Best full size TOSLINK ever made ?

[Xymox]

I have a unusual application where I need a really good TOSLINK optical cable. The old school full size connector on both ends.

I am also interested to hear from anyone who has done good AB with optical cables. Back in the day I remember doing a lot of AB with the very best optical cables and not hearing much difference, unlike copper SPDIF. For me back in the day copper won out. But, I now need a really good optical and i have not kept up with optical cables. I see these seem to have gone way out of favor and people have moved on to USB and Ethernet.

I am GREAT with buying a used one off ebay as I kinda think older might be better because at one time for a short period optical was considered the best way to hook a transport to a DAC.

BUT.. If there is not that much difference, maybe I will just go with a "good" used cable maybe from Audioqust from back when..

I did see this, which was during that peak in optical. But that is a lot and I am not sure it would really be that much better.

Audioquest Diamond Optical Toslink Cable 5M RARE SALE | eBay

This Audioquest cable is perfect for anyone in need of an optical cable for their high end audio setup. Whether you're a music lover or a movie buff, this cable can handle all your audio needs. This item is best suited for the discerning audiophile who has a unique need for this 5m toslink and...

www.ebay.com

I need it short, like .75M or 1M..

 

[RnRmf]

I'm kind of with you as far as sound differences when I've compared in the past.

I seem to remember the number of fiber optic strands as being an important spec with optical cables and what kind of fiber is used.

The audioquest you posted has 300 quartz fibers, for instance.

Many people have recommended "LIfatec" fiber optic cables over the years. I use one now and have no issues with it. It is a very thin cable and doesn't have the added wraps that make a cable like the Audioquest much thicker but the Lifatec does have 470 fiber optic strands. I've never had a problem with the couple I've purchased from them and they perform well in terms of reliability and sound for me.

http://www.lifatec.com/toslink2.html

 

[Xymox]

Interesting... And cheap Good suggestion...

I was also just looking at Audioquest. It does seem to be all about the number of fibers..

Optical Cables

Optimize the performance of TVs, soundbars, and more with AudioQuest’s high-performance optical cables.

www.audioquest.com

I am going to continue researching. I seem to remember ST Glass connector/cable.. I could maybe replace the interface & connector on each end.. I know I can get to SPDIF if I have TOSLINK, but, I dont want a copper cable connecting the devices. I think I could maybe use a little transformer one one end or the other of the SPDIF coax connectors, but, that is a lot of work.

I am going to continue look at TOSLINK cables and solutions.. For now..

 

[aLLeARS]

Hi Chris,
I've been using these from the Toslink output on my OLED TV's to an outboard DAC. They are true glass transmission medium cables.
They custom make any length cable with any connector that you want. Delivery was quick and the price is decent.

Lifatec Glass Toslink Cables

Lifatec USA

www.lifatec.com

 

[Xymox]

Yes, I think I will order one of their cables. It does seem to be the best one.

Off topic.. I just noticed a wild part of your setup. "4 channel custom I/R remote controlled mono-block attenuators (relays & Texas Components resistors)" Now THATS the way to do that.. Metal foil resistors are so awesome. I am into materials and a metal foil is so much better a material then any type of film of carbon. Are those the Vishay metal foil ? or thier own Bulk Metal Foil resistors ? If the Bulk Metal, which ones did you use ? They have a lot of options.. I like metal foil for the low noise and, well, lots of other things.

 

[aLLeARS]

With most DAC's having such a high output level (the one I'm using puts out 10Vrms at 0dB full scale) and most amplifiers only needing 1-3Vrms input for full power, high quality attenuation is the only thing needed between a DAC and amplifier. This configuration is most transparent when the attenuator is as close as possible to the input of the amplifier. In my case there is 15 feet of wire between the DAC and attenuator and only 12 inches of wire between the attenuators and amplifiers. Attenuators raise the effective output impedance of the DAC and therefore lose the ability to drive the RCL of a long cable effectively. But if you can put the attenuator at the input of the amplifier, that problem is overcome, and you have an ideal situation. As you said "Now THATS the way to do that"... It's the most transparent way to control volume.
These are the ones:

Texas Components Corporation

USA Manufacturer of Vishay Foil Resistors, Bulk Metal Foil Technology, Standard & Custom Models, High Temperature Specialists, Multi Chip Modules, Hybrid Circuits, Through Hole & Surface Mount, Networks & Dividers

www.texascomponents.com

 

[agisthos]

I am just running a Toslink optical from my TV to DAC, but optical cable differences are still audible.

The world of high end Toslink cables is small, and here is a comparison I made on another forum...

QED Reference Optical Quartz Toslink (210 strands borosilicate fiber optic)
DH LABS Glass Master Toslink (300 strands of proprietary glass fibers)
WIREWORLD Supernova 7 Toslink (338 strands borosilicate fiber optic)
LIFATEC Premium Silflex Toslink (470 strands glass fiber optic)

You would think the Lifatec, going by strand count, would be the best. But I found the QED Reference Optical to be superior sounding to Lifatec in every aspect. So there must be other factors at play other than strand count. Or system compatibility.