If you have a palette for economic home audio, Mediabridge digital coaxial cable will whet your appetite like a beautifully aged wheel of Gouda cheese. This audio cable is well equipped to protect data from interference with copper conductors, braided shielding and all the other necessary provisions. Pair it with a bottle of the finest Bordeaux speakers and you'll have smooth, flavorful audio to fill up your home. We like these cables because they are simple, but competent. You will get the real deal without paying for any gimmicks or unnecessary features. This product is our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award winner for the faithful delivery of great-tasting sound.
Digital coaxial cable can be a confusing term because there is nothing digital about the cable itself. The name "digital" merely denotes that the cable is qualified to conduct digital signals, which requires a certain amount of bandwidth. The difference between an analog and digital coaxial cable is really just a question of impedance, the limiting factor in frequency transfer. Like all digital coaxial cables, Mediabridge features an impedance rating of 75 ohms. This allows it to transmit digital audio and video signals. Digital coaxial cable can support up to six audio channels, which makes it especially well suited for surround sound systems.
In addition to meeting the standards set for digital coaxial cable, this cable is particularly well constructed. It features a highly conductive copper core with a gas-injected dielectric spacer. These components are important because they transfer the bulk of the signal.
To repel potential interference from external radio waves (often referred to as RM waves), the dielectric is wrapped in aluminum and Mylar foil. These materials are thin, flexible and reflective – perfect for preserving the data flowing through the cable without increasing physical bulk. Since most homes include many electrical appliances that produce potentially disruptive RM waves, this foil guard is essential.
RM waves are not the only threat to the safe transfer of data through a digital coaxial cable; electromagnetic waves can also cause major problems. If they reach the center conductor and mingle with the original signal, the data may be corrupted. To block out this interference, coaxial cable must be properly shielded. This digital coaxial cable features a braided copper shielding. Copper makes an ideal shield for the same reason that it makes an ideal core: it is highly conductive. When an interfering EM signal bombards the cable, the braided copper shield will ground it to keep the interference from damaging the signal within the cable.
A black PVC jacket forms the last layer of the digital coaxial cable, designed to protect the delicate cable innards from damage. PVC is an ideal material because it is durable and flexible.
Mediabridge has also equipped this digital coaxial cable with great connectors. Each end features a male RCA-style plug that is compatible with virtually any audio equipment. The connectors themselves are made from gold-plated nickel, which helps to ensure that data is not lost in the transfer to and from the cable. The connectors also maximize contact pressure between the male plug and the female terminal with a split center pin and a unique turbine-style gripper. Good electrical contact is essential for smooth data transfer and high audio integrity, and these high-quality connectors provide exactly that.
To help you to optimize your home audio system, Mediabridge provides several different cable lengths. Plan to keep each cable as short as possible; the shorter the cable, the less likely it is that interference will spoil the signal. Not only will this be more economical for you, it will ensure that your audio signal remains as pure as possible. Length options include the following:
- 3 feet
- 8 feet
- 20 feet
- 25 feet
The three-foot cable is perfect for hooking up your DVD player and receiver. If you need digital coaxial cable for anything else, the lack of a 12 to 15-foot cable may be an inconvenience.
All Mediabridge cables are protected from product failure due to flaws in materials or workmanship. Naturally, the warranty does not cover damage from accident or misuse. All cables are subject to examination before the warranty is honored, but you will not be responsible for return shipment charges if the cable qualifies for replacement under the terms of the warranty. With such excellent coverage, Mediabridge gives you a lifetime of cables for the price of one. If you find yourself in need of technical support, Mediabridge also provides both a phone number and email address for your convenience, both of which are easy to find on their website.
Like a good wheel of cheese, coaxial cables might not look like much from the outside, but you know you've found a winner when you taste it. Mediabridge is one of the best options for your home audio system because it can get that great sound to your ears without jitters, blips or marketing ploys. The only thing standing between you and your savory audio is a gold-plated RCA jack.
