Customizing sound through digital interconnect

Amfi, so if a digital cable sounds "different" than other digital cables, even if the sound has a more "natural" presentation (warmer, more fleshed out midrange, silkier highs and greater PRaT), this cable isn't a very good cable in theory because of the time smearing? The next question is: how can one determine if a digital cable is a "good" cable? Most audiophiles are judging by ear whether a cable sounds good or not and not by using oscilloscopes.

Chris

Dazzdax, you and I and everybody else knows that cable, no matter what type of cable, can not improve the sound - it can only degrade it. As to how you judge a good cable ... well you listen :) I don't go by oscilloscopes either, I go by what I like. Generally if I can hear more detail (not to be confused with treble emphasis) and better dynamics, I know i'm on to the right product.

Amfibus
your perception of the type of distortion caused by cables is accurate in how it can effect the audio signal. I have found cables to be very sensitive to vibrations caused by the system itself ( feel your cables while the sytem is playing at a realistic level).I was surprised to feel a ton of vibrations going through mine and could only surmise it could effect the audio signal. VD uses some special damping materials the help control these vibes, I also think that solid core cables are less likely to smear the signal than multi-stranded cables ( creating less errors and distortion in the process).I agree that no cable is perfect, but cables that use proven technology help minimise these interactions on the audio signal.Hope this helps Dennis