Monoprice
Monoprice 118629 Onyx Series 3.5mm TRS Auxiliary Audio Cable
★★★★★
A 3-foot 3.5mm TRS cable with 5,000-bend verified durability and a slim connector profile that fits smartphones in cases.
$8.59*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Slim Design: Our beveled step-down design creates a secure connection, while the connector heads are thin enough to plug into a smartphone with a protective case installed.
Durable: We bend tested this cable over 5,000 times with no damage to the cable or change in performance. The premium aluminum connectors provide an extra measure of durability.
Gold Plated: Gold plated plugs ensure smooth, corrosion-free connections every time.
Stereo Audio: TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) plugs provide three conductors for the ground/return and for transmitting left and right channel audio data.
Specifications
Model
118629
Connector Type
3.5mm TRS (both ends)
Configuration
Stereo audio (no microphone)
Cable Length
3 feet
Connector Material
Aluminum
Connector Plating
Gold-plated
Bend Test Rating
5,000 bends (no damage or performance change)
Design Feature
Beveled step-down slim connector profile
Color
Black
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Slim beveled connector head clears protective smartphone cases that block standard 3.5mm plugs
- Verified 5,000-bend durability test at the cable-connector junction — the most common failure point in aux cables
- Aluminum connector housings are more impact-resistant than plastic overmolds under daily handling
- Gold-plated contacts resist oxidation for sustained electrical performance over the cable's lifespan
- Three-foot length is practical for desktop and near-source connections without excessive cable slack
👎 Cons
- TRS configuration carries stereo audio only — not suitable for headsets or any application requiring a microphone channel (requires TRRS)
- At 3 feet, cable reach is limited to close-proximity connections; not suitable for cross-room or rack-to-component runs
- Aluminum connectors are harder than plastic but still subject to cosmetic scratching with daily use in a bag or pocket
- No angled connector option — straight plugs on both ends may create awkward cable routing on floor-standing speakers or wall-mounted components
- Single fixed length — no longer variants are available in this specific Onyx Series product
Frequently Asked Questions
What does TRS mean, and does this cable support microphones or just audio playback?
TRS stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve — three conductors carrying left audio, right audio, and a shared ground/return. This is a stereo audio cable for playback only. It does not carry a microphone signal. Microphone-capable cables require a TRRS (four-conductor) configuration. Use this cable to connect a headphone output to a speaker or amplifier input, not for recording.
Will this cable physically fit through a smartphone protective case?
Yes. The beveled step-down connector head is specifically designed to have a narrower profile than standard 3.5mm plugs, which typically have bulky overmolds that block recessed headphone jacks on phones in thick cases. If your case has a standard 3.5mm opening, this connector is designed to reach the port.
What is the significance of the 5,000-bend test?
The 5,000-bend test measures cable and connector integrity under repeated flexing at the strain point — the junction between the cable and the connector housing, which is where cables most commonly fail. Passing 5,000 bends with no performance change means the cable is built to survive daily plug-and-unplug use and movement over years, not just occasional use.
Are the connectors on both ends identical 3.5mm TRS plugs?
Yes. This is a standard 3.5mm TRS-to-3.5mm TRS cable — the same connector type on both ends. It is designed for connecting two devices that both have standard auxiliary ports, such as a phone to a powered speaker or a laptop to a stereo receiver.
Does the gold plating on the connectors improve audio quality?
Gold plating prevents oxidation at the contact surface over time, which maintains consistent electrical contact and prevents the signal degradation that corroded connectors can introduce. In a correctly functioning new cable, the plating has no audible effect — its value is long-term corrosion resistance, not immediate sound quality improvement.
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