The Perfect Guide & Top 7 Best Optical Audio Cable In 2022
The best optical audio cable uses light instead of copper wire to transfer audio digitally. This is a type of fiber optics used in a variety of applications. In this perfect guide, we review the top 7 best optical audio cable for you to decide which one suits you the best.
The Best Optical Audio Cable are essential for signal transmission between devices. Any interference or signal degradation can degrade sound quality. In the audiophile community, there’s an adage that your system is only as good as its weakest link. Cables provide an uncompromised listening experience when built and used correctly, but they should never be the most expensive audio gear you own.
Fiber optic cables are advanced cables that transmit data using light signals rather than electrical impulses. Because of this characteristic, fiber optic cables frequently have a higher bandwidth rate and data transfer than standard copper cables. Similarly, optical fiber cables are far more dependable and secure than other wires.
Where Do We Use Optical Audio Cable?
We use optical cables to transmit digital audio from speakers or AV receivers. They are nearly indistinguishable from the HDMI cables that most consumers use. Instead of using optical audio cables, try to use HDMI cables whenever possible. If you’re wondering why check out the explanation below:
Higher-quality audio can be transmitted by HDMI cables, including Blu-ray codecs like DTS HD Master Audio and Dolby True HD. However, optical audio cables lack this functionality.
In this case, you can use an optical audio cable if you have older cables that do not support HDMI. However, it would be best if you did so for the audio to reach your AV receiver or soundbar. This is a brief explanation of how optical cables are used.
How Do Optical Audio Cable Work?
An optical cable uses light instead of copper wire to transfer audio digitally. This is a type of fiber optics used in a variety of applications. Digital Optical cables operate on the same principles as coaxial cables but are designed primarily for shorter-distance digital audio-only applications. Audio data is converted from digitally encoded electrical signals to light at the source. An LED light transmits the signals to the receiving end via a cable.
The light pulses are converted back to electrical pulses at the receiving end. When the audio is restored to an electrical state, it passes through the connected device, such as a home theater, stereo receiver, compatible powered speakers, or another component, for any necessary decoding, processing, and amplification. Because our ears cannot hear digital 1s and 0s, the signal is finally converted to analog so that it can be heard through speakers or headphones.
Digital optical connections are available in many of the following devices, in addition to many CD players, depending on brand and model:
- Disc Players (DVD, Blu-ray, UHD Blu-ray)
- Cable/satellite set-top boxes
- DVRs
- Game consoles
- AV Preamp/Processors
- Home theater receivers
- Select stereo receivers
- Network streaming players
- Soundbars
- TVs
- Select powered wired or wireless speakers.
A mini-optical (aka mini-Toslink) jack is found on portable CD and audio players. To connect the player to compatible amplifiers or receivers, you’ll need a Toslink-to-mini-optical cable adapter if you come across this type of connection.
In recent years, some Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray players have dropped the digital optical connection option in favor of HDMI only. If your home theater receiver has digital optical connections but no HDMI connections, ensure the devices you intend to use have a digital optical output connection.
Audio Formats Supported By Optical Audio Cable
Digital optical cables and connections support the following digital audio formats:
- PCM 2.0
- Dolby Digital 2.0 to 5.1
- Dolby Digital 2.0 to 5.1
- Dolby Digital EX 6.1
- DTS Digital Surround
- DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
- DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
- DTS 96/24 (96kHz/24bit audio
Because digital optical cables/connections lack the necessary bandwidth capacity, they cannot support the full range of audio and surround sound formats. This dates back to the creation of the SPDIF interface when it was not anticipated that more bandwidth capacity would be required. That is different from saying that digital optical cables are obsolete.
Despite some audio format limitations, digital optical is an excellent connection option for dedicated two-channel stereo audio and basic surround sound formats. PCM 2.0, for example, provides uncompressed audio. Audio purists debate whether PCM 2.0 and two-channel analog audio are comparable, but there is little audible difference when done correctly.
The difference between surround sound “lossy” formats sent via digital optical cable and the higher-bandwidth required “lossless” formats sent via HDMI is where you may hear the difference.
Digital optical cables and connections do not support the following audio formats. These audio signal formats require HDMI connections and, in some cases, are available via streaming:
- 5.1/7.1 multi-channel PCM
- Dolby Digital Plus
- Dolby TrueHD
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- DTS:X
- Auro 3D Audio
Factors To Consider In Buying The Best Optical Audio Cable
The following are some considerations to make when purchasing an optical audio cable:
1. Length
Any length greater than ten meters is not recommended because it reduces the transmission’s reliability. Optical audio cables, for example, are frequently limited to a maximum length of 5 meters without using an additional signal booster. Assume you need lengths of more than one hundred feet.
In that case, an optical cable made of molten quartz would be the best option for you because it will produce higher-quality results. Assume, for example, that you only require a short cable. In that case, a cable made of plastic optical fibers could be used.
It is a fact because there will be no discernible difference in signal quality. But only if the distance between sender and receiver is greater than 100 feet and the bandwidth levels are extremely high.
2. Width
The performance of the 5 mm and 8 mm cables is identical. This is because the width is simply the exterior diameter of the cable, which has no bearing on the connections.
As a result, there is no difference in size between the two. However, thicker cables are more durable and frequently come with a protective nylon mesh covering on the outside. This is something you should think about.
There is no discernible difference in quality between optical audio mixers brands. Assume you need exceptional hearing and a high-quality system. In that case, you will likely notice differences if you use a less expensive brand instead of a more expensive one. This is true even if you have an excellent system.
3. Price
Because of their higher bandwidth requirements, optical audio cables are frequently more expensive than digital coaxial cables. However, because there is no interference from other electronic equipment nearby, they provide superior performance when reproducing digital signals.
As a result, the type of optical cable you choose to invest in will significantly affect the pricing you provide. Standard-length plastic fiber cables are significantly less expensive than quartz fiber cables of the same length.
Furthermore, certain cables have connectors coated in 24k gold to improve signal transmission and prevent corrosion. However, this may significantly increase the cost of the cable.
4. Durability
Inspecting optical audio cables to ensure no sharp kinks are preventing them from functioning properly is always a good idea. Bending the cable prevents it from properly passing light along its length, which is acceptable but unavoidable.
You would want your optical cable to be strong and durable in construction, just like any other cable. As a result, in addition to standard rubber construction, a few braided optical cables are much stronger and can easily last for a long time.
5. Warranty
Aside from being durable, the cable should also be reliable for long-term use. Checking the warranty that comes with your optical cable is always a good idea. While most cables come with a one to three-year warranty, some may even come with a lifetime warranty for even greater longevity.
6. Bandwidth
For the best performance, your optical audio cable should have a bandwidth ranging from 9 MHz to 11 MHz. The higher the bandwidth of this connection, the more efficient it will be.
However, it is important to remember that smaller consumer items, such as CD players, would not suffer a quality loss due to limited bandwidth like a home theatre system would.
Top 7 Best Optical Audio Cable In 2022
There was the digital optical cable before HDMI 2.1 dominated the digital-decoding landscape. Toshiba invented the optical audio cable, also known as a TOSLINK cable in some A/V circles, in 1983. An optical cable is a one-and-done purchase that can transfer uncompressed audio signals from stand-alone components to an A/V receiver, soundbar, and other home theater hardware. We sifted through a slew of wire brands to compile this list of the best optical audio cables.
1. KabelDirekt Optical Digital Audio Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The KabelDirekt optical cable offers some of the best bangs for your buck. According to the company, the gold-plated connectors are corrosion-resistant (which may not matter much in terms of sound quality, but it may extend the life of the cable) and, thanks to the fiber-optic design, the cable itself will not be subjected to interference from radio (RFI) or electromagnetic (EMI) frequencies. The KabelDirekt PVC jacket is both flexible and strong, providing long-term protection for the cable.
Features:
- A cable length of 10 feet.
- Rubber cable construction is available.
- A 3-year warranty is included.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- Design of fiber optics
- Long-lasting design
- There are numerous length options.
- Highly affordable and cost-effective option
- For the price, it is quite long for heavy-duty use.
- A long warranty period provides peace of mind.
CONS
- Longer models can be costly.
- The build quality could have been higher.
Thoughts:
Finally, suppose you want to take advantage of the benefits of optical audio but don’t want to spend much money on the technology. In that case, the Amazon Basics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable for TVs is an excellent choice. It has a simple appearance but accomplishes what it sets out to do. This cable, available in three lengths of 3.3 feet, 6 feet, and 9.8 feet, is ideal for utilizing your audio system to your television or computer.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | KabelDirekt |
| Connector Type | Toslink to Toslink |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Compatible Devices | TVs, Audio Amplifiers |
| Color | Black |
2. EMK Digital Optical Audio Cable Toslink Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
EMK is a well-known cable brand because it produces the most cost-effective products. As a result, most of its products are ideal for those on a tight budget, contributing to the company’s widespread popularity.
The EMK Digital Optical Audio Cable Toslink Cable is the most affordable option, making it an excellent choice for shoppers on a tight budget. Despite the lower price, you still get cable lengths ranging from 3 to 49 feet, which most consider above average.
Although the provided rubber cable is fairly flexible and easy to work with, it is not the most durable. This is reflected in the fact that EMK sells it at a reasonable price. However, given the price, the fact that this optical comes with a three-year warranty is a huge plus.
Features:
- 6 ft of rated cable length
- Rubber cable construction is available.
- A one-year warranty is included.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- The maximum cable length is 49 feet.
- Rubber cable construction is available.
- A low-cost and durable option.
- Excellent length for heavy-duty applications.
- The entry-level optical cable is reasonably priced.
CONS
- The warranty period could have been extended.
Thoughts:
Finally, the EMK Digital Optical Audio Cable Toslink Cable is an excellent audio cable with various lengths to choose from. While it does not have gold-plated connectors, it performs admirably. Overall, this is one of the best optical audio cables on the market.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | EMK |
| Connector Type | Optical |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Compatible Devices | Projector, Monitor |
| Color | Blue. |
3. Best Optical Audio Cable, FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable features pure metal connectors and a high-quality fiber core. FosPower created this cable to ensure that dependability would not be an issue. This cable is an excellent option if you install a sound system in your home.
This optical cable has given us a sufficient number of approach options. This device astounds us with its compatibility and signal quality, especially since it costs nearly half the price of most currently available variants. As a result, we have complete confidence in recommending this to anyone looking for a competent and reasonably priced optical audio cable.
As evidence, the cable itself is highly compatible with a wide range of electronic devices. As a result, whether it’s a soundbar, Blu-Ray player, or gaming console, you should expect nothing less than superb and smooth sound transmission from the device.
Additionally, FosPower designed the product to be corrosion-free and damage-resistant. The cable’s connection tips, conductors, and ferrules are all 24k gold plated. Because some cables are gold-plated, they can operate independently and without interruption.
Furthermore, FosPower incorporates intriguing jacket protection into the product’s design. This jacket protection, lined with a strong layer of interwoven nylon, aids in reducing the amount of internal optical damage caused by unintentional kinks.
Features:
- A 3 ft cable length is recommended.
- A 3 ft cable length is recommended..
- A lifetime warranty is included.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- It is supplied as a braided cable.
- Beginner-friendly and reasonably priced.
- Tips with gold plating for improved transmission.
- Increased durability.
CONS
- The length could be better for extended use.
Thoughts:
Finally, the FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable is an outstanding optical cable. It can be used to connect your sound system to your television. For example, an outer nylon mesh jacket adds to the cable’s OD6.0mm heavy-duty design. This protects the wire from kinks, nicks, and accidental bends.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | FosPower |
| Connector Type | Optical |
| Compatible Devices | Television, DVD |
| Connector Gender | Male |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
4. Best Optical Audio Cable, AudioQuest Cinnamon Toslink Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
AudioQuest is a relatively luxurious and high-end optical cable manufacturer known for its heavy-duty products with high-end specs and durability. The company is also well-known for being a high-end optical cable manufacturer.
The AudioQuest Cinnamon Toslink Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable is the best option for applications that require high levels of durability. This optical cable is 1.5 m long. The length is significantly longer than any other available option. This makes it an excellent choice for high-use applications.
Features:
- 1.5m length.
- It has a rubberized surface.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- Ideal for rough use
- increased adaptability
- Extremely long-lasting
CONS
- A little pricey
Thoughts:
Finally, the AudioQuest Cinnamon Toslink Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable is a highly versatile optical audio cable available today. Its 1.5 m length ensures that it meets all your multimedia needs and is very simple to set up.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | AudioQuest |
| Connector Type | Auxiliary |
| Cable Type | USB |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Color | Red |
5. Best Optical Audio Cable, VANAUX 90 Degree Optical Audio Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The VANAUX 90-degree optical audio cable’s connection design takes up only 0.6 inches of space, making it ideal for audio installations with limited space. This is a much smaller option than other full-sized cables, which can take up to 2.8 inches of space.
In terms of construction quality, the cable has corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors made of 24K gold and a very robust PVC jacket. Furthermore, the cable is available in a wide range of lengths, beginning at 3.3 feet and extending up to 26 feet.
A right-angle plug is attached to each end of the wire. It comes in two varieties: one with a single end with a right-angle plug and the other with a right-angle plug on both ends. The latter allows for installation even in more restricted spaces.
Features:
- A useful length of 26 feet.
- It has a rubberized surface.
- Among the market’s longest cables.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- Excellent flexibility and durability
- Excellent value for money.
CONS
- So far, none.
Thoughts:
Finally, the VANAUX 90-Degree Optical Audio Cable is ideal if your television or soundbar is oriented and close to the wall. That’s because there’s a good chance there will need to be more space for a high-quality optical fiber cable to connect properly.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | VANAUX |
| Connector Type | Optical |
| Cable Type | Component |
| Compatible Devices | PlayStation |
| Color | Black |
6. Best Optical Audio Cable, Amazon Basics CL3 Rated Optical Audio Digital Toslink Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Assume that cost-effectiveness is extremely important to you, and you are looking for the highest possible quality at the lowest possible price. In that case, the AmazonBasics CL3 Optical Audio Cable is an excellent choice. This Toslink cable is available in five lengths ranging from 6 to 35 feet.
It includes all desirable features, such as gold plating on the connections and pleasant handling, so you can easily plug it in and ensure it’s properly connected. The PVC covering on this version adds protection and longevity to the product.
This product will allow you to successfully conceal this cable’s sight in your home theater by running it through the wall.
Amazon purposefully designed this arrangement to produce the least amount of smoke to reduce the possibility of a fire breaking out.
Features:
- 6 ft of rated cable length
- Rubber cable construction is available.
- A one-year warranty is included.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- When not in use, the cable is protected by removable rubber tips.
- Gold-plated connectors and buffer tubing are corrosion-resistant for optimal signal transfer.
- PVC outer layer that is long-lasting.
- A lightweight, flexible cable transmits clear, multi-channel fiber-optic digital audio.
- Connects audio components, such as a soundbar, to a receiver/preamp, audio processor, digital-to-analog converter (DAC), or television.
CONS
Thoughts:
Finally, the Amazon Basics CL3 Rated Optical Audio Digital Toslink Cable is a straightforward product. However, the materials are of high quality and can serve their purpose. Even at this price, it’s a good buy.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Connector Type | Optical |
| Cable Type | Fiber Optic |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| Color | TV |
7. Best Optical Audio Cable, StarTech.com 10 ft. Digital Optical Audio Cable
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
StarTech.com’s 10 ft. The Digital Optical Audio Cable has been coated with PVC while remaining extremely thin. This small cable will provide an excellent digital audio connection despite its small size. This performance is due to the cable’s gold-plated connection tips, which complement the otherwise understated design.
This item has been designed to be as thin, lightweight, and compact as possible to fit into even the smallest enclosures. Despite this, don’t be fooled by the wire’s apparent small size. Even though StarTech designed it to be as light as possible, its longevity is comparable to that of comparable alternatives. As a result, the cable’s durability is ensured by using a very lightweight PVC material.
You should also expect the best audio quality possible, free of discernible distortions and signal interference. This is because StarTech designed these optical fiber cables to reduce the possibility of a broken signal. To improve signal transmission even further, the manufacturers installed polished lenses at regular intervals along the entire length of the cable.
You can also connect any device to the component without restrictions or concerns. It is obvious, for example, that StarTech designed this item to be multi-compatible with various audio devices. Assume you want to stream something from your TV. In that case, you can be confident that the sound quality will be crystal clear and crisp.
Features:
- PVC construction is strong.
- Excellent adaptability.
- Excellent compatibility.
PROS AND CONS
Here are some of the pros and cons of this product:
PROS
- Provides high-quality audio signals.
- This is very convenient due to its small size.
CONS
- It feels a little frail and feeble to hold.
Thoughts:
Finally, the StarTech.com 10 ft. Digital Optical Audio Cable will be extremely useful in setting up your home sound system. It was built to transmit and receive high-quality signals from and to the input and output speakers.
SPECIFICATION
| Brand | StarTech |
| Connector Type | TOSLINK |
| Compatible Devices | Home Theater System |
| Recommended Uses for Product | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Color | Black |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best optical audio cable and other related topics.
Are optical audio cables and fiber optic cables the same thing?
Fiber optics is the transmission of data using carefully controlled light pulses. Because optical audio cables operate this way, they are commonly categorized as fiber optic cables. Of course, this does not imply that they are the same as the cables that power fiber optic internet.
Is it necessary to use nylon braided optical audio cables?
A braided nylon jacket is a layer of protection that helps the cable resist cracking and tearing over time, especially if it is moved or stepped on frequently. It’s less important for audio cables, which tend to be hidden behind cabinets or shelves. However, it is still a safety feature for those who want it and for those who work with A/V equipment that is frequently moved.
What does Toslink stand for?
Toshiba Link was an early name for optical audio cables. Since then, the standard has evolved, but it is still a label for high-quality home theater audio connections. You can safely assume that any optical audio cables you come across are Toslink.
Are optical audio cables superior to HDMI?
Instead of providing audio and video, audio cables allow for a dedicated audio connection. This makes them useful in more versatile setups, such as connecting surround sound systems when all HDMI ports are occupied. However, because HDMI can carry high-resolution audio for cinematic audio formats, it is the best option if you’re using a new HDMI format, such as 2.0 or higher.
Is an optical audio cable superior to an RCA cable?
While many newer systems only require an analog connection, optical digital connections are becoming more common in newer systems (RCA). Video and audio transmission are combined into a single cable by RCA cables. RCA cables are frequently less expensive than coaxial cables.
Is every fiber optic cable the same?
Fiber optic cables vary in size, but their primary function remains to transmit light data. For example, there are two types of fiber optic cables: regular Toslink and micro Toslink, with the latter being much more condensed, space-saving, and producing better audio quality than the former.
Where are optical cables most commonly used?
If you purchase an optical cable, it will most likely connect audio devices to your television. This includes audio devices such as speakers, soundbars, audio interfaces, and many others.
Is the length of an optical cable important for audio quality?
Because optical cables use optical signals to transfer audio data, their signal strength or quality does not degrade over long distances. As a result, you can easily use long optical cables designed for heavy-duty use.
Conclusion
An optical cable is one of the most important cables to use with your TV if you want to connect any audio device. Because it provides consistent, high-quality audio, it is widely used in soundbars and other television audio devices.
There are numerous benefits to using optical audio connections. Because optical signals are used to transport sound waves, even when sent over long distances, the strength or quality of the sound wave is not easily lost. This is because optical signals travel at extremely fast speeds. Remember that selecting the proper optic audio cable necessitates careful consideration of various factors. For more details, check our website headphoneblogs.com!
