Amazon Basics Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable, Multi-Channel, for Audio System, Sound Bar, Home Theatre, Gold-Plated Connectors, 6 Foot, Black

The sound bar is set up under the television, but the audio still needs a dedicated digital path from the source. This Amazon Basics Toslink cable handles that link, carrying multi-channel fibre optic sound between a TV, CD player, Blu-Ray player, game console or similar component and an audio system. One 6 foot cable comes in the box, measuring 72 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches with male-to-male TOSLINK ends, gold-plated and corrosion resistant, backed by buffer tubing for signal transfer. The round black cable has a PVC outer jacket and stays flexible and light at 2.88 ounces, and it suits indoor or outdoor placement.

One practical note: rubber tips cover both connectors to keep the ends clean during storage. Pull them off before plugging the cable in, then keep them for later.

When running the cable behind furniture or along a baseboard, the round profile makes it easier to tuck into a corner than a flat cable would be. Six feet is enough to span the typical distance between a television stand and a sound bar sitting directly beneath it, but measure your own gap before assuming it fits, especially if the source component is a separate shelf above or beside the display. If the cable needs to travel along a wall, a few adhesive cord clips keep it from dangling without crimping the fibre inside. Crimping is worth avoiding because unlike copper cables, fibre optic cables carry light, and a sharp bend can interrupt the signal even if the outer jacket looks fine.

The male-to-male TOSLINK connector is a standard format, so this cable works wherever a digital optical port appears, whether that port is labeled optical, TOSLINK, or S/PDIF optical on the back of the device. Before purchasing a longer or shorter replacement, check both ends of the intended run for that square-tipped port rather than the round coaxial S/PDIF port, which looks similar but accepts a different connector entirely. Keeping the rubber tips on the ends during storage protects the polished fibre tip from dust and scratches, both of which can reduce clarity on playback.