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Is the "ST" AT T optical digital connection dead?

Is the "ST" AT&T optical digital connection dead? The ST connection has always sounded the best to my ears, and way, way better than the toslink connection. Yet it seems to be disappearing from use. Why? Is it dead as a digital connection standard, and what happened to it. If it provided the best sound, and was probably the besy digital data stream link why is it disappearing from use? Is it too expensive? It is very unlikely too expensive for use on high-end equipment.

What happened?
lotusm50
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
lotusm50: there are a number of highend dacs and transports that still offer at&t optical connections, though these are sometimes options. i perceive a movement towards aes/ebu, however, as the upper-end standard for transport>dac digital connection. why? 'cause many think it's sonically superior to at&t and coax (toslink hasn't been in the equation for years). -kelly
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
Lotus- I agree with you. I prefer the ST interface when properly implimented. It can certainly help reduce noise caused by ground currents between the transport and DAC and RFI. Regrettably, not all ST interfaces are created equal. Poor attention to power requirements and ground return paths can dramatically reduce the benefits of this type of interface. Of course, poor cable fiber termination, end polishing, alignment and fiber type (SM vs MM)can also pose problems. With Goldmund digital, I definitely prefer the ST interface. Just my .02
kevziek
323 posts
 
Although I have not had experience with ST, the general consensus in the past few years is that AES/EBU and coaxial sound better than ST, with better cables. ST has been criticized for the diameter being too large, thus allowing the data to 'bounce' and reflect inside the cable, causing timing errors and smearing the finest details and cues. That is why Theta made "Laser Linque", their own form of glass fiber connection. Unfortunately, that was short-lived and there are those who say it did not live up to its claims. I believe ST also rolls off the highs, which helps some systems sound better, even though this is inaccurate and a loss of information.
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