There are three common types of digital interconnect cables: coaxial, optical and USB. And with the rise of digital media, picking the appropriate cable for your system as important as it's ever been.
So if you've moved away from 'traditional' hi-fi and need a cable that can support your digital system, these make for a great fit. And with Black Friday around the corner, it's a good time to be keeping an eye out for bargains.
Tested at £29If your system includes an external DAC, then in our opinion a decent USB cable can make a noticeable difference. This Supra cable doesn't look particularly special, but it's a fine (and affordable) performer.
Tested at £40An Award-winning cable that's fantastic value for money and a significant upgrade on a free bundled wire.If you're running a CD transport into a DAC, or perhaps an older games console into a home cinema amp, we feel it brings sufficient sonic improvements to make it worthwhile.
Tested at £30Although coaxial connnections are less common than their optical counterparts, the benefits a cable upgrade can bring still apply - and this QED offering is a great option for the money.
Simon Lucas is a freelance technology journalist and consultant, with particular emphasis on the audio/video aspects of home entertainment. Before embracing the carefree life of the freelancer, he was editor of What Hi-Fi? – since then, he's written for titles such as GQ, Metro, The Guardian and Stuff, among many others.