What's necessary when buying a Digital Fiber Optic (audio) cable?

Question

I want to hookup a Digital Fiber Optic (audio) cable from my HDTV to my home theater system. I want crisp clear clarity in sound, but it doesn't have to be overkill. I don't need highs & lows that only a dog can hear.

Monster offers a 400DFO "superior", 600DFO "ultimate", a "lightspeed" 100 & 200, & even a THX certified cable. As you may have guessed: the higher the number, the higher the price. I just wanna know what a good fiber optic cable should have. Any recommendations?

I don't wanna blow my money on a ruby-studded cable.

Thanks!

Answer 1

As the previous person said, it makes no difference. Digital is either there or its not.

There are no "real" specs, only those made up ones that sound good to uneducated consumers.

Unless your ears are tuned to capture 1/1000000000000 of a milisecond blips or errors, don't waste your money just buy a radio shack one.

Answer 2

In truth, there is a LOT of difference in fiber optics. I've done a good bit of work with them for scientific instruments.

But for HT use - inexpensive plastic fiber cables work great because the information is encoded as ON-OFF-OFF-ON..

(In fact -the cheaper plastic cables work better because they can tolerate more bending than the more expensive glass fiber cables.)

I like the MonoPrice optical cables simply because they are cheap, but the thin fiber is packaged in a thicker cable which fights bending.

Answer 3

http://www.Diablocable.com

Call: 1-800-377-8402

They are so smart about this stuff and can answer your questions! They are great

Answer 4

I agree with a few of the other answers.  Fiber optic audio cables will give you what you need no matter the brand.  Your other audio equipment will determine whether or not you'll drive your neighbor's dog crazy.  Just get a cable long enough to do the job.

Answer 5

Save you money and don't bother with Monster ... period. They are OK quality but rediculously overpriced.

Optical is a digital format (light pulses), so basically, it works or it doesn't. As with any cable poor quality components can degrade the signal, but for normal use almost any optical cable will work fine. Just don't bend too sharply since this can break or crimp the light path. Look for quality connectors that have a strain relief where the plug meets the cable (They help prevent sharp bends)

See the link for one good source online.