SPDIF Cables
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What is S/PDIF?
Digital audio needs digital cables, and S/PDIF is one of the options you’ll likely encounter. S/PDIF, also called SPDIF, is an acronym for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format. As you probably guessed, Sony and Philips are the gurus behind this digital audio format. When we talk about digital audio, we’re referring to an audio signal that is encoded in a serios of zeroes and ones, rather than being transmitted in an analog format. S/PDIF allows the transfer of digital audio signals from device to device (over reasonably short distances), without the need to convert to an analog signal first, saving you extra DA (digital-to-analog) conversions during sessions.
The S/PDIF protocol is similar to the AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union) standards, and today these protocols are known as AES3. To put it simply, an S/PDIF cable carries two channels of digital audio: uncompressed PCM audio and compressed 5.1/7.1 surround sound. With the S/PDIF format, your audio will have higher fidelity (better sound reproduction) because no noise will be added to the audio signal itself.
Coaxial vs Optical S/PDIF Cable
As you shop for S/PDIF cables, you may come across coaxial and optical options, which are essentially different SPDIF connections.
A coaxial S/PDIF cable can be used to connect a subwoofer to an audio receiver. It uses an RCA connector and can usually be identified by its orange-colored port. Coaxial connections provide high-quality digital audio signals with shielding. These digital audio cables are designed to maintain 75-ohm impedance for accurate signal transfer of digital data.
Optical S/PDIF cables use fiber optics to send digital audio signals between devices, also called Toslink (short for Toshiba Link). These S/PDIF cables can be identified by their square-shaped connector and are praised for their immunity to electrical problems like magnetic interference and crosstalk. They do not, however, support high-definition audio.
Buy SPDIF Cables Online
Sweetwater carries a variety of SPDIF cable sizes from some of today’s top brands like Pro Co, Hosa, and Mogami. Not sure what kind of cable you’re looking for? Check out our Cable Finder or contact one of our expert Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. Get fast, free shipping on all your orders and a free, two-year warranty so you can rest easy knowing your gear is protected. We also offer free tech support on all music and audio gear to help you sort through kinks along the way. Start recording crystal-clear digital audio with new S/PDIF cables today.
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What are the most popular brands for SPDIF Cables on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular SPDIF Cables on Sweetwater.com?
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Mogami Gold RCA-RCA Cable - 6 foot
★★★★★ 7 reviews
$52.95 -
Pro Co SPDS-3 Premium Canare SPDIF Cable - 3 foot
★★★★★ 3 reviews
$37.51 -
Pro Co D-Box Digital Input Cable - 3 foot
★★★★½ 2 reviews
$47.99 -
Pro Co PDRXF-10 Premium Digital Cable - RCA-XLRF - 10 foot
★★★★★ 1 review
$49.99 -
Hosa DRA-502 S/PDIF Coax Cable - 6.6 foot
★★★★ 1 review
$13.95
Why shop SPDIF Cables at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of SPDIF Cables, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about SPDIF Cables, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
