ jack. I’ll tell you a secret, though…I can’t tell a difference. Audiophiles can, or at least they say they can. The big advantage of optical audio is that you eliminate to possibility of line noise.
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The optical output is a digital out which means it send bits ( 0 and 1) so theoretical there cant be any noise because the bit is 0 or 1. Also you only have to use 1 cable which will send the signal of multiple speakers (dolby 5.1).
But the best thing to use i.m.h.o. is the use of an external (usb/firewire) soundcard (m-audio for example) in combination with 2 or more studio monitors for neutral sound. Because the sound will only be as good as your soundcard can produce. I know this maybe sound “overdone” or expensive but if you spend $400 on a card+speakers you will hear details in sounds you’ll never heard before :)
(ps. excuse my bad english as dutch is my native language.)