Stinger XI116 X Series 6ft Toslink Optical Interconnect

Short-Run Precision 6ft Toslink Optical Interconnect for Under-Seat and Behind-Dash DSP Installs

Product Overview

The Stinger XI116 is a 6-foot (1.8-metre) Toslink optical interconnect from the X Series range, engineered to provide the cleanest possible digital audio connection between source units, DSP processors, PAC AmpPRO vehicle interfaces, and Stinger Infotainment systems in installations where components are in close proximity.

Identical in construction and performance to the XI1117 17-foot version, the XI116 uses the same medical-grade light-conductive fibre optic core, triple-polished Quad-Lock connectors, C3 Tech (Continuous Connection Construction) method, flexible non-reflective PVC dielectric jacket, and automotive-grade outer jacket. Audio is transmitted as light rather than electrical signal, providing complete immunity to electromagnetic interference, alternator whine, ground loops, and all other electrical noise sources in the vehicle.

At 6 feet, the XI116 is suited to installations where the source unit or head unit and the DSP processor are mounted in close proximity such as a DSP installed under the seat or behind the dash within 1.8 metres of the source. For full-length runs from a dash-mounted source to a boot-mounted processor, the XI1117 17-foot version is the appropriate choice. Hi-Res Audio ready, with support for 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number / 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

Features & Benefits

• Medical-Grade Fibre Optic Core — Manufactured to medical-grade standards for maximum optical clarity and signal transmission precision, directly reducing digital jitter and data errors for more detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
• Triple-Polished Connector Ends — Both ends triple-polished to create the smoothest possible light-emitting and receiving surfaces, maximising light transfer efficiency and minimising data errors at the connection point.
• Total Noise Immunity — Audio transmitted as light with no electrical connection between source and destination — completely immune to electromagnetic interference, alternator whine, ignition noise, and ground loops.
• Extended Frequency Response Beyond RCA — Supports a frequency response far beyond the 20kHz ceiling of the analogue audio spectrum, making the XI116 Hi-Res Audio ready for sources and processors that output high-resolution digital audio.
• Multi-Channel Audio Support — Supports 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital multi-channel audio formats over a single cable connection.
• C3 Tech — Continuous Connection Construction — Stinger's proprietary construction method ensures no breaks or discontinuities in the optical signal chain throughout the full 6-foot cable length.
• Quad-Lock Precision Connector — Resists vibration and mechanical stress in the automotive environment, maintaining a secure, correctly aligned connection at the optical interface.
• Compact 6-Foot Length for Short-Run Installs — At 1.8 metres, the XI116 provides a tidy, excess-free cable run for installations where source unit and DSP are co-located in the dash, centre console, or under-seat area.

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• DSP processors with Toslink optical input (e.g. Rockford Fosgate DSR1, Morel MDSP series and equivalents) — particularly for under-seat or behind-dash installations within 1.8 metres of the source
• PAC AmpPRO vehicle interfaces with Toslink output
• Stinger HEIGH10 infotainment systems with TOSLINK output
• Any source unit or head unit with Toslink optical output in close-proximity component layouts
• Stinger XI1117 (17ft / 5 metre version) — for full-length dash-to-boot DSP runs

Caution: Observe a minimum bend radius of at least 25–30mm at any point in the routing path. Do not bend sharply, kink, or route the cable through clips that compress it tightly — damage to the fibre core is permanent and will degrade optical performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the XI116 and the XI1117?

The XI116 and XI1117 are identical in specification, construction, and performance — the only difference is length. The XI116 is 6 feet (1.8 metres) for short-run installations where components are in close proximity, such as a head unit connecting to a DSP under the seat or behind the dash. The XI1117 is 17 feet (5 metres) for full-length vehicle runs from a dash-mounted source to a boot-mounted processor.

Why use a Toslink optical cable instead of an RCA cable for DSP connections?

An RCA cable transmits audio as an analogue electrical signal susceptible to electromagnetic interference from alternators, ignition systems, and other noise sources in the vehicle. A Toslink optical cable transmits audio as light with no electrical connection between source and destination — completely immune to all electrical noise. In DSP installations, using an optical input already in the digital domain also eliminates an analogue conversion stage and the noise it introduces, resulting in a cleaner, more precise signal at the processor.

What does triple polishing of the connector ends achieve?

Each optical connector end must be as smooth as possible to maximise light transfer across the connection gap. Microscopic surface imperfections scatter light away from the receiving core, reducing signal strength and increasing data errors. Triple polishing removes successive layers of surface imperfection, creating a mirror-smooth optical surface that maximises light transfer and minimises the digital jitter caused by data errors.

Does the XI116 support Hi-Res Audio and multi-channel formats?

Yes — the XI116's optical signal path supports a frequency response and bandwidth extending well beyond the 20kHz ceiling of standard CD-quality audio. It is Hi-Res Audio ready and supports 5.1 and 7.1 DTS and Dolby Digital multi-channel formats over a single cable connection.

What minimum bend radius should I observe when routing the XI116?

Maintain a bend radius of at least 25–30mm at any point in the routing path. Avoid routing the cable around sharp corners or through clips that would compress or kink it — the fibre core can crack or fracture if bent below its minimum radius, permanently degrading optical performance. The flexible PVC jacket eases routing but does not protect against sharp bends.