Conventional Audio Cables vs Optical Audio Cables: Unveiling the Differences and Advantages
The world of audio connectivity has plenty of options available today. You have Bluetooth, Type-C USB, Optical Audio Cables, and conventional audio cables.
Primarily, conventional cables like aux, RCA and XLR have dominated the industry. However, optical audio cable is emerging as the rising star for unmatched audio clarity, zero latency, and immunity to interference.
Therefore, it is easy to get confused about which cable you should choose for the use. Let’s help you distinguish between them to make an informed decision regarding your audio needs:
The Dominance of Conventional Audio Cables
Conventional audio cables comprise of metal wiring, mainly copper conductors and connectors, to provide connectivity.
RCA, AUX and XLR are different types of conventional cable connectors available. These cables use electricity as the medium to transmit the audio signals. Hence, you can find them used in all kinds of gadgets and devices.
Advantages of Conventional Audio Cables
Conventional audio cables are universally compatible. Even if you get an Aux cable and your smartphone doesn’t have the jack port, you can use the Type-C to 3.5 mm jack converted to easily bridge the gap.
There are many different converters and audio adapters available to bridge the gap.
Other advantages of conventional cables are:
- You can use them with legacy and modern devices. From your Car’s stereo to TV’s sound option, AUX cable connectivity is available everywhere. Even Bluetooth headphones come with an aux cable to connect when the battery is low.
- Conventional audio cables are easily available almost everywhere, and highly affordable. You can find many brands and variable budgets for the aux cables.
- AUX cables offer the plug-and-play benefit without the need for extra apps, software, drivers, or anything else.
Disadvantages of Conventional Audio Cables
The primary disadvantage of conventional audio cables is the lack of shielding against EMI and RFI.
Electromagnetic and Radio frequencies can easily create disturbance in connection. A few aux cables also wither away with time, due to rust and corrosion in the connector.
They also can’t support the higher bandwidth needed for high-fidelity audio and performance. Studio-grade equipment needs better connectivity, and optical cable can provide it.
The Prominence of Optical Audio Cables
Optical audio cables have two other names – TOSLINK (due to the type of connector they use), and Fibre optic cables. They are the digital connectivity option for modern gadgets.
These cables are either made up of plastic or glass and instead of electricity, they use light pulses to transmit audio signals.
Most high-end sound systems like Blu-Ray and Home Theatres, use optical cables and you can find them at RS.
Advantages of Optical Audio Cables
The primary advantage of optical audio cables is the immunity to any kind of interference, whether electromagnetic or radio.
This leads to uninterruptable audio performance without any lag or latency, which even AUX cables are susceptible to.
- Optical audio cables also support Hi-Fi audio formats which include PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital and more. Therefore, you can receive the highest level of audio output and input available in the industry.
- You can also expect optical audio cables to work in an extended distance without any kind of disruption.
Disadvantages of Optical Audio Cables
Unfortunately, audio cables are a bit more fragile due to the glass or plastic construction and require better care. They aren’t suitable for portability and can be an expensive investment.
Moreover, the optical audio cables aren’t universally compatible and only the most modern gadgets support them while legacy devices won’t be able to work with them.
What’s The Right Choice For You?
The choice is a no-brainer if you know the essential aspects to consider. First, make a checklist:
- What is the use of the cable? Is it for casual use, professional, personal?
- Understand your equipment. Will it support the optical cable, aux, or other kind of cable?
- Acknowledge the budget, because optical fiber audio cables are more expensive than aux and conventional options.
- The fragility of optical cables make it a better choice for a stable installation in a single place, without the need to travel or port much.
- The affordability of conventional cables entitles you to use them as you deem fit.
However, if you break down the usages, it all comes down to the utility. Conventional cables are better for entry-level audio setups to mid-ranged audio setups.
Optical fibre cables are better for high-end setups. If you want to future-proof your investment, then optical audio cables will be a better choice.
However, if you’re looking for casual utility and multiple replacements, then aux or conventional cables might be a better choice for you.
