Digital ballast or standard ballast?

whats the main difference? benefits on both? disadvantages on both? im looking to start my first grow and dont know which one to get

It use to be that magnetic ballasts were less expensive. Now it's a toss up on expense.

Digital-
Pros: MH & HPS, more lumen/w, less heat, dimmable, less noise
Cons: Runs at a higher frequency and most cannot run ceramic metal halides.

Magnetic-
Pros: Runs at a lower frequency
Cons: Hot, loud, less efficient, not all can run both MH/HPS

so go digital?

I bought the Hydrofarm 400watt digital w/interchangable mh/hps. Cant hear a thing.No noise,no heat. $250.00. Love it.My aquarium pump is all i hear.Very satisfied.

I just switched from a 400w magnetic to a 600w digital and I can definitely notice a difference in noise and temps. Plus I can run both MH and HPS, although my 400w HPS was great for veg.

I switched from a magnetic to digital multi-watt ballasts . Best decision ever man! I've got a 400 multi watt the runs a 250w lamp @ 250w and super lumen, and it's obv runs a 400 w lamp @ 400 w and also a super lumen setting for the 400.. Then I've got the 1000w multi watt the runs a 600w,750w, and 1000w + super lumen.. This saves me a ton on electricity throughout the year.. Just increase the wattage as your plants need it instead of running a 600w through veg you can switch to a 400w until flower then put the 600 w in. Look into it bro .. Lumatek multi watt ballasts.

gas tanker hit the nail on the head

wow thanks so much everyone! going digital!!