Toslink cables...do they make a difference?

Ahendler, that's true but you can discuss matching between speakers and amplifiers, pre and power amp or compare sound of CDPs or DACs.  In case of S/Pdif cable it depends on so many factors that comparison is next to impossible.

- Characteristic impedance matching of 3 components
- Ambient electrical noise
- Slew rate of the source
- Length of the cable
- Ground loops
- System noise
- Quality of shielding

Any of the above, or any combination of them can affect amount of jitter.  Also type of the jitter, low or high frequency correlated or not, plays role.

   

Lifatec are excellent optical cables and reasonable on the wallet.
Glasslined is the way to go in optical cables if you are looking at something else. 

Happy hunting

Not trying to solicit you to buy.But I have three toslinks available. One from Unique Products(1 mtr.), one from Kimber Opt 1 (2 mtr.),and one Audioquest Vodka (.75mtr). They sound completely different from each other with the Unique being very detailed / upfront,and the Kimber being laid back / relaxed,but not lacking detail. The Audioquest being the most neutral / accurate. I prefer the Kimber sonics.I have also tried a Lifatec, and the one from DH Labs.They all sound different from one another,and all have their strengths and weaknesses, it just depends on your preferences. Hopes this helps you a little.

Thanks so much to everyone for their comments and advise. Very much appreciated. I will probaly try an upgraded Toslink glass cable and compare with coax and see the difference in my system. 

Best to all