I've got a soundblaster Xfi card in my p.c. and it has an optical output and an optical input. The problem is, standard optical cables are too big at the ends and I can't plug both an input and an output into the soundcard, just an input or an output (when one cable is in, it takes up too much space and there's no room for the other).

This is bad sound card design, but there's nothing I can do about it. Does anyone know of any brand of optical cables that don't flare out on the ends that might work in this card? Thanks

Check your specs. I think the output jack is SPDIF - TOSlink. Perform a search for TOSlink cables. Below is one such link.

http://www.onsale.com/shop/detail.a...

Directon is a good source for cables. I bought some SATA cables before the holidays and they had the best prices by far!
You need to know what you're looking for though because I have no idea.

http://www.directron.com/svideocabl...

Yes, it is TOSLink but the problem I have with my existing cables is that the rubber housing at the very end is wide and takes up too much room.

For example, the jacks should be spaced like this to fit:

o o

and when the cables are plugged in they would look like this

| o || o |

but the problem is that, on the soundcard, the jacks are immediately adjacent.

oo

Have you checked the specs on your card to see what the outputs are for? You may not even want to use them. I found one card that used optical for MIDI out and in.

The Creative Labs site has no cables listed.

If this is a true soundblaster card as made by Creative, have you reported the problem to them?

In the past I have found them to be responsive as they are proud of their offerings and reputation.

Good Luck - Keep us posted.

I was finally able to find cables that were thin on the end. They're standard optical cables, just with the end housing a bit thinner. The card is working great now!