Digital

USB, ethernet, optical, coaxial and AES/EBU cables for streaming and digital audio. The connections between computers, servers, streamers and DACs.

459 products Award Winning Dealer Since 2013 Free expert consultation

Digital cable, and why it is not only data

A digital cable either delivers the data or it does not, but that is only half the story. Timing errors and electrical noise travel along the cable alongside the signal and arrive at the DAC, where both affect what comes out of the analogue stage. This is why digital cables can sound different from one another despite carrying identical data.

Choose by connection first. USB is the most common link from a computer or streamer to a DAC. Ethernet carries network audio and is the fastest growing area in digital hi-fi. Optical isolates two components electrically, which helps where noise is a problem, but has bandwidth limits at high sample rates. Coaxial S/PDIF generally handles higher rates and keeps a direct electrical connection. AES/EBU on XLR is the professional standard and appears on higher end transports and DACs.

Impedance is not optional on coaxial and AES/EBU, at 75 ohm and 110 ohm respectively, so a standard interconnect is not a substitute even though the plugs fit. Tell us the source, the DAC and the sample rates involved and we will tell you which connection to use.

4.95/5 from 20,702+ reviews Award Winning Dealer Since 2013 UK Specialist since 2005

336 of 459 products

  • Shunyata

    Shunyata Research Sigma-X Ethernet Cable - 1.5m

    SKU: SIGX-ETH-150

    £2,333.33
    Ex. VAT
    The Shunyata Research Sigma X Ethernet Cable brings exceptional transparency, rich tonal balance and improved dynamics to high-end digital systems. With TAPc noise-reduction technology, KPIP v2 processing and an advanced CMode filter, it delivers cleaner playback and an engaging analog-like presentation.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Shunyata

    Shunyata Research Alpha-X Ethernet Cable - 1.5m

    SKU: ALPX-ETH-150

    £1,500.00
    Ex. VAT
    The Shunyata Research Alpha X Ethernet Cable enhances network-based audio with lower noise, stronger dynamics, and greater overall clarity. Featuring TAPc modules, KPIP v2 processing, and CMode filtering, it elevates timing accuracy and tonal presence in any capable system. Ideal between a router or switch and a premium server, it offers a meaningful performance boost. Demo units are available for home evaluation.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • DELA/Melco

    Dela S5 Network Switch

    SKU: Dela S5 Network Switch

    From
    £6,665.83
    Ex. VAT
    The DELA S5 is a high performance Japanese network switch with 4 SFP ports, 7 ethernet ports and front panel speed control for every connection. With the same solid chassis as the N5, it supports port disabling, colour coded speed indicators and flexible 1Gbps or 10Gbps operation. It delivers a notable upgrade from the S100 and S10 while remaining cost effective.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Nordost

    Nordost Blue Heaven 3 Ethernet Cable

    SKU: Blue Heaven 3 Ethernet Cable

    From
    £383.33
    Ex. VAT
    The Blue Heaven 3 Ethernet Cable enhances streaming by supporting clean, stable data transfer between networked audio components. With solid core conductors, individually shielded twisted pairs, and multi layer braided protection, it reduces noise and preserves detail. Its shielded RJ45 connectors maintain reliable transmission, helping your system deliver clearer, more engaging sound.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Nordost

    Nordost Blue Heaven 3 Type A to Type B USB Cable

    SKU: Blue Heaven 3 Type A to Type B USB Cable

    From
    £241.67
    Ex. VAT
    Nordost’s Blue Heaven 3 USB 2.0 Cable brings a significant boost to computer based audio systems. With Micro Mono Filament technology plus precision wound, double shielded conductors, it supports a fast and clean signal path. Expect improved clarity, stronger dynamics, and a more immersive presentation from your digital music. It is a simple upgrade that delivers a clear step forward in sound quality.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • DELA/Melco

    DELA S50 Network Switch

    SKU: Dela S50

    From
    £2,749.17
    Ex. VAT
    The DELA S50 is a compact audio focused network switch with SFP+ and RJ45 ports, full speed control per port and a quiet power design. Its configurable layout, visual LED feedback and ability to disable unused ports make it ideal for creating a clean, optimized streaming environment. Hand assembled in Japan, it provides reliable performance for high grade audio systems.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • DELA/Melco

    DELA C1 SFP+ Direct Attach Cable - 2m

    SKU: C1-D20-D

    £665.83
    Ex. VAT
    This audio oriented SFP Direct Attach cable links compatible devices without extra conversion steps, supporting 10Gbps SFP+. Silver plated OFC solid conductors, a gold plated module case, and a low tangle mesh tube deliver stable performance for short runs. Limited to 2 meters, it is optimized for clean, direct audio data transfer.
    View Out of Stock Worldwide Shipping Available
  • AudioQuest Diamond USB Type A to Type B Data Cable
    SALE

    AudioQuest

    AudioQuest Diamond USB Type A to Type B Data Cable 0.75m - Ex-Demo

    SKU: AQ Diamond USB A-B 0.75m Ex-Demo

    £491.66 £615.83
    Ex. VAT ✓ Save £124.18
    For many applications, the speed of digital communication is important. Most visibly, "speed" is about transferring large files as quickly as possible, or carrying enough data for an HD video.
    View Out of Stock Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Matrix Audio

    Matrix Audio SS-1 Audio Grade Network Switch

    SKU: SS-1-1

    £1,079.17
    Ex. VAT
    The Matrix Audio SS-1 Audio Grade Network Switch is a hi-fi focused network switch designed for music streaming systems, featuring advanced clock design, optical isolation, flexible Ethernet speeds, and upgradeable power options for clean, stable digital audio performance.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Matrix Audio

    Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Audio Grade Network Switch

    SKU: SS-1 Pro

    £1,579.17
    Ex. VAT
    The Matrix Audio SS-1 Pro Audio Grade Network Switch is a high-performance network switch built for hi-fi streaming systems, combining linear power, advanced clock design, optical isolation, and multi-speed Ethernet ports to deliver stable, low-noise digital audio transmission.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Matrix Audio

    Matrix Audio OCC USB 2.0 Audio Cable

    SKU: MA-USB-20

    From
    £74.99
    Ex. VAT
    The Matrix Audio OCC USB 2.0 Audio Cable is a high-quality USB interconnect designed for hi-fi audio systems, using OCC conductors, enhanced shielding, and flexible construction to deliver stable, low-noise digital audio performance.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available
  • Matrix Audio

    Matrix Audio CAT6A Network Patch Cord

    SKU: MA-LAN-6A

    From
    £124.99
    Ex. VAT
    The Matrix Audio CAT6A Network Patch Cord is a high-performance Ethernet cable designed for music streaming systems, supporting full 10Gbps data transfer with advanced shielding and high-purity OFC conductors to deliver stable, low-noise network performance for high-resolution audio.
    View Available Worldwide Shipping Available

Not finding what you need?
Our experts can help narrow it down for your exact system.
Ask an Expert →

For noise isolation, yes. While Ethernet transmits data efficiently, it can carry noise. Fibre breaks the electrical path, reducing interference.

Coaxial S/PDIF uses RCA or BNC connectors with 75-ohm impedance, while AES/EBU is balanced and uses XLR connectors with 110-ohm impedance. AES/EBU typically offers better noise rejection for professional and high-end systems.

Optical TOSLINK cables are ideal for preventing ground loops and electrical interference since they use light transmission. Coaxial cables, however, often deliver a slightly more robust and detailed sound.

Yes, but not in the same way as analogue cables. High-quality digital cables minimise jitter and ensure stable signal transfer, preserving timing accuracy and reducing noise.

Yes. Both coaxial and AES/EBU cables can handle 24-bit/192kHz audio, while optical cables may be limited to 24-bit/96kHz depending on the device.

Using a true 75-ohm coaxial digital cable maintains impedance consistency and reduces signal reflections that can introduce jitter and distortion.

Loading...
Loading...
loader
Loading...