Stinger XI116 X Series 6ft Toslink Optical Interconnect
Stinger XI116 X Series 6ft Toslink Optical Interconnect
The purest signal path available in a car audio installation, the XI116 delivers an extended-frequency, noise-immune digital optical connection in a 6-foot audiophile-grade Toslink cable built for DSP and high-performance head unit integration.
Product Overview
The XI116 is Stinger's X Series 6-foot Toslink optical interconnect, engineered to provide the cleanest possible digital audio signal path between source units, DSP processors, PAC AmpPRO vehicle interfaces, and Stinger Infotainment systems. Unlike RCA cables, an optical Toslink connection transmits audio as light rather than electrical signal, making it completely immune to electromagnetic interference, alternator whine, ground loops, and all other forms of electrical noise that affect analogue signal chains. The XI116 uses a medical-grade, light-conductive fibre optic core that is triple-polished at both ends to maximise light transfer efficiency and minimise the possibility of data errors that cause digital jitter and sonic degradation. The C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction) method ensures no breaks in the optical signal chain, and the Quad-Lock precision connector resists vibration to maintain a secure connection in the automotive environment. A flexible non-reflective PVC dielectric insulation jacket allows easy routing through tight spaces in the dash and cabin, while the durable automotive-grade outer jacket provides long-term protection in daily use. Hi-Res Audio ready with support for multi-channel audio formats including 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital. The 6-foot length is suited to shorter runs between components mounted in close proximity, such as a head unit and a DSP installed behind the dash or under the seat.
Features & Benefits
Medical-Grade Fibre Optic Core: The light-conductive fibre optic core is manufactured to medical-grade standards, providing the highest level of optical clarity and signal transmission precision available. This level of core quality directly reduces digital jitter and data errors in the transmitted audio signal, resulting in more detailed and accurate sound reproduction at the receiving device.
Triple-Polished Connector Ends: Both ends of the optical cable are triple-polished to create the smoothest possible light-emitting and light-receiving surfaces. Each additional polishing step reduces microscopic surface imperfections that scatter light at the connection point, maximising the total amount of light transferred and minimising data errors caused by optical loss.
Total Immunity from Noise Interference: Because the XI116 transmits audio as a light signal rather than an electrical current, it is completely immune to electromagnetic interference from alternators, ignition systems, mobile devices, and all other electrical noise sources present in the automotive environment. No shielding is required and no ground loops can form, as there is no electrical connection between source and destination.
Extended Frequency Response Beyond RCA Capability: The optical digital signal path supports a frequency response that extends far above the 20kHz ceiling of the analogue audio spectrum and well beyond the practical capability of any RCA cable, making the XI116 Hi-Res Audio ready for sources and processors that output high-resolution digital audio formats.
Multi-Channel Audio Support: The XI116 supports multi-channel digital audio formats including 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital, making it suitable for high-bandwidth DSP and digital processor connections that require full multi-channel throughput over a single cable.
C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction): Stinger's proprietary C3 construction method ensures no breaks or discontinuities in the optical signal chain throughout the full 6-foot cable length, providing unmatched signal transfer consistency from source to destination.
Quad-Lock Precision Connector: The Stinger Toslink Quad-Lock precision connector resists vibration and mechanical stress in the automotive environment, maintaining a secure, aligned connection at the optical interface that is critical for consistent digital signal integrity.
Flexible Non-Reflective PVC Dielectric Jacket: The flexible PVC dielectric insulation surrounding the fibre core is non-reflective, preventing internal light scattering that would otherwise degrade the optical signal. The flexibility of the jacket allows the cable to be routed through tight dash and cabin spaces without exceeding the minimum bend radius of the fibre core.
Durable Automotive-Grade Outer Jacket: The outer jacket is constructed to automotive-grade standards for long-term performance in the temperature cycling, vibration, and moisture conditions typical of daily vehicle use.
Compact 6-Foot Length for Short-Run Installations: At 6 feet (1.8 metres), the XI116 is the right choice for installations where the source unit and DSP or processor are in close proximity, such as a head unit connecting to a DSP mounted under the seat or behind the dash, providing a tidy, excess-free cable run without the bulk of a longer cable.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | XI116 |
| Series | X Series |
| Cable Type | Toslink Optical |
| Length | 6ft (1.8 metres) |
| Core Material | Medical-grade light-conductive fibre optic |
| Connector Finish | Triple-polished |
| Connector Type | Quad-Lock Stinger Toslink |
| Construction Method | C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction) |
| Outer Jacket | Durable automotive-grade |
| Inner Insulation | Flexible non-reflective PVC dielectric |
| Multi-Channel Support | Yes (5.1 and 7.1 DTS, Dolby Digital) |
| Hi-Res Audio Ready | Yes |
| Noise Immunity | Total (optical transmission, no electrical connection) |
| Frequency Response | Extended beyond RCA capability |
Goes Well With
The XI116 is designed for digital optical connections in high-performance car audio systems, particularly for shorter runs between components mounted in close proximity. It is the recommended signal connection for DSP installations using the Rockford Fosgate DSR1, Morel MDSP series, and equivalent processors that accept Toslink optical input, where the processor is installed under the seat or behind the dash within 1.8 metres of the head unit or vehicle interface. For longer runs from a dash-mounted source to a boot-mounted processor, the XI1117 17-foot version is the appropriate alternative. The XI116 is particularly well suited to PAC AmpPRO to DSP connections and Stinger Infotainment system installations where components are co-located in the dash or centre console area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the XI116 and the XI1117?
The XI116 and XI1117 are identical in specification, construction, and performance, using the same medical-grade fibre optic core, triple-polished connectors, Quad-Lock connector design, C3 Tech construction, and automotive-grade outer jacket. The only difference is cable length: the XI116 is 6 feet (1.8 metres) for short-run installations where components are in close proximity, while the XI1117 is 17 feet (5 metres) for full-length vehicle runs from a head unit to a boot-mounted processor or amplifier.
Why use a Toslink optical cable instead of an RCA cable for DSP connections?
An RCA cable transmits audio as an analogue electrical signal, which is susceptible to electromagnetic interference from alternators, ignition systems, and other electrical noise sources in the vehicle. A Toslink optical cable transmits audio as a light signal with no electrical connection between source and destination, making it completely immune to all forms of electrical noise. In DSP installations where the processor is converting analogue signal to digital for processing, using an optical input that is already in the digital domain eliminates an analogue conversion stage and the noise that analogue signal paths introduce, resulting in a cleaner, more precise digital signal at the processor input.
What does triple polishing of the connector ends achieve?
Each optical connector end has a light-emitting or light-receiving surface that must be as smooth and flat as possible to maximise the amount of light transferred across the connection gap. Microscopic surface imperfections scatter light away from the receiving core, reducing signal strength and increasing the possibility of data errors. Triple polishing removes successive layers of surface imperfection, creating a mirror-smooth optical surface that maximises light transfer efficiency and minimises data errors and the digital jitter they cause.
Does the XI116 support Hi-Res Audio formats?
Yes. The XI116's optical signal path supports a frequency response and bandwidth that extends well beyond the 20kHz ceiling of standard CD-quality audio, making it Hi-Res Audio ready for source units and processors that output high-resolution digital audio formats. It also supports multi-channel formats including 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital over a single cable connection.
What is the minimum bend radius I should observe when routing the XI116?
Fibre optic cables have a minimum bend radius below which the light-conductive core can crack or develop internal fractures that permanently degrade optical performance. While Stinger's flexible PVC jacket allows easier routing than rigid optical cables, the fibre core must not be bent sharply or kinked during installation. As a general guide, maintain a bend radius of at least 25-30mm at any point in the routing path and avoid routing the cable around sharp corners or through clips that would compress the cable tightly.
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Description
Stinger XI116 X Series 6ft Toslink Optical Interconnect
The purest signal path available in a car audio installation, the XI116 delivers an extended-frequency, noise-immune digital optical connection in a 6-foot audiophile-grade Toslink cable built for DSP and high-performance head unit integration.
Product Overview
The XI116 is Stinger's X Series 6-foot Toslink optical interconnect, engineered to provide the cleanest possible digital audio signal path between source units, DSP processors, PAC AmpPRO vehicle interfaces, and Stinger Infotainment systems. Unlike RCA cables, an optical Toslink connection transmits audio as light rather than electrical signal, making it completely immune to electromagnetic interference, alternator whine, ground loops, and all other forms of electrical noise that affect analogue signal chains. The XI116 uses a medical-grade, light-conductive fibre optic core that is triple-polished at both ends to maximise light transfer efficiency and minimise the possibility of data errors that cause digital jitter and sonic degradation. The C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction) method ensures no breaks in the optical signal chain, and the Quad-Lock precision connector resists vibration to maintain a secure connection in the automotive environment. A flexible non-reflective PVC dielectric insulation jacket allows easy routing through tight spaces in the dash and cabin, while the durable automotive-grade outer jacket provides long-term protection in daily use. Hi-Res Audio ready with support for multi-channel audio formats including 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital. The 6-foot length is suited to shorter runs between components mounted in close proximity, such as a head unit and a DSP installed behind the dash or under the seat.
Features & Benefits
Medical-Grade Fibre Optic Core: The light-conductive fibre optic core is manufactured to medical-grade standards, providing the highest level of optical clarity and signal transmission precision available. This level of core quality directly reduces digital jitter and data errors in the transmitted audio signal, resulting in more detailed and accurate sound reproduction at the receiving device.
Triple-Polished Connector Ends: Both ends of the optical cable are triple-polished to create the smoothest possible light-emitting and light-receiving surfaces. Each additional polishing step reduces microscopic surface imperfections that scatter light at the connection point, maximising the total amount of light transferred and minimising data errors caused by optical loss.
Total Immunity from Noise Interference: Because the XI116 transmits audio as a light signal rather than an electrical current, it is completely immune to electromagnetic interference from alternators, ignition systems, mobile devices, and all other electrical noise sources present in the automotive environment. No shielding is required and no ground loops can form, as there is no electrical connection between source and destination.
Extended Frequency Response Beyond RCA Capability: The optical digital signal path supports a frequency response that extends far above the 20kHz ceiling of the analogue audio spectrum and well beyond the practical capability of any RCA cable, making the XI116 Hi-Res Audio ready for sources and processors that output high-resolution digital audio formats.
Multi-Channel Audio Support: The XI116 supports multi-channel digital audio formats including 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital, making it suitable for high-bandwidth DSP and digital processor connections that require full multi-channel throughput over a single cable.
C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction): Stinger's proprietary C3 construction method ensures no breaks or discontinuities in the optical signal chain throughout the full 6-foot cable length, providing unmatched signal transfer consistency from source to destination.
Quad-Lock Precision Connector: The Stinger Toslink Quad-Lock precision connector resists vibration and mechanical stress in the automotive environment, maintaining a secure, aligned connection at the optical interface that is critical for consistent digital signal integrity.
Flexible Non-Reflective PVC Dielectric Jacket: The flexible PVC dielectric insulation surrounding the fibre core is non-reflective, preventing internal light scattering that would otherwise degrade the optical signal. The flexibility of the jacket allows the cable to be routed through tight dash and cabin spaces without exceeding the minimum bend radius of the fibre core.
Durable Automotive-Grade Outer Jacket: The outer jacket is constructed to automotive-grade standards for long-term performance in the temperature cycling, vibration, and moisture conditions typical of daily vehicle use.
Compact 6-Foot Length for Short-Run Installations: At 6 feet (1.8 metres), the XI116 is the right choice for installations where the source unit and DSP or processor are in close proximity, such as a head unit connecting to a DSP mounted under the seat or behind the dash, providing a tidy, excess-free cable run without the bulk of a longer cable.
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | XI116 |
| Series | X Series |
| Cable Type | Toslink Optical |
| Length | 6ft (1.8 metres) |
| Core Material | Medical-grade light-conductive fibre optic |
| Connector Finish | Triple-polished |
| Connector Type | Quad-Lock Stinger Toslink |
| Construction Method | C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction) |
| Outer Jacket | Durable automotive-grade |
| Inner Insulation | Flexible non-reflective PVC dielectric |
| Multi-Channel Support | Yes (5.1 and 7.1 DTS, Dolby Digital) |
| Hi-Res Audio Ready | Yes |
| Noise Immunity | Total (optical transmission, no electrical connection) |
| Frequency Response | Extended beyond RCA capability |
Goes Well With
The XI116 is designed for digital optical connections in high-performance car audio systems, particularly for shorter runs between components mounted in close proximity. It is the recommended signal connection for DSP installations using the Rockford Fosgate DSR1, Morel MDSP series, and equivalent processors that accept Toslink optical input, where the processor is installed under the seat or behind the dash within 1.8 metres of the head unit or vehicle interface. For longer runs from a dash-mounted source to a boot-mounted processor, the XI1117 17-foot version is the appropriate alternative. The XI116 is particularly well suited to PAC AmpPRO to DSP connections and Stinger Infotainment system installations where components are co-located in the dash or centre console area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the XI116 and the XI1117?
The XI116 and XI1117 are identical in specification, construction, and performance, using the same medical-grade fibre optic core, triple-polished connectors, Quad-Lock connector design, C3 Tech construction, and automotive-grade outer jacket. The only difference is cable length: the XI116 is 6 feet (1.8 metres) for short-run installations where components are in close proximity, while the XI1117 is 17 feet (5 metres) for full-length vehicle runs from a head unit to a boot-mounted processor or amplifier.
Why use a Toslink optical cable instead of an RCA cable for DSP connections?
An RCA cable transmits audio as an analogue electrical signal, which is susceptible to electromagnetic interference from alternators, ignition systems, and other electrical noise sources in the vehicle. A Toslink optical cable transmits audio as a light signal with no electrical connection between source and destination, making it completely immune to all forms of electrical noise. In DSP installations where the processor is converting analogue signal to digital for processing, using an optical input that is already in the digital domain eliminates an analogue conversion stage and the noise that analogue signal paths introduce, resulting in a cleaner, more precise digital signal at the processor input.
What does triple polishing of the connector ends achieve?
Each optical connector end has a light-emitting or light-receiving surface that must be as smooth and flat as possible to maximise the amount of light transferred across the connection gap. Microscopic surface imperfections scatter light away from the receiving core, reducing signal strength and increasing the possibility of data errors. Triple polishing removes successive layers of surface imperfection, creating a mirror-smooth optical surface that maximises light transfer efficiency and minimises data errors and the digital jitter they cause.
Does the XI116 support Hi-Res Audio formats?
Yes. The XI116's optical signal path supports a frequency response and bandwidth that extends well beyond the 20kHz ceiling of standard CD-quality audio, making it Hi-Res Audio ready for source units and processors that output high-resolution digital audio formats. It also supports multi-channel formats including 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital over a single cable connection.
What is the minimum bend radius I should observe when routing the XI116?
Fibre optic cables have a minimum bend radius below which the light-conductive core can crack or develop internal fractures that permanently degrade optical performance. While Stinger's flexible PVC jacket allows easier routing than rigid optical cables, the fibre core must not be bent sharply or kinked during installation. As a general guide, maintain a bend radius of at least 25-30mm at any point in the routing path and avoid routing the cable around sharp corners or through clips that would compress the cable tightly.
