Acoustic Research AP071 Performance Series Audio Digital Coaxial Cable - 6 Feet

 (11 customer reviews)

First off, the cable is 6 feet long. For some reason this isn't in the product description, so there it is. Anyway, having said that, I can say with 100% certainty that this cable is every bit as good as my much, MUCH more expensive Monster Toslink cable. I got this cable to replace the optical one because I'm switching soundcards on my computer and the new one doesn't have optical output. Anyway, I tested them side by side and I couldn't tell a difference. I'm already using Monster speaker cable which does make a HUGE difference over the junky cable that came with my Logitech Z-680's. Anyway, I could tell no difference whatsoever switching between the two. The only real difference is the price. I paid more than ten times as much for the Monster Toslink cable. So, if you're debating whether to go with this or something more expensive my reccomendation is to go with this cable. It'll save you a lot of money and you'll get the exact same performance.

As others have...Read more

When folks talk about audio quality, they're typically referring to ANALOG components. A DIGITAL cable or other component either works or it doesn't. If a single bit is off in a DIGITAL audio signal, the untrained ear will hear the loud blip or screech. That is to say, even cheap components will work with 100% quality (or they're literally useless junk and could not be sold). (If digital video bit is bad, it will result in a single bad pixel, which is much harder to pick up with the eye.) Analog components have a better or worse quality level; digital components are either right or wrong. There's no middle ground and no reason to pay up because quality cannot improve.

Most of the other reviews appear to be from the manufacturer or from megalomaniacs and I would disregard them; although you have to love the "serious audiophile".

This item looks and feels like a high end piece of audio connection equipment. Sounds great also.