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LightWave 100
Score: 99%
Developer: Monster
Device Type: Audio


Function:

If you have a PS2 or a DVD player with a Toslink Fiber Optic output, and of course, something that can receive the other end of the signal as well Fiber Optically, you may want to read onward. Monster Cable has produced the LightWave 100 Fiber Optic audio cable to simplify the process of routing your digital audio to your favorite multi-channel receiver or dedicated audiophile power and pre-amp separates. Here is the lowdown after several days of extreme testing.

Performance:

While this product is marketed completely as a PS2 peripheral, I took the liberty of replacing an AudioQuest fiber optic cable with the Monster Cable LightWave 100 to see if there was any discernable difference in how it handled signals directly from a CD and DAT machine. As expected, I encountered no problems whatsoever in transmitting optical renditions of binary code to my outboard Digital to Analog converter. More importantly, there was no discernable difference in the converted audio signal derived from the Monster Cable LightWave 100 and the other Optical cables I had on hand for evaluation purposes.

Similar testing of the device using the PS2 with games and DVD movies provided equally impressive results. Granted, there isn?t much one can get wrong with a fiber optic cable, unless of course the conduit is so poorly fashioned that the host converter must resample the data over and over, which could cause errors. But in this case, the LightWave 100 proved to be a rather sound and affordable addition to any burgeoning audio/video-phile?s connector cache. It connects to the Toslink input with a firm snap into position and performed admirably in every instance of its use during my tests, which included a stint attached to an older Sony Laserdisc unit stuffed with a nice import of Sade Live In Concert as the test platter. Superlative results in every way.


Features:
  • 10 foot Toslink fiber optic gaming cable
  • Fiber optic connection allows you to take advantage of PS2s Dolby Digital and DTS capabilities
  • Specially optimized extra low loss optical fiber provides crystal clear highs and powerful, articulate bass
  • Precision polished fiber optic connector minimizes distortion for cleaner, more transparent sound

Drawbacks & Problems::

I cannot reasonably conclude that there were any noticeable or noteworthy problems when using the LightWave 100 from Monster Cable. In fact, I must go so far as to say that I have ousted one of my long-standing fiber optic interconnects in favor of this terrific offering from the great folks over at Monster Cable.

-Fabz, GameVortex Communications
AKA Fabian Blache

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