I've just about had it with optical...

[nautikal]

So right now I have my AV710 connected to my Constantine DAC via optical. The problem is I can't find a cable that securely connects to the Constantine. So far I've tried a monoprice and dynex cable (from best buy). Both do not stay securely in the constantine due to their weight... they bend just enough that while I get an audio signal, there's static in the background. Right now I'm propping them up with an eraser

.

Then I tried two different Blue Jeans cables, and the connectors are great except the cables don't work. They simply don't transmit enough of the light. If I use them with my cable box, which outputs roughly twice as much light, they work fine. However, the AV710 doesn't output as strong and I don't get a signal. It's clear that the monoprice and dynex transmit more light when you shine the cable at your hand (all three are similar lengths by the way).

Is there no reasonably priced optical cable that has a good connector? I need around 8 feet by the way.

I'd also consider going the coaxial route if there's a good value sound card with coaxial output. I'll even go for something in the $100-200 range, but only if the interface is PCI express (since PCI is going the way of the dinosaur). I haven't really decided if I want an external sound card though, because I still like to game and I don't think I'll have that much desk space at college.

Any ideas?

 

[krmathis]

I highly recommend the Van den Hul Optocoupler MKII.
Van den Hul: The OPTOCOUPLER Mk II

I have one myself, and its very well made. Solid connectors, which locks firmly into place. No problem transfering the signal the 1.5 meter length either...

 

[nautikal]

Where do you get this cable? I read your thread, and it doesn't seem like a fun adventure, especially at $140!

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nautikal /img/forum/go_quote.gif Where do you get this cable? I read your thread, and it doesn't seem like a fun adventure, especially at $140!

I bought mine through the norwegian distributor, since I found no international dealer who could get me a cable in my specific configuration (1.5 meter, terminated miniplug -> TOSLINK). The $140 I listed are what I paid, including shipping and VAT.

Check this out: Van den Hul: International Distributors

 

[Operandi]

Perhaps there is something wrong with your AV710? You shouldn't need a highend cable just to establish a connection.

 

[yoff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nautikal /img/forum/go_quote.gif Where do you get this cable? I read your thread, and it doesn't seem like a fun adventure, especially at $140!

It as been a piece of cake to get mine lately from Highendcable.co.uk for no more than $100 (1 m) with shipping to the Carribeans !

 

[nautikal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Operandi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Perhaps there is something wrong with your AV710? You shouldn't need a highend cable just to establish a connection.

I don't need a high end cable... the monoprice and dynex work fine except the connectors suck. The blue jeans cable is just bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoff /img/forum/go_quote.gif It as been a piece of cake to get mine lately from Highendcable.co.uk for no more than $100 (1 m) with shipping to the Carribeans !

The most I'll ever spend on a digital cable that's less than 50 feet is $40.

 

[nautikal]

So I replaced the AV710 and it works great now and it doesn't matter how secure the connection is. Looks like the optical output on the AV710 was dying. Is this a common thing where the optical output power decreases over time?

 

[Zenja]

I've had my AV-710 for a few years and the optical works fine. I'm using a really cheap optical cable and my DAC picks up the signal fine even if I hold the cable unplugged a little bit away from the DAC and point it into the plug.

 

[krmathis]

Great to hear that its all up and running now.
Enjoy!

 

[Maxvla]

I've been running optical out on my AV710 for about 5 years now constantly being used. Never a problem.