Folkcafe
Active member
Not sure if he means analog of optical.Low resistance, capacitance within the usual limits, ease of termination, suitable stiffness for the application, diameter if that is important, and perhaps numbering, and maybe colour.
For the OP. Do a Google search on Adat cables Glass VS Plastic. Optical cables sometimes fail but in an install where you plug in and leave it alone, extremely rare. It's light and it's digital, it either works or doesn't. I've used both without issue but there are proponents for glass and it is better for longer cables. Transfers light more efficiently.
For analog, as previously stated, I'm a fan of making my own. For rack installs I like Belden 9451 because it is easy to work with as the outer sheath is bonded so the foil strips with the sheath. Some like Mogami console cable and was the standard for years. Neutrik XLR and Switchcraft TRS connectors. I do AV installs for a living and have spent a lifetime seemingly making cables.