Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Jimbob on 09 June 2013, 21:07:06

Title: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Jimbob on 09 June 2013, 21:07:06
For the first time every, I find myself in need on an Optical Cable (toslink) for Audio use
Never used these before, Looks like I can spend from 99p upwards on one.

The question is, Is there much of a quality difference?
What should I realistically be spending to get something 'decent'?

Anything to go for  / avoid?

Cheers all
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: TheBoy on 09 June 2013, 21:11:38
It matters not.

It'll either work or it won't. Don't be conned by the BS
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Jimbob on 09 June 2013, 21:13:51
Cheers, Suspected that may be the case, as it often is with cables, but not used optical before.
So as long as its a reasonable build quality, should be fine.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: TheBoy on 09 June 2013, 21:15:19
If its been kinked, it may not work too well. Aside from that...

I don't even thick they are spliced, so you don't even have to worry about the skill of the splicer.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Jimbob on 09 June 2013, 21:23:37
Sounds good...

Ill get something like on of these then :

http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/TS001.html?id=KUoUdohk
or
http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/profigold-proa5601-1m-digital-optical-cable-toslink.html?id=KUoUdohk

depending what works out best value when I add delivery to the order etc.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: tunnie on 09 June 2013, 21:48:48
Got a cheapo one here, linking my Orbitsound bar to the TV. Works well, though it's not a premium sound system, I'm always dubious of these gold plated, platinum, kryptonite types for standard home use anyway.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Jimbob on 09 June 2013, 21:52:09
where did you find the kryptonite ones...been looking for those!

Im no Audiophile, but neither do I want to 'let the system down' for the sake of a few quid.

Same use as you as it happens, In testing Ive noticed no sound difference between the wireless link, or HDMI cable.  Want the optical cable option though as that will then Automatically power up the bar.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: TheBoy on 09 June 2013, 21:55:30
Digital cables, it'll either work or it wont. Its not like analogue interconneect and speaker cables, where quality quality can affect sound.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: tunnie on 09 June 2013, 22:02:20
I only have optical into the TV, from the soundbar. First time I've used optical too, I like the soundbar as I don't have cables trailing everywhere. It lifts the sound enough for movies and games.

I've got, TiVo box, XBox, Wii, PC & Raspberry Pi running a media centre all connected up to the TV. Having optical means it all switches automatically, which is really useful.

Will be my connection method of choice going forward I think :)
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 10 June 2013, 05:27:30
I've got optical cables linking all the sound to the surround sound system....tv/dvd/humax/wd live tv.

Bought the cheapest Argos had at the time.....works fine :)
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 10 June 2013, 08:14:42
I went down the ebay route as there are several sites that offer cables in whatever length you need in half meter increments.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: chrisgixer on 10 June 2013, 08:46:53
Only quality issue I've had with these is the plug connections. Some are so tight they barely fit, where as I have one, that if breathed on, falls out of the amp or splitter socket.No option to try before buying there though.

Other than that....  :y
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 10 June 2013, 09:35:32
Any old shitty plastic multimode will do as there is no great skill required in making these due to the ends only being a basic cleave.

Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 June 2013, 11:32:39
Don't forget you need it to be cryogenically treated and gold-plated to achieve those inky black silences between passages of the music. You'll find the experience akin to a veil between you and the music being instantly lifted... Oh, sorry. Though I'd stumbled onto a Hi-fi forum.  :-[

Agreed, cheap as chips one will be as good as any. :y
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Jimbob on 10 June 2013, 12:51:57
Cheers All, nice to know I dont need to spend a lot :)

Ill get something ordered.
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: TheBoy on 10 June 2013, 18:10:54
I think the 1m one between my MCE and amp was 99p delivered, though that was probably 10yrs ago
Title: Re: Optical Cable (toslink) choice
Post by: Jimbob on 10 June 2013, 19:21:35
I bought a £3...and a couple of HDMI cables...

Sorted.  (least will be once they are delivered)

Cheers All