Need help with connections (1 Viewer)

[Will123]

Just recently got the Polk 3.1 S4 which I like alot and have a couple questions. Is there any sound quality difference between HDMI ARC and Digital Optical? I'm talking about HDMI ARC and NOT eARC. I "thought" I noticed a difference but it could have been in my head because I wanted to hear a difference when there actually is no difference. I'm asking because I was under the impression HDMI ARC would give better sound but in my research I'm not finding that so thought I'd ask here.

I also bought a new 4K bluray player....Sony X700. In the setup audio settings it gives me a choice of downmixing to "stereo" or "surround sound" and I'm not sure what the Polk 3.1 soundar falls under...it's not a 2.1 stereo and it's not a full 5.1 surround sound either but I'm thinking "surround sound" might be the right choice or would there be much difference?

 

[JohnRice]

There’s no need to cross post the same question. I already answered the one in the Beginner section.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Audio HDMI ARC or Digital Optical

Got a new Polk 3.1 soundbar and a new Sony X700 4K bluray player. Is there any difference in sound quality between HDMI ARC and Digital Optical or are both the same? I was using Digital Optical before then tried HDMI ARC and thought I heard a better quality in sound...sounded more full but maybe...

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