Toslink/optical cable recommendations

If you want a cable that is physically flexible and can be routed through relatively sharp turns without fracturing the way glass-based cables might, and/or if you don’t want to spend a great deal of money, I would suggest this Analysis Plus cable. I’ve used it with fine results in a relatively non-critical application (listening to Internet radio via a Squeezebox).  The Cable Company offers it at slightly lower prices than those shown at the link.

Regards,
-- Al

As a point of information, the glass cable Kijanki referred to, that has a specified minimum bend radius of "only 50 mm (about 2 inches)," is described as being "constructed from 280 individual strands of glass for maximum flexibility," which is only about 17% fewer than the 338 strands used in your Wireworld cable (for which no specification of minimum bend radius is provided).

Thank you for the clarification of your previous response. Regards,
-- Al

Not sure what your point is, Dweller, but I sense some sarcasm. I note, btw, that the glass cable Kijanki referred to specifies a minimum bend radius of "only 50 mm (about 2 inches)." I have no way of knowing exactly what the corresponding figure may be for the non-glass Analysis Plus cable I suggested, but having worked with that cable I suspect it is a good deal smaller than 2 inches, if it has any practical limit at all. And I note that AP’s description states that "unlike glass, it will not microscopically fracture when flexed."

If you can shed further light on the issue in a constructive manner I’m certainly willing to learn.

Regards,
-- Al

Ghost, yes it would seem that a 2” radius would make this cable be quite accommodating for most setups.

Yes, I agree. It’s always good when a specific quantitative perspective can be obtained on things that are matters of degree. My perception has been that lack of such information frequently leads to unnecessary and often less than pleasant disagreements in forum discussions.

Thanks to Kijanki for initially calling attention to this cable, and to the detailed specifications that are provided for it.

I’ll add that although I don’t have any special expertise when it comes to fiber-optics, my expectation would be that a bend radius that is more severe than is specified for a given cable would not necessarily result in outright failure. I would expect the more likely result would be some marginal degradation of performance, resulting from partial or complete fracture of just some of the many strands that are within such cables. The anecdotal indications that have appeared over the years that glass tends to often provide superior sonic results compared to plastic cables would seem to suggest that optical transmission in audio applications is not an all or nothing thing, but that instead some sort of a performance continuum exists.

Best regards,
-- Al

Kijanki, agreed on all counts, aside from the last sentence :-)

I would add, with respect to the mention of "a little of black magic in this hobby and placebo effect," that there are probably also many cases in which effects are correctly perceived but are not attributed to the correct variable.  With the correct variable often being unrecognized due to some combination of inadequately thorough methodology in the evaluation, and/or technical misconception.  That said, though, as I'm sure you'll agree a substantial body of anecdotal evidence, taken with a modest quantity of grains of salt, can often provide significant value.

Best regards,
-- Al