optical cables

gidrah
gidrah Posts: 3,049
edited February 2002 in Technical/Setup
Is there an HONEST difference in sound quality of optical cables? My guess would be no. I understand that some are of better build and may better withstand hustle and bustle and crimping, but once it's all in place is there an audible/measurable difference.
Make it Funky! :)
Post edited by gidrah on
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited February 2002
    I can't imagine how there could be any sound difference between optical cables. As long as the digital data is getting from point A to point B, there should be no difference. I'm sure there is a difference in construction quality, and that might become important if you move your cables around alot. I've never had a problem with the cheapo versions.

    BTW: Del Boca Vista..LOL:D
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  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited February 2002
    I use the cheapo Radio Shack optical cables as well as the more expensive Monster LightSpeed 200 optical cables.

    I get noticeably better resolution on my 61 inch rear projector TV with the Monster Cable. There are differences in glass quality among cables and the Monster supposedly is better glass. Plus, the Monster Cables are much sturdier, better constructed, and have tighter, higher quality connectors on each end.

    On my 32 inch and 27 inch TV's, I can discern no difference between the Monster and the Radio Shack cables, so I use the Radio Shack stuff on the smaller TV's.:cool:

    With regard to sound quality, I think you will notice differences depending on your source equipment. I noticed better bass definition with the LightSpeed 200 when connecting my Denon DCD 1650AR CD player to my Sony TA-E9000 preamp. When connecting my Sony CDP-C445 CD player, I noticed no difference between the RS or MC cables.

    The higher construction quality of the MC's should provide better connections over a longer period of time.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • gidrah
    gidrah Posts: 3,049
    edited February 2002
    Thanks guys. I'll probably keep my cheapies, but invest the money on any future purchases and prioritize from there. Especially if I need longer runs.

    Jcaut: Thanks! I might be moving to Fholston Paradise.
    Make it Funky! :)
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  • BrandonW
    BrandonW Posts: 57
    edited February 2002
    The only real differance in fiber is how many node it is, meaning single is single direction, and dual is bi directional. Very rarely is this a problem, but just means with teh cheapy you have to pay attention to which direction the cable needs to go.

    Are their differance in teh glass quality? sure, will you hear the differance without a scope and some insane testing devices? prolly not. We tried both the expensive cables and cheapies on a 75k home theater, no audible differance....(course i am going deaf heh)

    hope this helps
    Brandon
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  • crewchief68
    crewchief68 Posts: 19
    edited February 2002
    I've spent as much on cables as I spent on my amp...
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  • BrandonW
    BrandonW Posts: 57
    edited February 2002
    HAHAH, well after a point you were simply wasting your money =)

    Unless you typically watch movies or listen to your music with RTAs, and other gear next to it to monitor...

    Just my honest opinion though, i love selling cables, lots o money in them <grin>

    Brandon
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  • sgtgto
    sgtgto Posts: 310
    edited February 2002
    Hi:

    I like good cables but there is a law of diminishing returns.

    Gary
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  • BrandonW
    BrandonW Posts: 57
    edited February 2002
    sgt,

    can't say it any better myself. I do encourage people to at least go with the low end monster cable or comparable brands. Personally i love the people that use the 'supplied' cables that come with their gear. unshielded video wires...those are kwal...it...tee!

    Brandon
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  • johnnyamerika
    johnnyamerika Posts: 382
    edited February 2002
    I don't think there is much of a difference, as long as you buy a decent brand. The major difference I would say is the life of the cable, gold plated cables, or cables made of better glass/materials will effectively last longer.

    j
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