Toslink

op

glass fiber cables better than plastic element ones

search 'glass toslink digital cables' several sources will pop up, prices are reasonable (but more than the cheapie plastic core jobs)

 

I have a Audioengine B1 bluetooth receiver with digital output that is Toslink only. 

I use the Toslink output to send a digital signal to the DAC in my Marantz SACD-30n. 

(Perhaps this is not super hi-end, but it is easy and simple, and it does a good job of streaming from my iPad.)

 

I have two Toslink cables, and I am completely satisfied with neither one.  These two cables are Analysis Plus and a fairly cheap Warrky Toslink cable.

 

The Analysis Plus Toslink cable is very good in terms of detail, air, and depth, but rather cold and analytical.  I find myself turning the volume down often when listening to it because it seems to emphasize treble edges a little too much. 

 

The Warrky Toslink does lose a tiny bit of detail, but musical notes sound denser, fuller, and more organic.  I actually prefer it more often with my ML CLS electrostatic speakers.   

 

I have read that glass Toslink, in general, allows more detail than plastic fiber.  (Both of these cables are made of plastic not glass.)  I am reluctant to move to glass if it would be even more detailed and analytical than the Analysis Plus cable.  I don’t think I want anything that would be more analytical than the Analysis Plus. 

 

I am looking for a Toslink cable that will give the detail and air of the Analysis Plus without the cold treble emphasis, or a cable that will allow the organic quality of the cheap Warrky but with more detail and air.

Any ideas or recommendations are welcome.

I wouldn’t use TOSLINK for anything except maybe TV, and even that would be if I didn’t have another choice. 

If I remember correctly, Rob Watts (who designed many of the recent Chord DACs) likes optical/Toslink more than many of the other connection types. Most other designers in the hifi space seem to rank it last in terms of sound quality. So who knows. 

@soix 

For digital out from the Audioengine B1, it is Toslink only.  Period.

I don’t have a choice.