Need recommendations for good digital (optical) cable

jackman · « **on:** 8 Feb 2004, 07:31 pm »

I picked up a Panasonic F85 DVD/CD changer to use with my Panasonic SR45. It sounds very good on my main system (not audiophile but not bad). It has three upsampling modes and plays all digital formats, except SACD and HDCD. Sounds pretty mellow for an el-cheapo player and I find it very easy to use. Haven't tried it with video but that's not really a priority at the moment.

Since it only has an optical output, I need a recommendation for a good, but inexpensive, digital toslink cable. I've got a really really cheap cable at the moment. I'm a believer in better digital coax cables but are there any good toslink cables in the $50 or less region?

I also may mess around with some mods on this unit. It's a bit thin (physically) and may be hard to work on so that's a potential issue.

Thanks!

Jack

ABEX · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Feb 2004, 08:29 pm »

Hi:
I have the 65 unit and am using a stock optical cable at the moment.I had heard there is no diffs bet. opti cables.I listened to the technical side of the equation which unfortunately for those that think optical cable are different I shall have to hear for myself.

Jason at RedCobraCable.com has a digital cable I will be trying in the near future which is said to be a stellar performer by others and I would check that out.He has the good prices for the unit also.

Tell me how it works out as I am intrigued as to weather there is a marked diff between optical cables .Anyone willing to chime in with their experiences on the subject I'd like to know your findings.

Even if there are marked diffs between opt cables they might not showup as readily with Panny units ,but will not know till I hear them.

Good luck!

earlmarc · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Feb 2004, 08:32 pm »

Sound Professional Glass Toslink is an excellent toslink cable with a true glass filimant. Acoustic Research's Toslink is a cheaper alternative that offers good performance for about $30.00. The Sound Professional toslink is about $60 a meter.

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Feb 2004, 08:34 pm »

You can get glass toslink on Ebay. Great reviews of it.

Carlman · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Feb 2004, 11:59 pm »

I've used DH Labs with good results. I've never heard any difference in different optical cables and only minor ones between optical and coax. Coax seemed ever so slightly less harsh in the highs. But, that may be because I was told to expect that.

So, I vote for DH just because it's good for the money... well made, lasts a long time, etc. www.silversonic.com

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Feb 2004, 01:35 am »

I've heard and read good things about this cable... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075838761

TIC · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Feb 2004, 12:22 am »

Yep, according to the gurus at AudioAsylum, the Sound Professionals Glass toslink is the real deal!! I bought one from the e-Bay ad listed above. Haven't used it yet as my current DVD player doesn't have an optical output. But, I'll be using it in the future.

It is built much better than the AR and Monster products in the same price range. It looks top-notch.

Jack, BTW, if you want to try mine, maybe we can arrange a pick up when you are back in Cinci.. Better yet, bring the Panny down for a quick audition!!

Enjoy,

TIC

doug s. · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Feb 2004, 02:07 am »

monster's top-model tos cable *is* excellent - i use a 2m run from my modded aiwa xc37m to an rdl repeater/amp, w/an audio asylum homebrew coax from the rdl to my modded di/o. i was fortunate enuff to get it for $40, from a circuit-city that dint know what it was - they don't stock it; it musta gotten mixed in w/one of their orders, so they let me have it cheap.

*but* - if i had to buy one now, i'd definitely get the glass tos cable like what's sold on ebay...

doug s.

TIC · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Feb 2004, 02:28 am »

Hey Doug,

Sounds like a great deal. When I've seen the TOTL Monster TOS, it's more like $80 I think.

The Sound Pro Glass at $29 from e-Bay seems like a good deal. Maybe I'll get to use mine someday!

TIC

quanbb · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Feb 2004, 05:32 am »

Quote from: jackman

I picked up a Panasonic F85 DVD/CD changer to use with my Panasonic SR45. It sounds very good on my main system (not audiophile but not bad). It has three upsampling modes and plays all digital formats, except SACD and HDCD. Sounds pretty mellow for an el-cheapo player and I find it very easy to use. Haven't tried it with video but that's not really a priority at the moment.

Since it only has an optical output, I need a recommendation for a good, but inexpensive, digital toslink cable. I've got a ...

Hi there....

I'm having excellent resultss with the ..."sonic wave" toslink cable...its an all glass optical cable, 6 feet in length. I'm using it with a modified xm satellite delphi tuner with the toslink added on going to a musical fidelity a324 dac. Its very well constructed and cost $ 24.95, not including shipping. I got it from cablesamerica.com... through many recommendations for a cost effective quality optical cable from members at audioasylum...Bill

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Feb 2004, 05:47 am »

I've purchased from CablesAmerica.com and the service & prices are excellent. Been meaning to buy some of those glass toslink cables for quite awhile but I've never gotten around to doing it...