Optical or Coaxial cables for audio?

We've noticed a pretty common dilemma occuring among audio devices users. Some of them are followers of coaxial cables used to such purposes, and some of them are very much for optical ones. We would like to show you the difference today on the basis of two kinds of Connection LAB cables. 

 

Most of the enthusiasts of the coaxial cables are real audio sound tweaks. It is more difficult to find a really bad coaxial cable. Coaxial cables can run for longer time (especialy these, like connectionlab, monster or other good brands), however these are more prone to picking up interference from other RF cables or AC cables. Some say the sound from coaxial cables is warmer and more natural, closer to the vinyl sound. Also, these are more difficult to break. The users generally agree that better coaxial cables generate better sound than cheap plastic cables.

Optical cables are more expensive and more difficult to find, especially those better ones. These are also shorter - at least they should be. The best sound in case of optical cables is when they're as short as possible. ConnectionLab cables are sold in 1m and 3m lenght only and this is max you can get a good sound. You'd better not trust longer optical cables. A minus of such is the type of connector which easily disconnects, so you musn't move around much while using these. They are also less shielded from interference. Optical cables are also less durable. The connector is easier to break, as opposite to coaxial. As it may find they have a lot of minuses, some audiofils claim the sound is a lot better than from coaxial cables, this is why they are able to bear all the inconviniences.

So which one is better? Unfortunatelly the best and only answer for you is take those two and try. Listen to what your ears will find better. It's highly personal thing.

HDMI Switches: 3-In 1-Out HDMI Auto Switch vs Connection LAB

Ok, so, while I found comparison reviews pretty clear when you oppose two items, I decided it's time to show you a HDMI switch (splitter) difference. In today's episode there's again: Connection LAB and HDMI Audio Switch bought on Amazon.




Here's 3-In 1-Out HDMI Amazon Switch:

 

Connection LAB:

As Connection Lab has got several options in their offer, I chose the most similar 5:1 to confront it with 3:1 switch.

As the first producer claims "it expands the number of available HDMI ports on a high definition television allowing connection of cable boxes, Blu-ray players, and game consoles". The biggest advantage according to the producer is automatic  HDMI switch plug-and-play. But the producer also notes that the Auto switch function only works for components that do not output continuous voltage over HDMI port when it is  turned off ;)
Even if it is very high in amazon sells, the switch worked only when it was directly to the receiver. Using cables (which are added to the switch!) doesn't work. I cant understand why it is so high...

Especially that I had Connection Lab. The fact that I am fond of this company is known to you but their switch (with a pilot, which works!) is something completely different. It is more expensive, true that, but it also:
-looks much better and reliable
-it has more slots
-it WORKS :)

And the producer's note:

• Support HDMI resolution:1080P/1080i/720P/576P/480P/576i/480i
• Support video color format:xv-YCC/Deep color 8 bit / 10 bit/12 bit
• Support audio format:DTS-HD/LPCM/Dolby-AC3/DTS7.1/DSD
• Data transfer speed: up to 2.5 Gbpsper channel
• Input Video signal: 5.0Volts P-P
• Max working current: 300mA
• Power adapter supply: DV 5V. 2A
• Power adapter format: Input AC(50Hz. 60Hz) 100-240V; Output DV 5V
• Operating Temperature range: -15 to+55oC (5 to 131oF)
• Operating Humidity range: 5 to90%RH (No Condensation)
• HDMI output cable lenght: ≤ 15m (24AWG)
• HDMI Version: 1.3
• HDCP Version: HDCP 1.2
  
  If you ask me, don't waste money on amazon best ofs. 

Banana Plugs ConnectionLAB HBC-01

Unusual piece of equipment to review but we needed to buy some banana plugs to match one of our cables to a socket. While ordering another HDMI cable from ConnectionLAB we have spotted banana plugs in their offer to. This is how these look like:

As you may know, banana plugs, or banana connectors are used for connecting cables. Plus the producer promises:

• Hi-End Gold plated contacts for best corrosion resistance
• Maximum wire diameter:
• Cable entry secured with screws

Why not buy it then? Gold plated connectors are well tested idea and it is important that the cable entry was secured to match most cables. As usual Connectionlab did their job.
What is also important is to keep electrical safety of such a device. It is a small thing but can cause a lot of harm if it's wrongly made or badly secured. This company's stuff is solid, we know that already, so we have no doubts. These are just banana plugs but it's a small but damn important piece of equipment :) You can sure trust Connectionlab in this matter :)

ConnectionLAB HTC-03 Premium 3m Optical TOS Cable

As we promised, we've tested the last ConnectionLAB cables left. 3 m optical cables of this company came here quickly as usual in a nice box.

This time we did not aim at the longetivity of the cable because it is important to know: optical cables should be as short as possible. ConnectionLAB offers 1m and 3m cables, not longer. I find it's fair, because other companies begin to produce even 10m cables and this, you can absolutely ignore! We recommend using 1m but we bought 3m for two reasons: we needed it for the PC computer and console. Second: we wanted to test this company again as fairly as possible :)
Here's what the producer promises:

• High quality fiber conductor for low signal loss
  
• Massive cooper plugs white chromium plated to avoid mechanical damage
• 192kHz/24bit data transfer rate
• Superior outer cotton, to avoid cable twisting

 I will repeat this once again and I will repeat that for EVER: quality is important. The price is important. Do not buy cheap things because you cannot afford buing sh*t. Fact.
What we like about Connectionlab optical cable is again the cotton linning of the cable which prevents it from twisting, hence the very important data transfer is very well aided. The fiber conductor also helps to stop the signal loss. Quality is especially important in terms of optical cables. As short as possible and as good as possible. Do not let people led you astray with promises of the same working at low cost. 
We've written many times about massive plugs made of copper and plated with chrominim. Avoiding damages is one thing, but they are simply more long-lasting in terms of use than many other, cheaper and weaker plugs.
Once again we need to give justice to ConnectionLAB company. The console worked perfectly, which means:

• no electromagnetic disruptions
• it didn't generate disruptions
• no stray electrical current
  What is worth mentioning, the optical cables are generally more long lasting and durable in comparison to

Coaxial RCA BANDRIDGE 1M CABLE

As we have seen a lot of recommendations of Bandridge cables on the internet, we decided to pursue a coaxial cable. We've had ConnectionLAB already (0,6 m) but in order to compare:

What attracted us was its very attractive price and good opinions. And although the cables are not bad, they are not impressive either.
You can feel the quality immediately: There is plastic mostly, the plugs do not fit in so well in the sockets. But it's not bad either, the signal worked. I'm just concerned that it won't be eternal and they will easily fall out after some time, soon.
We've used it for obvious purposes: to connecto a DVD to TV. The movie was transmitted with no obstacles but, however, I got the impression that the sound wasn't so good as with our before used cables. In ConnectionLAB the sound seemed to be deeper, and we used exactly the same devices, including speakers (Creative).
What is more, the cable itself is a bit stiff. I'm a fraid it will be a couse of them breaking soon. But who knows, maybe they're better than we think. To sum up: these are not bad and not good cables. Just as their price. For someone who's not demanding, may be a right choice. But prepare for buying new ones soon after.

ConnectionLAB HDMI Matrix 4-4 Switch

We enlarged our collection of accessories and HDMI products with another one from ConnectionLAB. This time it is Matrix 4-4 Switch:

We've ordered it via http://www.connectionlab.co.uk shop, as usual, because to our surprise it's hard to find it at stores and ConnectionLAB website seems to be the only place you can find it. Is it a luxury good then? Who knows! We use their cables HDMI, wall plate, optical cables, so this time we bought a switch to mount a real home theatre.

First of all, the look: massive and very solid. Made of plastic but not light and trashy, heavy thing, elegant and simple. What to want more from a HDMI switch.  The pilot is very simplistic too. Not too flashy, weirdly looking as it happens.

As the producer description of the product says:

• Support HDMI resolution:1080P/1080i/720P/576P/480P/576i/480i
• Support video color format: Deepcolor 24 bit / 36 bit
• Support audio format: LPCM/Dolby-AC3/DTS7.1/DSD
• Data transfer speed: 10.2 Gbps
• Input Video signal: 5.0Volts P-P
• Max working current: 3200mA
• Power adapter supply: DV 5V, 4A
• Power adapter format: Input AC(50Hz. 60Hz) 100-240V; Output DV 5V
• Operating Temperature range: -5 to+55oC (5 to 131oF)
• Operating Humidity range: 5 to90%RH (No Condensation)
• HDMI output cable lenght: ≤ 15m (24AWG)
• HDMI Version: 1.3
• HDCP Version: HDCP 1.2

The switch woks very well. The parameters are just like we needed them to be. We have 4-4 switch but I've seen they have other types in their offer so you might check their website to see if you need anything more or less. You may also say that there is not much you can demand from a HDMI switch. Well, indeed. All it has to do is to keep the plugs connected but we value things that are nicely designed in addition to that.

I believe it will work for a long time for us. There were literary no problems whatsoever, but if anything breaks this flawless impression, we'll be the first to let you know!

ConnectionLAB HCC-01 Premium 0.6m Coaxial Cable

Welcome after a short break. Here we are with another review of accessories. We were asked about good coaxial cables and we decided to start with the company we were very pleased with already - connectionlab. Again, we have ordered these at www.connectionlab.co.uk and got a nice package two days later.

[source: facebook.com/connectionlab.co.uk]


We bought HCC-01 premium 0.6m coaxial cable. The company sells it also in 1m version.
First impression: the cables are solid, again. The contacts, plated with 24k gold look massive, which is good and gives the impression of good quality. Gold is supposed, to prevent it from oxidation and corrosion. This is what we like, you know that. Good, high-quality craftsmanship. The plugs itself are heavy and solid. These are copper and chrominium plated. These are just  an excellent piece of work.  What is more, it is said that the cable has outer cotton layer, so that it doesn't twist or break. It's a good promise.

How about working of those? The ConnectionLAB cables have 192 kHz data transfer rate. The copper conductors prevent signal loss. All of these works perfectly. I have tested these on my Creative headphones and a DVD Pioneer set. The signal was all absolutely fine, the sound is perfect. It's a straight up a high quality product. No matter what people say about insignifficance of the cable and accessories role, no matter the price. ConnectionLAB coaxial cables are totally RECOMMENDABLE!

ConnectionLAB GSP-01 Home Theatre Wall Plate 9.2

After trying ConnectionLAB HDMI cables and our extremely positive impressions we decided to purchase their Home Theatre Wall Plate 9.2.

As you can see it is designed for connecting 9 loudspeakers, plus two subwoofers. The package we get includes a front a with sockets, flush wall socket and a set of 4 screws. The front panel is 145 X 145 mm big, white in colour with massive gold-plated speaker sockets, which we believe will work well and look good too. To be honest it looks good, it is not too bulky or flashy but solid and modern in look. This time look is especially important because it is a piece of equipment visible on your wall. And it does not look bad at all.

Who needs wall plates at home? Well, everyone who wants to keep at least a little bit of order around and would like to enjoy neat space in the room.  If you plan to have a home theatre at home, the wall plates are simply a necessity. Home Theatre is a pretty complicated system which requires many wirings and components which often get tangled and does not make enjoying your home theatre easy and comfortable at all. If you want to keep it clean, you use wall plates, we hope it is clear. ConnectionLAB GSP-01 wall plates 9.2. are cool not only because of its look but also being really functional.  9 loudspeakers is a nice home theater, plus you can plug in 2 active subwoofers. If it is too much for you, the producer offers the wall plates in smaller sizes too. What is important: we haven’t come across any problems with the signal. The vision and sound were as perfect as expected too. The set is easy to install. So if you are to install home theatre at your place – we totally recommend ConnectionLAB product again.

ConnectionLAB HDC-15 Premium 15m HDMI cable

Although some say that there is no difference among all the HDMI cables available on the market, it is obvious, in the long run, that there is a difference and it is really notable. We have checked ConnectionLAB HDC-15 Premium 15m HDMI cable for you. The brand is engaged in providing solutions in connectivity and audio-video technology and so it seemed it should be a reasonable choice. And it seemed well.

First of all, the greatest advantage of this product is the distance it can be used on. 15 mettre long cable is a huge facilitation as you do not need to add any extension cords to fit it to your interiors’ space. It has HDMI A-HDMI A connectors. The high-speed HDMI works very well and literally there were no slowdowns or whatsoever. The ConnectionLAB cables support Full HD 1080P Signal. 

 It is important to mention its quality, visible even before you use it. The metal plug is crafted so that it prevents all mechanical damages. We tend to forget how vital such details are in terms of technology, yet here is a reminder: quality matters. The HDMI cables have gold plated contacts to prevent oxidation and, although we have tested these for a short period of time, it is obvious that it will work. In terms of cheaper cables, well, you can imagine what will happen. Oxygen-Free conductor is yet another plus of this master-crafted item. The producer promises a durable mesh-shield and although it can be tested only in a very long term tests, we are eager to believe it.

The ConnectionLAB HDMI HDC-15 Premium cable just works and it works perfectly. No slowdowns, no noises or disruptions, no distortion of the view. HDMI is the future of audio-visual technology, we all know it. But never believe those who claim all HDMI cables are the same. This one may be one of the best and it’s worth its price.