Best for optical
KEF Coda W
4.8 feature score
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Best Bookshelf Speakers for optical
optical Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Edifier M90
4.0 feature score
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Fluance Ri71 Reference Powered Bookshelf Speakers
8 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Best overall product
Cambridge L/R S
4.3 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
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Optical playback is a strong wired option, preserving detail and clarity and opening up the sound with high-resolution sources. It also makes adding a small external streamer straightforward.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Control button responsiveness
Cons: Status indicators, Cable management
The optical input is handy for televisions, media players, and older digital sources. It sounds good, though it does not support the same automatic wake behavior as HDMI.
Pros: HDMI ARC, Low-volume performance
Cons: AirPlay compatibility, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
The optical input earned positive practical feedback when used with older gear.
Pros: HDMI ARC, Stereo imaging accuracy
Cons: Surround sound simulation, Bluetooth codec support
Optical input receives positive evidence as a fallback that worked fine when HDMI had issues.
Pros: AirPlay compatibility, Chromecast compatibility
Cons: Spotify Connect reliability, Status indicators
The optical input produced pleasing results in the one direct listening test that evaluated it.
Pros: Soundstage height, Amplifier power requirements
Cons: On-device controls, Surround sound simulation
Optical is a practical TV connection and was singled out as the preferred route when HDMI is unavailable. It works well, but it does not offer the same convenience as...
Pros: Amplifier power requirements, Bluetooth connectivity
Cons: On-device controls, Auto-off and standby behavior
The missing optical input was one of the most repeated connectivity complaints, especially for older TVs, PCs, and comparison with related models.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Bluetooth connection stability
Cons: optical, Smart features