2. cables
  3. 1257293846

Choosing the right Toslink cable

Hey all,
I'm trying to choose a toslink cable to transport 2 channel signal from my Mac Pro to a Conrad Johnson Premier Nine DAC.

I've been shopping around a little bit and I've found the following (price high to low):
- Nordost Whitelight glass (around 175.00)
- Audioquest Optilink 3 or 5 (around 80.00-180.00)
- Van Den Hul Optocoupler (around 90.00)
- Wireworld Super Nova 5+ (around $80.00)
- River Cable Tos (around 70.00)

Any thoughts?
solst1ce
6 responses Add your response
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
have not tried the others but the VDH works great for me between my Mac Mini and Tact M2150
dgaylin
255 posts
 
in my experience, the Wireworld Super Nova 5+ (now replaced with Supernova 6) completely outperformed the much more expensive Audioquest Optilink 5. It regularly receives top reviewers comments as well.
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Make that VdH.
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Another vote for the HdH. I use one. I tried the cheap glass one, no contest.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,426 posts
 
Check this inexpensive glass Toslink: http://www.uniqueproductsonline.com/3ftgltodiauc.html
It is good quality with 280 strands of glass with high quality connectors. I use one.
objective1
95 posts
 
vanden hul - it's actually glass, appears to perform well...and it's actually affordable. In my system between my {mac mini or Aopen mini pc} and my dac 3.. i couldn't hear a difference between it and USB.

I had to upgrade to the Bel Canto USB link to get a noticeable upgrade in performance.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Synergistic Research Atmosphere SX Reference Ethernet CAT7 3.5M
80x80
Crystal Cable ABSOLUTE DREAM INTERCONNECTS
80x80
Morrow Audio MA-5
New enhanced design!