Budget Optical Audio Cable Recommendation

PreCd

I was given a Sony Bravia 5.1 surround sound system for my living room television and was wanting to use the optical cable hookup instead of the standard RCAs. A down and dirty system calls for a down and dirty cable. Can anyone recommend a budget optical audio cable they have purchased and are happy with?

tonyb

I would just go buy the cheapest optical cable you could find at Wallyworld, Radio Shack. You wouldn't hear much of a difference on that Sony system with an upgraded cable anyway so don't waste the coin.

steveinaz

This is a well made, budget Toslink that I like: http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=7022&sku=40390

I've also used the "Sonic Wave" glass toslink, if you don't mind spending more. Velocity and Sonic Wave are made by the same people.

heiney9

For that set-up coming out of the TV go Mono Price.

Something like this would be more than enough with a TV and HTiB.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022904&p_id=6270&seq=1&format=2

IMO, $20 for the CablesToGo cable is overkill for that rig.

How long do you need? My link is for the 10' cable you can buy a shorter cable.

H9

pyrocyborg

H9, I got this exact cable and it's great. I'm not sure if it's any better than the cheapos 1.50$ one (non premium from Monoprice) in term of sound quality [0 and 1... for such short range as 3-6 feet, you shouldn't lose anything], but sure the connectors are better and the cable is sturdy. However, the cable itself is... heavier than it's plastic counterpart, so that's kind of a drawback: If your cable is standing by itself (nothing to hang it except the connectors), it might fall. However, if it's supported by a shelf or anything else, it'll do it's job quite well.

WilliamM2

I'm using one on monoprice's standard opticals for a 25' run. It works perfectly.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022901&p_id=2668&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

The sound from TV isn't all that anyways, don't overthink it.

steveinaz

With toslink it's more about a good positive connection and decent build. I like the Sonic wave connectors as they have a positive click when inserted.

heiney9

Steve, that's a great cable. I had a Sonic Wave glass cable when I did Toslink from an old computer. I just think for his use, it's overkill even though $20 really isn't that much $$$. I use the same Mono-Price I linked to for my TV and it's a very sturdy attractive cable. Normally I wouldn't recommend something so remedial, but for this application and the HTiB system no need to spend a lot.

H9

steveinaz

Yep, for sure--in this setup a plain vanilla toslink is fine, just wanted to throw a little nicer offering out there.

PreCd

That is about the price I was looking for. I will look around for a 5' cable.....that is about all I need. Actually too long! Not looking for much improvement but it would be nice to get the Dolby 5.1 working.

Thanks.

heiney9 wrote: »

For that set-up coming out of the TV go Mono Price.

Something like this would be more than enough with a TV and HTiB.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022904&p_id=6270&seq=1&format=2

IMO, $20 for the CablesToGo cable is overkill for that rig.

How long do you need? My link is for the 10' cable you can buy a shorter cable.

H9

PreCd

Ordered the cable from Monoprice. Thanks everyone for chiming in.

Falke401

Good call on monoprice. Great products and even better prices.