Guides

Digital audio interconnects are essential for maintaining audio fidelity between components. This article explains key digital interfaces, including S/PDIF (coaxial and optical), AES/EBU, HDMI, HDMI I2S, USB, Thunderbolt, and Ethernet. Each type has distinct capabilities, advantages, and ideal use cases, from home hi-fi systems to professional audio studios. While optical S/PDIF resists electrical interference, coaxial supports higher resolution. USB and Thunderbolt offer high bandwidth for DACs, and AES/EBU is ideal for balanced, low-noise pro environments. HDMI I2S, though niche, delivers audiophile-grade performance. Choosing the right digital cable depends on your system’s needs, sound quality goals, and usage context.

HDMI cables are essential for delivering high-quality audio and video in modern home entertainment and gaming setups. This guide explains what HDMI cables do, their importance, and the differences between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1. It covers key factors when choosing a cable, such as bandwidth, length, build quality, and certification. Features like ARC vs. eARC and common HDMI myths are also clarified. Whether you need a cable for 4K gaming, Dolby Atmos sound, or a simple TV connection, understanding HDMI specifications helps you make the best choice. Futureproof your setup with the right HDMI cable for your needs.

This section of our guide will deal with what many people consider to be the central cable in a HiFi system: the speaker cable. This is the cable that runs from an amplifier to your speakers and is the cable that generates the most ‘hype’ and some controversy. But before we get into the materials and variables, it’s important to note something that we will repeat throughout this section- there is no ‘best’ or ‘perfect’ cable for every system. (Continue reading...)

It’s now time to look at power distribution blocks and power conditioners. Distribution blocks are designed to extend one mains outlet into multiple, and higher-end version will have features like filtering or isolated sections. Power conditioners are purpose-built mains filters, designed to eradicate ‘noise’ from the electrical supply, and will also usually have multiple outputs. (Continue reading...)

At Future Shop we believe the first step to upgrading your system, and potentially one of the most important, is to address the power being fed into it. There are a lot of different metaphors and analogies out there to describe the relationship between power and the sonic performance of your system, but the one we think describes it best is thus: power is the foundation upon which your HiFi house is built. (Continue reading...)

Future Shop is a retailer that has catered to audiophiles for the last 16 years, and in that time we have enjoyed serving a discerning and knowledgeable customer base. Recently, though, we have been wondering whether that has made us a little complacent; are we relying too heavily on our customers to have a strong understanding of the different ways in which cables and accessories- what we call “the hidden costs of HiFi”- can improve their experience of their systems?  (Continue reading...)