When it comes to gaming consoles, in most cases, the best way to connect them to a TV is via HDMI because HDMI carries video and audio. On the other hand, there are some cases where you will want to separate those two, for example, video on the TV and audio from other speakers. To do this, utilizing the Xbox One’s optical cable port is recommended.
There are a number of reasons to use an optical audio cable (also known as a TOSLINK) with your Xbox One. Maybe you want to connect the Xbox to a soundbar or other audio device or just want to know if it’s possible for future reference. Continue reading to learn how to use coaxial audio cables with the Xbox One.
Rumour has it that the new generation of Xbox, Xbox Series X, won’t have an optical cable port, in which case this information will only be relevant to the older models.
First, we’ll mention some of our favourite cables and the cover some practical tips on how to use them with the Xbox one and other audio devices.
Best Optical Cables for Xbox One:
Here’s a list of our best optical cables that offer rich audio for Xbox One.
Syncwire Optical Cable (1.8M) 24K Gold-Plated
It’s no surprise that the Syncwire Optical Cable is a best seller. It’s compatible with all TOSLINK devices and perfect for Xbox One and other gaming consoles. You’ll be happy to know that the connector is made from metal, not flimsy plastic, so it’s very secure.
Corrosion-resistant and gold-plated connectors keep the signals clear and detailed, offering the richest audio possible with no signal loss. It offers uncompressed PCM audio and compatible with 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby TrueHD and other Dolby Audio variations. Essentially, it offers the best audio possible, and it’s a great choice for connecting consoles to soundbars or home theatres.
KabelDirekt 1.5m Optical Digital Audio Cable/TOSLINK Cable
Here we have another great optical audio cable. The KabelDirekt 3M optical cable is compatible with all TOSLINK audio devices and Dolby Audio versions (including Dolby Digital Plus). It has 24K gold plated connectors that are corrosion resistant and can last a lifetime. Much like the previous cable, it has metal connectors that are secure and stable, no need to worry about them coming loose.
You might be wondering if this cable is flexible enough to be fed through cable wall ducts. While 90-degree angles aren’t recommended, most customers have said the cable is flexible enough for most home setups, either fed through walls or behind furniture and whatnot. Overall, a very nice and high-quality optical cable.
iVANKY Optical Cable with Japan Toray Core Nylon Braided
This optical cable is also high-grade but with a couple of notable features. The most obvious feature is the cable style is nylon braided, which makes it ideal for sharp angles and other configurations. The braided design allows the cable to easily wrap around objects and corners with no risk of damage.
On top of that, the iVANKY optical cable has the standard features, 24K gold-plated connectors, rubber caps, compatible with all audio devices, and audio versions. The rubber caps allow for easy installation with minimal damage to TOSLINK ports.
To summarize, if you need a flexible optical cable for your audio setup then I highly recommend this one, the braided cable is perfect for more complicated audio setups.
How to Connect Xbox One to a Surround Sound System:
The easiest (and cheapest) way to connect Xbox One to a surround sound system is by using an optical audio cable. Locate the TOSLINK port on the rear of your Xbox, insert the cable, and then insert the other end into an available port on your surround sound system.
Note: If the Xbox doesn’t configure the new audio automatically, then you might have to change the audio output manually inside the settings menu, it should be labelled as “Optical Audio”.
In most cases, everything will be plug-and-play and the surround sound should work. Using an optical cable is the best way to connect the Xbox One to a surround sound system. The alternative would be buying multiple HDMI cables, which is a hassle.
The Difference Between HDMI and Optical Cables:
The main difference between HDMI and Optical cables is HDMI is an all-in-one cable that supports video, audio, and even other signals. The optical cable is only designed for audio, so it does not support video at all. It can only be used to send the audio to separate speakers. Don’t worry, it’s possible to use both cables at the same time, the HDMI for video, and the optical for audio.
To get everything working correctly, you might have to play around with some audio settings on your Xbox, TV, and sound system, but it should be fairly straightforward. You can check the manuals of each device for specific instructions.
So now you know how to connect your Xbox One to a separate audio device, such as a soundbar or surround sound system. The advantage here is the audio from those devices will be much richer than the audio from your TV which will greatly enhance your gaming experience. Optical cables are super cheap too, so there’s no reason to not connect the console to your audio system.
