Opposite to the digital optical audio splitter, a digital optical audio switch is the best solution to allows multiple source devices (e.g. TV, Xbox, PC) to be connected to the same soundbar or headphone via optical fiber cables so that you can use remote control or button to switch the source device freely.
What’s the difference between the optical splitter and optical switch?
- Optical audio switch = 2 or more optical input ports, but only 1 optical output port. Only one source device can output sound through the adapter.
- Optical audio splitter = Only 1 optical input port, but there are 2 or more optical output ports. All connected audio receivers (Amp, soundbar, headphone, etc.) can work at the same time.
SPDIF optical audio switch box supports plug-and-play, the only thing you need to do is to set the audio output method and audio format in your source devices. Because of the limitations of the optical itself, an optical switch can only support Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS 5.1, and LPCM 2.0 audio. If you want 7.1CH Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, you must use HDMI 1.3 or above cables.
Read More: Check the best digital optical audio cable for your SPDIF switch.
To choose the best Optical Switch from the many products on the market, we need to consider the following points.
- Noise – We must ensure that the SPDIF switch stays quiet when we are not using it instead of having to cut off its power supply.
- Switching Speed – Fast response and completion of the switch will not make us wait for too long, which are also the first factors to consider for various switchers.
- Lag – It’s inevitable that an audio adapter will cause sound lag, but an excellent optical switcher at least guarantees that there is no noticeable lag.
Below are the best digital optical switches we selected after careful comparison and testing.
Tips: Please remove the protective cap on the tips of the optical cable, which is the most overlooked step!
1. J-Tech Digital 3 in 1 out Premium Quality SPDIF TOSLINK Digital Optical Audio Switch with Remote
Specs & Features:
- 3 female input to 1 female output
- Switch through remote control or button
- Support Dolby Digital & DTS 5. 1, Dolby Digital Plus
- Support PCM stereo 32kHz, 44. 1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz
- Supports 5.1 channels output up 130ft/40m
- Over-voltage protection can prevent the damage caused by connecting an unmatched power adapter to the machine
- Come with a power adapter
- 12-month warranty
2. eSynic 3 Port Toslink Switch Digital Optical Audio Switcher 3X1 with IR Remote Control Aluminum Alloy SPDIF Switcher 3 in 1 Out with 6.6ft Optical Cable Supports PCM2.0 5.1CH DTS AC3
Specs & Features:
- 3 female input to 1 female output
- Switch through remote control or button
- Support PCM2.0/DTS/Dolby-AC3
- Support transmission distance up to 40m/130ft via optical fiber cable loss less than 0.2Dbm
- Come with a power adapter
- Comes with a free 6.6 feet Toslink cable
- Aluminum alloy shell
- 18-month warranty
3. LiNKFOR Digital Toslink Optical 4×1 Switch with 3ft Optical Cable and IR Remote Control Aluminum Alloy Digital Audio SPDIF Toslink Optical Fiber Switcher 4 in 1 Out for PS3 Xbox Blue-Ray DVD HDTV
Specs & Features:
- 4 female input to 1 female output
- Support LPCM2.0/DTS/Dolby-AC3
- Support transmission distance up to 40m/130ft via optical fiber cable loss less than 0.2Dbm
- Over-voltage protection can prevent the damage caused by connecting an unmatched power adapter to the machine.
- Comes with a free 3 feet Toslink cable
Disadvantage
- The seller did not specify the warranty date
- Only come with a USB power, power Adapter not Included
4. Portta 2 in 1 out SPDIF Optical Digital Audio Switcher Box with IR Remote Control for Apple TV, PS4, Xbox, Blu-ray Player, Sound Bar, Receiver, Speakers, DVD, Amplifier
Specs & Features:
- 2 female input to 1 female output
- Support LPCM2.0/DTS/Dolby-AC3
- Support transmission distance up to 40m/130ft via optical fiber cable loss less than 0.2Dbm
- Support sampling frequency up to 96 kHz.
- Over-voltage protection can prevent the damage caused by the unstable or inappropriate power supply
- 5-year warranty
Disadvantage
- Only come with a USB power, power Adapter not Included
Conclusion
Some of these recommended SPDIF switches are only equipped with a USB power cord, and some will come with a free optical fiber cable. You can choose one according to your needs.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use two of the 3 ports at the same time?
A: No, you cannot. The 3 Input ports, such as port 1 (PS4), port 2 (Roku), & port 3 (TV), can only be used individually through the OUT port to your sound speaker.
Q: Does this product support 5.1 surround sound?
A: Yes.
Q: Does this product support 7.1 surround sound?
A: No! These Toslink switches only support Dobly Digital, DTS 5.1, and LPCM 2.0, it cannot transmit 7.1CH Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos