Solve Your Audio Cable Woes with these Troubleshooting Tips

Owning an optical audio cable, often referred to as Toslink cable since they were originally developed by Toshiba, can be a very good way of connecting components in your system, but it’s not always a perfect solution. An optical audio cable can be more prone to problems than a coaxial cable so you have to treat it carefully. Although it might look as sturdy as others, a Toslink cable is actually comprised of delicate wires and fibers. This makes it vulnerable to a variety of issues, so it’s important to identify them quickly so that you can address them effectively. Here, we’ll be taking a look at five of the most common problems.

The first, and perhaps most common, problem is breakage. This is when the cable’s protective sheath breaks and the individual wires inside come apart. This can occur when the cable has been bent, twisted or even stood on, and is not something that can be repaired. If your cable stops working, you can test for this by gently pulling on the sheath and seeing if the cables inside move. If they do, you’ll need a new cable.

The second issue has to do with the connector. These can be a bit more fiddly than a coax cable, and need to be attached carefully so that you don’t over tighten them. If they are too tight, they can cause damage to the connector, leading to eventual breakage. You’ll need to ensure that it is correctly connected to the component, and some connectors are designed to fit either ‘digital out’ and ‘optical out’ connections so make sure it is the correct one.

Thirdly, making sure you don’t inadvertently bend the cable is important. If you need to go around tight corners, or where the bend will cause too much pressure, it’s worth opting for flexible, braided cables which can handle those situations better. If your optical cable stops working, it’s worth checking for any unintentional bends which have caused a break inside.

Fourthly, make sure the red light at each connector is active when you connect your audio components. This indicates that the connection is live and direct, and if you don’t see the light, something may be wrong with the cable or the component itself. If it helps, take a flashlight to each end and check for any obstructions in the fiber.

Finally, make sure you have the audio source set up properly. When using a receiver, you’ll need to set it to either ‘optical in’ or ‘digital in’ to ensure you get the transmission. The same is true of a computer, where you’ll need to set the correct audio output.

Optical audio cable can be easier to connect than many other types of cable, but it pays to be mindful of the potential problems. By being aware of the five common issues outlined here, you can ensure that your Toslink cables last longer and provide the best possible audio experience. In the event that there is a problem, it’s fairly easy to diagnose and, if necessary, replace the cable.