Why are optical cables jitter prone?

3728 is quite right. "Optical" cables have taken a bad rap recently largely due to the confusion between toslink (plastic connectors with multi-mode fiber) and "AT&T" (ST-type connectors with single-mode fiber). There are also differences due to the transport/DAC manufacturers knowledge and concern in execution of the optical driver/receivers. In other words, not all optical interfaces are created equal. Goldmund digital is a perfect example. The optical interface was not just an afterthought, but a preferred engineering solution even though it is offered as an "optional" input/output on their products. As always, use your ears to determine what works best for you in your system.

I have read many places that Toslink cable actually rejects jitter better than Coaxial cable, but the big advantage of coaxial is its much greater potential bandwidth transmission and more robust conectors. Audio mags., such as Stereophile, do not recommend Toslink because of it's low bandwith transmission compared to coax. Craig.

My toslink connection between a Pioneer DVD player and Bel Canto DAC1 works very well. There is some info on the Bel Canto site on their theories as to jitter reduction. Stan Warren also agrees that it is jitter reducing in this type application. He did recommend a particular toslink cable as sounding much better to him and his buddies. It was the Audio One Reference, I believe. I use an ER-Tos by XLO, 2 meter, right now but will give his recommendation a try. Charlie

I have not used toslink but have heard -- from those who have used it and are credible -- that it is important to use glass rather than other materials. FWIW.

Hi everyone, Bjack, Danvetc, Just thought to pass along some info. I needed a Toslink cable for my Denon MD-1000 minidisc recorder, as it does not have coax out. Last week I compared 4 cables. The El Cheapo that came with the unit, Monster's$40 model, the van del Hul, and the Audio One Reference. The van del Hul was slightly better than the Monster and the El Cheapo, and the Audio One Reference was the clear winner of the face-off. It had a more balanced presentation. The bass seemed to rejoin the music, vocals were smoother and less tinny and the cohesive sound enabled me to enjoy the music without being too distracted by the edgy quality of the Minidisc format.
Hope this helps, just in case thinking turns to buying.