Toslink/optical cable difficulties

dcmeigs

I'm trying to make a 36 ft run from a PC to a DAC. I have 3 - 12 ft cables and a pair of toslink couplers. I have found that the best I can do is get adequate signal intensity through two cables and one coupler. I loose signal when I add the third cable/second coupler. One can see that the intensity of the red glow is reduced at each connection.

These cables are not "audiophile" grade but they are well made, of good diameter compared to most and don't leak light.

I'm willing to bet that the majority of the signal is lost in the couplings. I have not found a source for optical cable in lengths greater than 12ft (which should be a clue, I imagine). Does anyone know of a source of longer cables?

Has anyone come to similar results, or should I keep at it? I'm tempted to shrink wrap the couplers but that seems like a long shot.

nikolas812

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/digital-audio/index.htm

38 ft. is $36.00 I think. They'll make it any length you want.

I would have to think the links in the chain are you problem. One solid piece should do it.

Do you have to run a Toslink?

A coaxial digital cable is better for longer runs.

seeclear

dcmeigs wrote: »

I have not found a source for optical cable in lenghts greater than 12ft (which should be a clue, I imagine). Does anyone know of a source of longer cables?

Monoprice has them up to 100' for under $30.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229

dcmeigs

Thanks for all the links and advise. I'll look into getting a single long cable.

I have chosen to use toslink because the USB adapter I am using has an optical output.

Another option would be to get a USB extension cable and run some of the distance with that (putting the USB adapter in the middle of the run).

Of course I could install a sound card with a coax output in the PC, but I hate working on other peoples computers. One tends to get the blamed for every odd thing that happens with that PC. I think the statutory limit is 6 months.

danger boy

i didn't know you could run optical cable that length and not have some signal loss. move the DAC, problem solved.. no long optical cable runs.. no couplers, etc.

dcmeigs

Nah, the DAC needs to stay close to the other sourses and the amps.

I didn't know either until I tried it. Digital signals can be sent impressive lenghts if done correctly. Look to fiber optic telephone signals as an example.

My Polk XM receiver is on the south side of my home on the second floor listening room. I split the coax out and send it through the houses prewired 75ohm cable up a floor, to the north side of the house and then down two floors to the HT with no problem. If the DAC is happy, I'm happy.

dcmeigs

BTW- This is the USB audio adapter I'm using here. It has one really cool feature: It actually works. Plug-in-play, no hassles.

dcmeigs

nikolas812 wrote: »

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/digital-audio/index.htm

38 ft. is $36.00 I think. They'll make it any length you want.

I would have to think the links in the chain are you problem. One solid piece should do it.

Do you have to run a Toslink?

A coaxial digital cable is better for longer runs.

Thank for the link Nick. We hooked up the 36 ft BJ cable and it worked perfectly. Build quality was good and shipping was very fast. Any one need some 12ft Toslinks?