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Thread: Optical cables

  1. #1
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: Near Oxford

    Posts: 1,220
    I'm Bill.

    Default Optical cables

    I'm currently using one of Stan Beresfords optical cables between my Caimen SEG and Chromecast Audio, but am wondering whether there is anything to gain by using another cable.

    The ones I have looked at with interest are Lifatec, QED Reference Optical Quartz and Blue Jeans Mitsubishi Eska. The Lifatec and QED are around £80 and the Blue Jeans £32. Does anyone use any of these cables and how do they compare to each other or others available? Are there any others that come highly recommended?

    Oh and Happy New Year all!!
    Chord Mojo / Sennheiser HD600

  2. #2
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: gone

    Posts: 11,519
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    I've tried quite a few TOSLINK cables from freebies to quite expensive glass cables, including the Lifatec.

    The best sounding ones I have found, though, are quite cheap.
    A vivid, vibrant and detailed sound, great stuff.

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XO-1m-Opt...QAAOSwACZZqAgv
    .

  3. #3
    Join Date: Feb 2011

    Location: Troon

    Posts: 2,476
    I'm tony.

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    Did an optical bake off a few years ago...the all glass cable Mark Grant sold did rather well against all comers.

    Dont know if he has any knocking about but well worth a PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: Near Oxford

    Posts: 1,220
    I'm Bill.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jandl100 View Post
    I've tried quite a few TOSLINK cables from freebies to quite expensive glass cables, including the Lifatec.

    The best sounding ones I have found, though, are quite cheap.
    A vivid, vibrant and detailed sound, great stuff.

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XO-1m-Opt...QAAOSwACZZqAgv
    Very interesting Jerry, especially the price!

    Is it really better than the Lifatec?
    Chord Mojo / Sennheiser HD600

  5. #5
    Join Date: Jan 2008

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bourneendboy View Post
    Very interesting Jerry, especially the price!

    Is it really better than the Lifatec?
    "really better"

    Well, I think so.
    I could afford either, and I fit myself out with the XO cable where TOSLINK connections are required.
    I found the Lifatec a bit bland whereas the XO is vibrant and alive.
    Your opinion on the matter, though, may differ from mine.
    Last edited by jandl100; 31-12-2017 at 21:14.
    .

  6. #6
    Join Date: May 2016

    Location: Navan

    Posts: 378
    I'm Jo.

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    Happy New Year!

    I have used a fair few optical cables over the years and struggle to tell the difference in sound between them:

    [Chord Optichord @ £60
    QED @ £20
    Fisual Pearl @ £8
    Profigold Ultra Performance @ £45
    Van den Hul Octocoupler @ £65]

    The only optical cords that sounded any different to me were the thin free ones that came with mini disc players/Walkman CD players - they were very jittery.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

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    A while back was looking for the best digital hookup from dac to transport and tried a few optical cables, including the Lifatec.

    On paper it should have been the best, but like Jerry I found it a bit safe sounding and lacking a sense of life about the music.
    Of the ones I tried, the Mark Grant glass optical sounded the best.

    Go with a glass optical cable over a plastic one, whatever your choice imo.
    Last edited by Gazjam; 01-01-2018 at 13:19.
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  8. #8
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: Near Oxford

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    I'm Bill.

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    Thanks for your messages fellas!

    I have ordered one of the XO cables Jerry has recommended and also a Fisual Hollywood that I have tried before but will give more serious attention to now.
    Chord Mojo / Sennheiser HD600

  9. #9
    Join Date: Nov 2011

    Location: Wakefield west yorkshire

    Posts: 1,930
    I'm James.

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    I'm currently using a fisual Hollywood optical cable for TV duties but was tempted by the sonicwave glass cable but can't seem to find a UK seller,does anyone know of one ? Cheers Jim
    novafidelity x40 music server/pre/dac, Arcam A39, roksan k3 power amp,Monitor Audio Monitor 50, Dali spektor 1, van damme interconnects and speaker cable, roskan k3 CD player

  10. #10
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: Near Oxford

    Posts: 1,220
    I'm Bill.

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    Quote Originally Posted by jandl100 View Post
    I've tried quite a few TOSLINK cables from freebies to quite expensive glass cables, including the Lifatec.

    The best sounding ones I have found, though, are quite cheap.
    A vivid, vibrant and detailed sound, great stuff.

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XO-1m-Opt...QAAOSwACZZqAgv
    I've been comparing a few cables this morning and the XO cable is exactly as you describe. It's going to stay in place for a few days now before rechecking against the others again.
    Chord Mojo / Sennheiser HD600

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