Optical Cables

Optical cables use light to transmit digital audio signals between compatible components, using the S/PDIF consumer-grade transmission standard. Unlike copper or silver cables, fibre optical cables are not affected by RF interference, ground loops and noise. However they are only suitable for shorter distance cable runs, and cannot be bent around tight corners.

Most optical cables are terminated with standard TOSLINK (Toshiba-Link, designed by Toshiba in 1983) connectors, which are square-ended, or the smaller Mini-TOSLINK connectors which look very similar to the 3.5 mm jack, but are in fact 0.5 mm longer - if you accidentally insert a jack connector into a mini-TOSLINK socket, you cannot touch or damage the transmission LED.

Audio Sanctuary are official retail partners for all premium optical cable brands, including QED, Supra Cables, Van del Hul, and AudioQuest. Order online, contact us for advice, or visit our London showroom.

Optical cables use light to transmit digital audio signals between compatible components, using the S/PDIF consumer-grade transmission standard. Unlike copper or silver cables, fibre optical cables are not affected by RF interference, ground loops and noise. However they are only suitable for shorter distance cable runs, and cannot be bent around tight corners.

Most optical cables are terminated with standard TOSLINK (Toshiba-Link, designed by Toshiba in 1983) connectors, which are square-ended, or the smaller Mini-TOSLINK connectors which look very similar to the 3.5 mm jack, but are in fact 0.5 mm longer - if you accidentally insert a jack connector into a mini-TOSLINK socket, you cannot touch or damage the transmission LED.

Audio Sanctuary are official retail partners for all premium optical cable brands, including QED, Supra Cables, Van del Hul, and AudioQuest. Order online, contact us for advice, or visit our London showroom.