All Monoprice Toslink cables use POF (Plastic Optical Fiber). This material is widely adopted in consumer audio applications due to its flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Performance Comparison: Plastic vs. Glass
For most home audio systems, you should not hear any difference between a plastic optical cable and a glass quartz optical cable. The signal quality remains consistent across both types under typical usage conditions.
However, differences may emerge under specific scenarios:
- Cable lengths exceeding 100 feet
- Extremely high bandwidth transmission requirements
In these cases, glass fiber may offer slightly better performance due to lower attenuation. But for standard setups—such as connecting a TV to a soundbar or receiver—plastic fiber performs reliably and efficiently.
Why Plastic Is Often Preferred
Modern optoelectronic components used in audio equipment are designed to interface directly with POF fibers. This compatibility ensures optimal signal transmission and reduces the likelihood of connection issues. Additionally, plastic fiber:
- Is more resistant to bending and physical stress
- Is easier to manufacture and install
- Has improved in performance over time due to better component integration
Need Help?
Monoprice offers a wide range of Toslink cables in various lengths and styles to suit your setup. If you're unsure which cable is right for your system—or whether you need plastic or glass—our support team is happy to help. Just reach out and we’ll guide you to the best option for your needs.