Characteristics

• USB is a connection interface that establishes communication between a computer and other host devices, such as an audio interface. Though the audio is actually generated within the computer software, the USB port will provide connectivity and transfer audio from the PC to the audio interface. A coaxial cable will produce similar results; however, it initiates contact via high-quality coax wires and gold-plated connectors.
  
  

Features

• A USB port may act as the mediator between the computer and the aforementioned audio interface, but it is limited in comparison to the coaxial connectors. The coaxial cables can establish a connection between the computer's audio card and other audio receivers such as a DVD player, game console and home theater system. The cables are available in multiple sizes to comfortably transfer digital audio signals from one location to the next.
  
  

Comparison

• The coaxial cable is designed to deliver true digital signal. Copper conductors included inside the outer ground cable minimize unwanted static and efficiently preserves signal strength. In addition, the coaxial connector plugs provide corrosion-free contact. USB audio interfaces can operate just as efficiently but are substantially more expensive than buying coaxial cables.
  
  

Requirements

• The USB audio interface will require cables with specified connector types that are relevant to the device. The most common type found on desktops and laptops is referred to as Type A. The opposing end must correspond with the device. The coaxial cable will require the computer to have an audio adapter that supports the output component. The opposing ends of the coaxial cable will usually fit into audio/video input ports found on the television, VCR or DVD player among others.
  
  

Considerations

• Both USB and coaxial audio interfaces will require additional hardware and/or equipment. Of course, coaxial cables may be utilized to transfer audio to household entertainment features such as the TV or DVD player. This method is generally cost efficient. To obtain audio via the USB port, an adapter is required that is less space efficient than the coaxial cables and will undoubtedly be more expensive.