Supra ZAC TosLink 2m

An optical cable that goes against conventional wisdom. Where glass fiber is often presented as the benchmark for optical transmission, Supra Cables chose to perfect plastic fiber with its ZAC technology. The result: transmission quality equivalent to glass, but with flexibility and robustness that glass cannot offer. Made in Sweden by Jenving Technology, this cable fits within the brand’s “No-Nonsense” philosophy.

The ZAC concept, or how to overcome the limits of plastic fiber

ZAC stands for “Zero Attenuation Concept.” The idea is simple on paper: eliminate the signal losses that usually affect plastic fiber. In practice, Supra achieves this through a patented three-step polishing process and a particular curvature of the optical core tip. This specific geometry cancels out losses caused by light divergence, the classic weakness of plastic compared with glass.

The fiber core comes from a Japanese supplier and stands out for its resistance to aging. That is a detail that matters: cheap plastic optical fibers can degrade over time, especially if they are subjected to repeated stress. Here, Supra is betting on durability.

Bandwidth and compatibility with high-resolution formats

The ZAC TosLink bandwidth reaches 32 bits / 384 kHz. This level far exceeds the needs of common sources (televisions, consoles, Blu-ray players), but it ensures compatibility with high-resolution files and studio formats. In short, the cable will not be the limiting link in the chain, even with a recent audiophile DAC.

This headroom remains relevant even over long distances. The cable is available from 30 cm to 15 meters (or even 20 meters depending on distributors), and Supra guarantees the same performance regardless of the chosen length.

Complete insulation against interference

Optical transmission has a structural advantage over copper: total immunity to electromagnetic interference and radio frequencies. No magnetic field, no electrical noise from the mains can alter a light signal. The ZAC TosLink also emits no stray radiation, which prevents any interference with nearby equipment.

Galvanic isolation is another concrete benefit. Devices connected by this cable have no electrical connection between them. This separation prevents ground loops and problems caused by different earth potentials, a common situation when connecting a computer, a television, and a home theater amplifier on separate electrical circuits.

Design and everyday durability

The cable adopts Supra’s characteristic “Ice Blue” shade, an icy blue with Scandinavian inspiration that stands out from anonymous black cables. The connectors are equipped with a spring clip that holds the plug firmly in the device’s TosLink socket. The molded jacket incorporates bend protection at both ends, where optical fibers are most vulnerable.

The flexibility is described as “medium” by the manufacturer. Less rigid than a glass-fiber cable, the ZAC TosLink is easy to handle in the confined spaces of a hi-fi cabinet or a home theater rack. This relative flexibility remains a compromise: a cable that is too flexible would offer insufficient protection against overly tight bend radii.

Typical uses and compatible devices

The TosLink connector (short for Toshiba Link) remains very common on consumer and audiophile audio-video equipment. The ZAC TosLink is suitable for connecting a source to a converter (DAC), a television to a home theater amplifier (to retrieve audio from a Smart TV), a game console to an external audio system, or a network player to an integrated amplifier.

The absence of a mini-TosLink standard on this model means you should check the connectivity of your devices. Some laptops or audio dongles use the 3.5 mm optical format: Supra offers other versions of its ZAC cable with this termination.

Technical Specifications

Connectivity

• Connector type (A): Optical Toslink
• Connector type (B): Optical Toslink
• Connector orientation: straight
• Retention system: connectors with spring clip for secure hold in the chassis

Construction

• Conductor: high-performance plastic optical fiber
• Transmission concept: ZAC (Zero Attenuation Concept)
• Fiber polishing: patented 3-step polishing process
• Cable protection: molded connectors with bend protection
• Flexibility: medium flex for easy installation

Performance

• Maximum bandwidth: up to 32 bits / 384 kHz
• Digital transmission: no loss due to optical divergence
• Interference immunity: insensitive to electromagnetic interference and radio frequencies
• Galvanic isolation: complete (no electrical connection between devices)
• Stray radiation: none

Compatibility

• Compatible with all devices equipped with an optical Toslink output or input, including:
  • Audio DACs
  • Home theater amplifiers
  • Televisions
  • Media players
  • Consoles and computers

Certifications

• CE, RoHS 3

General Information

• Brand: Supra Cables
• Model: ZAC Toslink Optical
• Product type: optical digital audio cable
• Category: digital interconnect
• Number of channels: 1 stereo channel
• Color: Ice Blue
• Packaging: 1 piece