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Toslink vs. RCA

In virtually every review of DACs and jitter reduction devices, RCA seems to be better than TOSLINK for the transmission of S/PDIF. This seems strange to me considering that a whole host of nasties like EMI and transmission line effects can be eliminated with optical transmission. Does anyone know why RCA is better?
jlambrick
jazzdude
332 posts
 
I know this is not "audiophile" glass but there are many datacommunications businesses which terminate single-mode and multi-mode fiber with ST connectors.
6chac
235 posts
 
You are right on! Jazzdude.
maxxwire
6 posts
 
I replaced a Monster Lightspeed 200 Optical Toslink which uses a plastic conductor with an Audioquest Optilink-4 Toslink which uses a Fused Silica Glass conductor and placed it between my Transport and my Dac.and the difference was jaw dropping! I swear that it sounded like twice as much information was getting through.

Since my Transport only has Optical out I can't a/b test the Glass Toslink with the other Digital Reference Coax wires I have (MIT Reference 1 and Illumanations D-60), but I would bet that the Glass Toslink with tight fitting spring loaded brass ferrules is at least as good as the Coax if not better. The best part is the Optilink-4 ps on sale right here on the site! The Stereo Trading Outlet is selling all lengths (1-6 meters) for the same low price of $175! Glass kicks ass!
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