How to Hook Up Fiber-Optic Audio Cables

Fiber-optic audio cable with connector on each end.

Fiber-optic audio cables transmit multichannel sound from one electronic component to another using pulsating light. One advantage of fiber-optic audio is that the light signal is unaffected by electromagnetic interference from stereo components, unlike audio cables made with copper wire or other metals.



Each end of the fiber-optic cable has a plastic plug that inserts into an optical audio jack. Connecting the cable usually takes no more than a few seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Amplifier or receiver
• Source component, such as a Blu-ray player

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the audio amplifier or receiver, and the source component.

2. Turn the volume on the audio amplifier or receiver to zero, using the volume control knob on the front of the unit, or its remote control.

3. Insert the connector on one end of the fiber-optic cable into the optical input jack at the rear of the amp or receiver. Note that the orientation of the connector must match the outline of the input jack.

4. Plug the connector at other end of the fiber-optic cable into the optical output jack of the source component.

5. Turn on the power to both devices, and adjust the volume to the desired level.

References

• Home Cinema Guide: Optical Digital Audio: Cable and Connection Explained
• Audioholics: Understanding Digital Interconnects