Best Optical Cable for Strong Digital Signals Everytime
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DH Labs Silversonic Toslink Optical Cable -
Lifatec Silfex Glass Audio Optical Cable -
Monoprice Premium 6FT Toslink Optical Cable -
Better Cables RCA Optical Cable -
Mediabridge Toslink Optical Digital Audio Cable -
Buyer's Guide
TOSLINK cables (also called optical digital cables) convey digital signals in the S/PDIF format from computers and audio sources to other pieces of consumer audio equipment. TOSLINK is an older digital standard which uses pulses of light traveling down a fiber optic cable to represent digital ones and zeroes. Due to the information being encoded via light instead of electrons on/in a wire, TOSLINK is immune to RF or EMF interference.
In theory, TOSLINK conveys digital data perfectly, and any cable will do the job. However, issues such as cable reflectivity, and fiber optic cable type (glass vs plastic) and diameter may have an effect on the timing of the signals. In other words, do the pulses reach their destination in the exact same spacing and timing as they were sent. Any discrepancies can cause a phenomenon known as jitter which can create a "smearing" of the sound. However, please do note that many of us cannot hear the differences, and doing so requires an audio system with very high resolution. But if you have an audiophile-grade system, buying a better quality TOSLINK cable will not be a huge expenditure to you. We judged our picks for best TOSLINK cable based on construction, durability, price, and overall design.
For more information on what to look at in selecting the best optical cable in 2022, We have listed below the optical cables available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
What are the best optical cables of 2022?
DH Labs Silversonic Toslink Optical Cable - Best Optical Cable Overall
The DH Labs Silversonic TOSLINK cable is a great example of the types of products that we rate as the best. It's not silly expensive, is obviously well-made, and is manufactured by a highly-regarded company. This optical digital cable uses a high-bandwidth fiber optic cable covered with a cladding designed to eliminate reflectivity that causes jitter or subtle smearing of the sound. The fiber optics are surrounded by a tough yet flexible PVC outer jacket. With this level of construction quality, you should have less worries about crimping the cable if tight bends are an issue.
The ferrule is precision-designed to keep the transmission end perfectly aligned for best signal transfer. Also note that the ferrule is gold-plated; this makes zero difference in signal quality, but does improve corrosion resistance. The DH Labs TOSLINK Silversonic is a great choice for perfect digital reproduction, and our choice for best optical audio cable.
Lifatec Silfex Glass Audio Optical Cable - Runner Up
This audiophile grade TOSLINK cable from Lifatec, a fiber optic specialist, is ideal for discerning audiophiles whose equipment includes separate DACs or other high-end equipment. It uses Silflex (not plastic) fiber optic cables to transfer the light pulses, and precision-machined metal ends. The fiber optic tip is polished to a 1 micron finish. Lifatec offers several different varieties of this cable with different types of jacketing for different situations. Jitter or other subtle timing issues that can happen with cheaper cables should be non-existent with any of the offerings from Lifatec. This could easily be our top choice, but it's a little more expensive, and is missing a finishing touch or two. But you will have no audio-related worries with this superior TOSLINK optical audio cable.
Monoprice Premium 6FT Toslink Optical Cable - Honorable Mention
A thick metal mesh jacket, gold-plated ferrule, and a budget price make the Monoprice optical TOSLINK cable a true bargain. Keep in mind that at this price range you are certainly getting plastic as opposed to glass fiber optics, and the optics are not engineered to reduce jitter. And, unlike some of the more expensive cables, tip and head construction is a mix of metal and plastic. This means that the chance of tip breakage or misalignment are greater than with audiophile grade cables. That being said, many people have great luck with Monoprice interconnects. If you don't have an expensive system, this will do the trick.
Better Cables RCA Optical Cable - Consider
This TOSLINK cable from BetterCables provides premium data transfer with solid build quality. The cable ends are gold-plated to resist corrosion, and the entire tip is metal, not plastic. This cable will work very well in situations where tight bends can create pressures that tend to unseat cheaper interconnects. The variety of fiber optic is not specified, but given Better Cables reputation, quality is not questioned. This is a good choice, but you can spend less and get similar results, or spend a little more and step up to audiophile goodness.
Mediabridge Toslink Optical Digital Audio Cable - Best Optical Cable
This TOSLINK cable from Mediabridge has the potential to be indistinguishable in audio quality/data transfer as compared to more expensive cables. You are not getting glass fiber optics, gold-plated ferrules, or other goodies. But, if you don't have golden ears or an expensive sound system, any differences may be inaudible. TOSLINK is a digital S/PDIF transmission system, so by design this cable is free from EMF or RFI-related noise. Keep in mind that another choice in the list offers better build quality for even less money.
Buyer's Guide
We have prepared a guide to help you locate the best optical cables on the market so you can make an intelligent decision.
Best Optical Cables For Best Audio Connection
The majority of individuals choose audio systems that may be rather loud. Any interference may be removed using the best optical cables in 2021. Hence, the sound quality is improved over the years.
Toslink was another name for optical cables, which were originally introduced in 1983 by Toshiba. These are still widely used because they not only provide crystal clear, distortion-free music, but they may also endure up to 25 years!
However, there are too many choices to choose from. You do not want to buy just any optical cable; you must ensure that the product you select is of good quality and offers the performance you want. This means you'll have to dig through hundreds of goods to locate the right one, which will take a long time. Fortunately, if you continue reading this post, you will be able to obtain an outstanding optical fiber quickly. Here is a guide to help each reader choose the perfect product for them.
Why should you use an optical audio cable?
An Optical Audio or Toslink (Toshiba Link) Cable transmits high-quality audio signals between devices using optical fibers and laser light. Fibers composed of silica, plastic, or glass can be used. Noise cannot travel via optical connections, so they are regarded as a good medium for transferring audio between two devices. Electrical and magnetic interference does not affect optical audio cables.
What are the factors to consider before buying an optical cable?
Now we'll talk about the factors to look for in an optical cable. As promised, this shopping guide will assist readers in determining which optical cable is best for them.
Length
Check the length of the optical audio cable you're considering purchasing. An optical cable is designed to function flawlessly across a 5-meter distance. These transmit high-quality signals up to 10 meters. So, if the distance between your AV equipment is short, you'll have no trouble finding an optical cable that effectively transports audio signals. On the other hand, if your devices are far apart, you'll need to invest in longer, higher-quality optical audio connections. To be safe, measure the distances between your devices and then figure out how much cable you'll need. After all, there's no use in purchasing an optical audio cable if it can't be utilized to connect your devices correctly.
Caps for connections
A connecting cap or seal is included with certain Toslink cables to protect the cable from dust and debris. These caps can be removed or left in place permanently. Connection caps aren't necessary if you're purchasing an optical cable for an in-wall installation or often connecting two devices. On the other hand, a connection cap is required if you need to connect many devices that require regular plugging in and plugging out. When not in use, the connecting cap of a Toslink cable can be closed to safeguard the connector. It will keep out all dust and debris that might interfere with an optical signal.
Location of the Port
Before moving on to the last factor, make sure the optical ports are in the right position. The ends of optical cables feature connections on both sides. Typically, the larger and more robust the connections are, the tougher the cable. This makes it more difficult to bend the connection joints. So, if your display or AV device has an optical audio connection on the rear, you'll need to see whether there's enough room for the audio cable's connector to fit.
Type of installation
You must use approved and rated optical audio cables if you need an optical audio cable for commercial use or set up a home theatre and intend to put the wire through a wall or ceiling. Check your building codes for compliance and look for CL2 or CL3 ratings before installing the cables.
What are the features to look for in an optical cable?
Construction
A Toslink cable's overall structure is also important to consider. If you want to utilize an optical connection to connect several devices that require frequent cable changing, search for robust Toslink cables. Gold-plated connections, for example, can aid with corrosion resistance, allowing the cables to last longer. Also, make sure the cable is properly shielded. Because optical audio cables are made of fragile materials, over-bending a cable can disrupt the smooth transmission of audio signals, resulting in sound deterioration or probable cable breakage.
Durability
Durability is always a key consideration. Optical fiber is recognized to be a long-lasting material. If you get it from a reputable company, you can expect it to last a long time. It's not a bad idea to double-check its quality, though. A PVC or nylon jacket, for example, is a symbol of durability and dependability. It shields you from dust, filth, and other contaminants. A gold-plated connection will be more corrosion-resistant. Overall, you must guarantee that the cable is constructed of high-quality materials.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth is the next important element to consider. The usual bandwidth for optical lines is in the range of 9 to 11 Hz, although you can go higher or lower depending on your requirements. The amount of bandwidth you require is determined by the sort of audio system you have.
What is the price range of a decent optical cable?
An excellent optical audio cable for soundbars, home theatre, or gaming often does not cost much money. For less than $10, you can get a standard-size (up to 6ft) optical cable that will transport high-quality sound between the devices. The more expensive optical cables certified for in-wall installation are, the longer and more expensive they are. When purchasing any cable, we recommend opting for alternatives that come with a solid guarantee and excellent customer service. You can choose a hassle-free replacement if there is any incompatibility or other difficulties.
Best Optical Cables FAQs
Q: What are the differences between male and female connectors?
A: Male and female connectors are the two types of connectors. In most cases, both types of cables are included. A male connection looks like a plug and has a pin. It is possible to integrate it into the system. A female connection, on the other hand, has a jack, which is a conducting hole.
Q: What function does gold plating on connections serve?
A: The connections' corrosion resistance is improved by gold plating. It directly affects sound quality, but it does provide favorable conditions for data transfer.
Q: Does the optical cable thickness make a difference?A: Thickness isn't too important as long as the wire is thick enough to prevent light from escaping and block interferences. Optical cables exist in a variety of thicknesses, but even tiny cables may deliver excellent sound quality.
