Topic: robust optical toslink cables rec?

[Brian Skalinder]

Yes, I've searched through the forum, and most references I've found point to the SoundPro and readily available EBay cables.  Not what I'm looking for.  Here's what I am looking for in an optical cable:

[1] robust, thick cabling so I can coil it without fear of kinking - something where the cable is as thick as the body of the toslink connector
[2] solid, meaty connectors
[3] right-angle toslink on one end (optional)
[4] right-angle mini on other end (optional)

Does such a thing exist?  I've searched online with poor results (but that's not surprising b/c I suck at the internet).

[jpschust]

i like my monster cable.  its not quite as robust as you are saying but its pretty sturdy and it seems to handle coiling well.  that being said i wouldnt bend it in half

[Chuck]

I'd like to know how many people use optical cables in the field? It's my undrestanding that it's not as accurate as the coax S/PDIF. I've always used coax S/PDIF.

[Brian Skalinder]

I'd like to know how many people use optical cables in the field? It's my undrestanding that it's not as accurate as the coax S/PDIF. I've always used coax S/PDIF.

Gobs and gobs of discussion about coax v. optical over at CableAsylum.  Basically, the issue is jitter (and people's heated disagreements over whether it's audible).  I figure a short run (1m, tops), HQ glass optical cable will suit my purposes just fine: V3 > AES/EBU > Hosa ODL-312 > optical > JB3.

[Kindguy]

FWIW. I have 6 different optical cables at the house. They all suck except the sound professional one.

It's also r angle on both ends. Good luck getting anything fatter/more robust. I've searched with no luck.

[Brian Skalinder]

FWIW. I have 6 different optical cables at the house. They all suck except the sound professional one.

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll go back and look at 'em again.  The right angles are definitely a big plus!  It just look so...flimsy.

It's also r angle on both ends. Good luck getting anything fatter/more robust. I've searched with no luck.

I was afraid of that.  

[Nick in Edinboro]

[1] robust, thick cabling so I can coil it without fear of kinking - something where the cable is as thick as the body of the toslink connector
[2] solid, meaty connectors

From highest priced to lowest:

Phoenix Gold 3.25' $26.15


Acoustic Research Pro II 3' Cable $24.85


Dayton Digital Optical Cable 1.5' $6.90(and what I own now)


I've order from this company many times and have been very happy with everything.  Finding those "optional" requirements won't happen, but you can find the adapters for this (right angels, and miniplugs) on Parts Expresses site as well if your interested...

[Kindguy]

damn those look robust  

[Brian Skalinder]

damn those look robust  

Exactly my point.  Not gonna be easy, likely not even possible, to find what I'm looking for.

[Nick in Edinboro]

damn those look robust  

I think that Phoenix Gold is about the most "robust" optical cable I've seen..

If you've got another which "bests" my robustness it can only benefit the Ska-man...  

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I bought the Radio Shack Optical cable and 1/8 adapter.  It is your typical "thick" cable, but no tree-trunk...

I think I read somehwere that the RatShack stuff is relabeld Monster?!?

Anyways, my cable came coiled in a plastic box/case/thingy...

As I have no other means to store, carry, protect the cable, I keep it in its plastic container...  If it was packages for shpping and sale this way, I gotta think it'll survive in my field bag this way...

We'll see - I'm hunting for a better method of storage...

Terry

[zhianosatch]

How secure are those plugs? If the cable is so robust that it out-robusts the input jack, then what's the use?

[zhianosatch]

What I mean is, what if the cable is so heavy that the connection becomes compromised? Pull outs, bending, overall stress on the jack...

[Brian Skalinder]

How secure are those plugs? If the cable is so robust that it out-robusts the input jack, then what's the use?

   This is true, Armen.  I knew what you meant.  I'm looking for balance here.  Most of the cables I've seen so far are thin, flimsy, almost brittle plastic cables which feel like they'll break if I touch 'em, attached to flimsy, plastic connectors which feel like they'll break just pulling off the protective nub.

[Brian Skalinder]

How secure are those plugs? If the cable is so robust that it out-robusts the input jack, then what's the use?

Oh, yeah, and forgot to add:  typical F-ing architecture student response!